Orlando Pride's unbeaten streak survives Kansas City Current's relentless attack

With the match ending 0-0, Orlando Pride left the Inter&Co Stadium with a draw against Kansas City Current and maintained the unbeaten streak of the team. The excitement in the stands was at a fever pitch, awaiting a great show from either of the teams, but the game was only about a tense balance between the stingiest defense in the league and the most dangerous attack. What could have been a high-scoring game became a tactical game of chess as both teams studied each other, waiting for just that slight opening.

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If you were expecting a festival of goals, you most likely walked away disappointed. But as any coach or goalkeeper will tell you during such moments: "A good defense is also a victory."

Orlando Pride's Defense Shines Again

The star of the night was Orlando Pride's defense, mainly goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, who put in a great performance to notch her 11th clean sheet of the season, tying an NWSL record. Moorhouse came big against the potent attack of Kansas City Current and its leading scorer Debinha to prevent what could've been a bitter home loss.

The 411-minute run with Orlando conceding is not an accident. Well-organized, disciplined, with bodies-on-the-line type performances from the likes of Cori Dyke and Emily Sams have led to a watertight Pride defense. Head coach Seb Hines praised the defensive effort: "We'll take the positives. Another clean sheet, another great defensive display." And that's what Pride fans should hold onto-the defense is solid and performing well. The draw with Kansas City hides an even bigger problem: the balance between defence and attack.

Marta and the Missed Opportunities

When it comes to the attack, Brazilian star Marta is always a name standing out. She was one of the protagonists of the night, creating several chances for Pride. But not so that Kansas City's goalkeeper, Almuth Schult, was on her feet to prevent them from scoring. She had a series of brilliant saves throughout the night but especially against Marta, who had a clear chance in the first half and a double opportunity in the second. Marta looked visibly frustrated, while Schult seemed unbeatable.

Despite the pressure, Orlando Pride's offense wasn't able to capitalize on those chances of goals. And where is the question lying? How long will the defense keep up Pride's unbeaten streak if the offense is inconsistent? Sure, we are talking of a team that has remained undefeated in 21 games, but that scoreless draw really brings out a certain level of offensive vulnerability that needs to be sorted out quickly if Pride wants to be dominant across the board, not just on defense.

Kansas City Current: Dangerous Attack, but Finishing Falls Short

With Pride's defense shutting the lights out, Kansas City Current showed why their attack is considered the most dangerous in the league. With 43 goals this season, Kansas City has an attack that most teams envy. But their lack of precision in front of goal proved costly. Debinha led the Current attack and was one of the standouts, nearly scoring in the first half after a shot that forced a great save from Moorhouse.

Another player who almost changed the tide of the game was Temwa Chawinga. She had two clear opportunities, first in the 31st minute of the game and then in the 40th minute, but did not have the precision to materialize them. In the second half of the game, Nichelle Prince also enjoyed a big opportunity early on, but was flagged offside, while just when it looked like Kansas City would finally break the deadlock, Moorhouse once more frustrated their efforts.

The feeling was crystal clear at the end of the match: Kansas City Current have a potent attack, but when they can't capitalize on their chances, they will struggle against solid defenses like Orlando Pride's.

A Draw That Feels Like a Win for Both Teams?

If there's one truth in soccer, it's that sometimes a draw can feel like a win. For Orlando Pride, keeping their unbeaten home record and extending their clean sheet streak is a big achievement. But there are issues that need to be addressed. The attack must become more efficient, especially in games when the opponent packs the defense, like Kansas City did.

On the other hand, for the Current, it can be considered a moral victory as well, walking away with that hard-earned point from a tough road game. The team maintained their third-place standing, while Almuth Schult left the stadium with another clean sheet along with a performance worth praise. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski summed it up pretty well: "Both teams played this game more like a chess match."