The quest for a first NWSL playoff berth since 2017 ended in disappointment in front of a season-high crowd of 8,504 for the Orlando Pride on Sunday despite a 1-0 home victory over the Houston Dash. Results elsewhere meant Orlando (10-11-1, 31 points) finished seventh in the league based on a goal-differential tiebreaker among the Pride, Angel City FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Midfielder Erika Tymrak made a surprise start despite not playing since August but her leadership was instrumental for the Pride in this one. The disappointment on her face after the match was clear to see but she also knows the Pride can learn lessons from the season as a whole headed into 2024.
“The game can be cruel, and I think it showed tonight. We got to win and it wasn’t enough,” Tymrak said. “Those moments suck because you go back in your head and you think about every game and every moment; anything you can do different. But I think it’s a lesson that regardless what game you play, you leave it all out there. I’m proud of this team so much. I’m so proud.”
Orlando came close to conceding right before halftime when Houston midfielder Andressa Alves’ shot bounced off the post. Pride defender Kylie Strom was able to clear it right off the goal line to keep it scoreless after 45 minutes.
Strom later had a chance to give Orlando the lead in the 59th minute. Her shot hit the hands of goalkeeper Jane Campbell before hitting the crossbar and taking an unlucky bounce away from goal. Marta followed it up shortly after with a shot of her own but Campbell was able to make yet another stop.
Fortune changed for the Pride in the 85th minute after Marta was taken down inside the penalty area. Orlando’s captain never had any doubt and was able to place her shot past Campbell to put the Pride up 1-0.
“We knew Marta was going to hit that in, and unfortunately it wasn’t enough but I think I can speak for all the girls when I say that this group is truly special,” Tymrak added. “And I think that we showed everybody that we can play in this league.”
Despite the disappointing end, the Pride now enter the offseason with plenty to be optimistic about. Their young core showed plenty of growth over the season and should only get better with rookies such as Messiah Bright and Emily Madril heading into their sophomore season.
