With their UKG Challenge Cup campaign ended early, the Orlando Pride look to end the NWSL season strong as they return to league play in front of the home crowd.
The Pride (6-8-1, 19 points) face off against the Chicago Red Stars (5-9-1, 16 points) at Exploria Stadium at 7 p.m. Sunday. The game will be carried by Paramount+.
Orlando has struggled against Chicago with an all-time record of 4-12-1, but with the Red Stars at the bottom of the league table this could be the perfect chance to capitalize. Orlando lost in Chicago 1-0 in May, however, and is winless against the Red Stars in their last five matchups.
“We’re at home in front of our fans and we need to put a performance together and we want nothing less than three points. We are going in the right direction to hit that playoff spot,” Orlando coach Seb Hines said. “If we stick to our principles, work ethic and execution in our finishing, then I’m sure we’ll be in a good position moving forward.”
The good news for Orlando is that the Pride will be much closer to full strength after the return of their international players from the World Cup. Forwards Marta and Adriana have been vital for the Pride, and their presence was clearly missed over the last few games. New signings Rafaelle and Mariana Larroquette also have joined up with the Pride and could be in line to make their first club appearances.
Goals have been hard to come by for the Pride, with rookie forward Messiah Bright leading the team with 4 goals in 15 NWSL league games. Orlando has scored just 15 goals all season, but Chicago has been a disaster at the back with a league-worst 33 goals allowed.
