Orlando Pride came into this game with Watt up top, Julie Doyle and Haley McCutcheon on the wings and Summer Yates with her second start of the season. As well, coach Seb hines maintained the same backline as last game with Abello, Strom, Sams and Bri Martinez. For starters, we did not Banda on the starting lineup but the Zambian superstar was on the bench. As well, we were surprised with the McCutcheon-Martinez connection on the left flank. We assume that Seb wants to slow down the Wave’s dynamic attacking third by having two defensively minded players on one flank.
In the first half, The Pride dominated in chances created and San Diego left some gaps on defense that Orlando was not able to capitalize on. Great game by Summer Yates and Angelina. As well Orlando’s backline was spot on neutralizing any of the wave’s transition plays. Emily Sams and Brianna Martinez, were spot on cutting the play and taking advantage of their physicality. San Diego on the other hand, they were just trying to keep possession and attempting to go on the counter without any clear ideas. Orlando Pride was also very sharp on pressing San Diego when they attempted to go on the counter, making it difficult for the Wave to create chances and also making it easy to recover the ball. On the 12th minute, after an absolute amazing assist by Angelina, Ally Watt was 1 on 1 against Sheridan and her shot went nowhere. It was the closest chance to score in this half for the Pride. Ally Watt certainly could’ve done more on that play. After the Ally Watt chance, Orlando controlled most of the instances in attack. On the 26th minute, Orlando Pride broke the deadlock. Kerry Abello on the left flank with a phenomenal run, she shot the ball perfectly and Summer Yates scored off a rebound. Two of the Pride youngest players completely carved up the Wave’s defense. As the end of the first half came near, the Pride dominated the Wave with authority. They could’ve easily been winning by two or three goals by now. San Diego was literally cornered all throughout the first half and their attacking third was non existent. Orlando needed to keep this momentum going to the second half and furthermore, close the game.
In the second half, the Orlando Pride came on the attacking onslaught, and was able to maintain possession and create chances in attack. Coach Seb Hines made some substitutions and Barbra Banda debuted in the 61st minute. With the subs, the Pride automatically got fresher legs and continued their domination on the wave. Tactically this was savvy by Seb, he placed Summer Yates (one of the best players throughout 90 minutes) as a RW, while Haley McCutcheon became Angelina’s anchor in the middle. From the get go, Barbra Banda had three solid chances that Sheridan neutralized with three amazing key saves. This second half again it was all Orlando Pride, it was so impressive to watch. Orlando Pride played a phenomenal game, they could’ve easily scored two or three more goals in the second half. Sheridan was San Diego’s best player throughout the night.
Orlando Pride will travel to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Spirit on April 26th. Until then, Vamos Pride!
