Unless you’re really interested in Women’s Soccer (or certain USA Women’s National Team Members) you probably haven’t heard of the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) team Orlando Pride. This is only their second season, after all. I’m here to assure you that if you are one of those people, you should be watching the Orlando Pride and here’s 11 reasons why.
1. They're just really talented.
Going straight in, this squad is just insanely talented. It would take about 5 paragraphs to list out all the accolades each and every player on the Orlando Pride has received so I'll just give a general overview of SOME of the high quality starters the Orlando Pride uses.
US Women's National Team Members Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and Alex Morgan, along with Kristen Edmonds who has gotten a USWNT call-up in the past.
Australian National Team Members Alanna Kennedy, and arguably the best left-back in the game Steph Catley.
Brazilian National Team Members and bombshells Monica, Camila, and Marta (considered one of the greatest female players in the world).
2. Very supportive of each other.
What you can't tell from this is that Laura Alleway (in the yellow) had just leaned into Ali Krieger's (in pink) armband microphone and whispered "I hate Ali Krieger". Very supportive of each other.
3. Class act goals.
I mean... need I say more? I think not.
4. And saves.
And seconds later...
Along with this gem of a save by Steph Catley that won NWSL Save of the Week:
5. They're great dancers.
I mean...
6. They stand up for what they believe in.
Half way through Orlando Pride's inaugural season, the Pulse nightclub shooting happened. During their next game (an away game against the Washington Spirit) they warmed up in purple "Orlando United" shirts with a rainbow heart, had a moment of silence before the game started, and even totally stopped play during the 49th minute to honor the 49 people killed in the shooting.
During the off-season a new stadium was built for Orlando Pride and their male counterparts, Orlando City SC, where a block of seats were colored to make a pride flag honoring the 49 who died at Pulse.
Goalkeeper and Pride Captain Ashlyn Harris was out with a quad injury when the Pride wore their rainbow jerseys, so Harris showed her support by wearing a jersey with the number 49 and "Pulse" across the back.
7. They have fun.
Who pranks their Head Coach? Orlando Pride, that's who.
And they're all smiles, all the time.
8. They're somewhat functional humans.
Somewhat. They're working on it.
9. They're able to point out their own flaws.
Orlando Pride isn't a team to sweep their flaws and mistakes under the rug, they lay it all out. From pointing out their trouble with giving up possession in dangerous areas to having a no nonsense attitude regarding performance (perform in training or you won't be playing in the game), Pride don't mess around.
10. Fans on point.
From colorful parade-like walks to the stadium, coining GK Ashlyn Harris as a brick wall, and their unwavering support, Orlando Pride fans show up for the team again and again.
11. Women's Soccer doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Though it is gaining momentum, women's soccer doesn't get the recognition or validation it should, with the minimum NWSL salary being just over $15,000 and one TV slot a week (3:30 PST Saturday on Lifetime).
A good of changing that is supporting women's soccer, namely Orlando Pride. But maybe I'm biased. Maybe.
*All images/gifs/videos belong to Orlando Pride unless otherwise specified*
