The Orlando Pride are back under the Friday night lights as they prepare to host high-flying Angel City FC in a critical early-season matchup that could serve as a statement victory.
The Pride (1-1-2, 5 points) take on Angel City (3-0-0, 9 points) at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday at 8 p.m.
“Angel City [is] a team that’s got a lot of good momentum right now, obviously sitting top of the table, three wins after three games. So they’ll come with the expectations that they can go 4-for-4, and we have to stop that,” Orlando coach Seb Hines said. “Of course, we want to get off to a good start as well. Being back at home in front of our own fans, we’ve had a good road trip as well, four points in two games. To finish this part of the season with a win at home is where our minds are at right now.”
Angel City has been unstoppable so far this season, scoring nine goals in only three games. Sveindís Jónsdóttir has three goals and two assists in those matches, making her an early front-runner for league MVP. Orlando’s backline has steadied itself with back-to-back clean sheets, but Friday presents a much tougher test.
“They have a pretty good attack. They obviously have scored a lot of goals and not let a lot of goals in,” Orlando defender Hailie Mace said. “So I think just sticking to our principles and doing what we do best… we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Hines knows his team can go pound-for-pound with Angel City in the attack. Barbra Banda has three goals this season, while Jacquie Ovalle has a goal and two assists. Those two will set the tone for Orlando and remain crucial to earning three points at home.
“They’ve got a forward who’s on form as of now, and so do we. I think they’ll be as mindful of us as we are of them,” Hines added. “[If] we can negate any sort of clear-cut opportunities, execute our opportunities, and stay locked in and solid, I think it poses a good game for us.”