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Orlando Pride after more than wins this season

• Emphasis on performance goals, not just scores
• League aware of Orlando Pride excellence
• Award nominations reach globally

By Chuck Wharton

Jun 15, 2024; Cary, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Bianca St-Georges (23) controls the ball with Orlando Pride defender Kylie Strom (3) defending during the second half at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Jun 15, 2024; Cary, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Bianca St-Georges (23) controls the ball with Orlando Pride defender Kylie Strom (3) defending during the second half at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
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The Orlando Pride aren’t so much scoreboard-watching for the rest of the season. They are goal-watching.

From now until the end of the NWSL post-season, Orlando Pride players and coaches are goal-watching. These aren’t the goals supporters expect – meaning scores that win games. These are the goals that set records and win it all.

The foundation goal is to get better all the time.

After their 2-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham FC, another goal was realized. At the end of that match, Head Coach Seb Hines became the winningest coach in club history – his 26th victory.

The 2-0 victory means goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse got her ninth shutout of the season, extending the club record and leading the NWSL.

The goals were by Adriana, with an assist on each by Kylie Strom and Summer Yates. Adriana scored her 11th goal for the club, her fifth for the season, and reached a tie for sixth place on the club for regular season goals.

Both her braces came in the last four regular season matches.

Hines said the victory furthered the mentality and consistent attitude the team needs. He emphasized that the defense preventing a Gotham score was important, too.

He described their willingness to throw their bodies on the line to keep opponents’ balls out of the net.

Carson Pickett made her return to the club official with a second-half substitution. She was away for five years but provided the fresh legs she promised in her first available match.

They extended the unbeaten league record to 19 matches

Barbra Banda, Sara Doorsoun
Zambia v Germany: Women's Football - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 5 / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

The league knows the Orlando Pride's commitment to excellence and progress. The league’s chosen Best X1 for August include Pride defenders Kerry Abello and Kylie Strom.

The Pride nominated right winger-back Celia for the league’s 2024 Lauren Holliday Impact Award. The honor recognizes a player for outstanding service and character off the pitch. She’ll probably win it.

And striker Barbara Banda is in the running for an award from France. The Women’s Ballon d’Or, presented by France Football, is one of the highest soccer honors in the global game. The award recognizes the player who has the best performance over the previous season.

Banda has pushed for increased performance and success as much as anyone on the Orlando Pride squad. She should win this award.

All the Orlando Pride players will win the league for the season.