ORLANDO, Fla. (May 17, 2022) - Orlando Pride (1-1-1, 4 points) looks to extend its unbeaten run as the team travels to take on the North Carolina Courage (0-1-0, 0 points) at WakeMed Soccer Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET with the match available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. and internationally on Twitch.
“It’s another three-game week for us so, physically and mentally, we need to make sure we’re up for a battle on the road against the Challenge Cup champions,” Head Coach Amanda Cromwell said. “The Courage haven’t played in a while, especially with last weekend’s match being postponed, so we have to prepare to play against fresh legs. We’ve played them twice already and know they have a very strong team with a number of dangerous attacking pieces. We’ll look to contain them but also get out to a quick start by being dangerous in possession and set pieces.”
Wednesday will see the Pride take on a familiar opponent in the Courage after the two sides squared off earlier this season in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Pride were on the losing end of both games against the Courage, dropping the first match 1-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park and then a 4-2 defeat in the match at Exploria Stadium. The Courage would go on to be the top team from the East Division, ultimately winning this season’s Challenge Cup.
The Pride are coming off a hard fought draw on Saturday night against the Kansas City Current. Orlando were backed by a 51-minute goal from captain Gunny Jónsdóttir and a second-half stoppage-time penalty kick from defender Toni Pressley, which equalized the match after the visitors rallied to take a 2-1 lead late in the game.
The game against the Current saw a strong performance in goal from Goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who finished the game with six saves including a breakaway stop in the 86-minute to keep the Pride in the game.
In the Pride’s last trip to WakeMed Soccer Park during the 2021 regular season they came out with a point after a 1-1 draw. Forward Sydney Leroux found the back of the net at the 50-minute mark for the Pride’s lone goal.
The Courage have only played one match so far this regular season with their most recent game against the NJ/NY Gotham FC getting postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The Courage lost their season opener at Banc of California against Angel City FC 2-1.
Following Wednesday’s match, Orlando will return home to Exploria Stadium to take on the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, May 22. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Tickets to that match are available at Orlando-Pride.com.
