Undefeated in their last four games and winners of their last three, the Orlando Pride are hitting their stride at just the right time. The team has scored 11 goals in their unbeaten run, outscoring their opponents by nine. The team has started to click offensively, with both Marta and Alex Morgan in-form. On the other end of the pitch, Ashlyn Harris is back in goal and is coming off a Save of the Week win after the team’s 3-1 win against Boston.
Head Coach Tom Sermanni is happy to see his team click. He believed in this team since the start of the season and now that everything is falling into place, he hopes that momentum can continue all the way into the playoffs.
“I think early in the season, there were times when we played really well, but I think the place we’re in at the moment is we’re doing things in a more complete way. So our performances are solid for most of the 90 minutes, and our game-management’s been good. Our structure’s been good. Our decision-making has been better. So, hopefully that will continue, and that’s what, I think, has turned the corner for us.”
The Pride face a tough road ahead as they close out the season. Three of their final five games are at home, but two of those games are against teams fighting for playoff position in Portland and Seattle. The team’s final game of the season is away against first place North Carolina.
With all that in the back of his mind, Sermanni still feels like the team can get results, especially with the confidence flowing through the squad.
“I think the cohesion in this squad, the tempo that we’re playing at, the comfort that we have with each other is really strong at the moment. And that breeds confidence with individuals and with the team. And, you know, if we can keep that going, then we know we’re a team that’s going to create chances and going to score goals. So if we can combine both of those, then hopefully we can keep this run.
