A look at what’s ahead for the Orlando Pride in the 2023 campaign
The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
Orlando Pride
2022 Season: 10th | 5-10-7 – 22 points
Big Additions:
- Adriana – Acquired via Corinthians in Brazil’s top flight, scored 12 goals in 34 games including nine times in 2022
- Emily Madril – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 3 overall pick
- Messiah Bright – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 21 overall pick
Key Games:
- March 26: Portland Thorns FC (A) – Regular Season Opener
- April 2: Angel City FC (H) – Regular Season Home Opener
- April 19: North Carolina Courage (H) – Challenge Cup Opener
What to Expect:
The Pride will now look to build under interim head coach Seb Hines, who saw the interim tag removed and will take charge with a point to prove heading into his first full season as the team’s head coach.
Jordyn Listro, Erika Tymrak, and Ally Watt all re-signed ahead of 2023 as Orlando’s offseason began with the signing of new contracts or extension deals for a number of players. However, Brazilian star Marta, whose ACL injury prevented her from playing in 2022, is without a doubt the player that fans have been eagerly anticipating her return. With the addition of forward Adriana, who transferred from Brazilian side Corinthians in the offseason and will look to assist in bolstering the attack, she will not be the only Pride player to represent her country at the club level as she approaches her seventh season with the Pride.
The Pride did lose six of the 14 players who played at least 15 games last season, but a young crop of draftees, like defender Emily Madril, who was picked third out of this year’s talent, and forwards Messiah Bright and Summer Yates, will have a chance to make an immediate impact. Adding to its childhood is midfielder Viviana Villacorta, who was the 10th choice in the 2021 draft and just adds to the side’s true capacity as its center will blend its veteran involvement with new faces.
Orlando will have a new coach in charge as it tries to move up the table and improve on where it was in 2022. However, the team still has a chance of returning to the postseason if everything goes according to plan.
