Orlando Pride shocks NWSL with perfect start and unexpected milestone | OneFootball

Orlando Pride won once more. They not only preserved their perfect record, but they became the newest member of a very special club within the NWSL: they're now just the fourth team in league history to win their first four regular-season matches. The victory came on the road with a 1-0 win over Seattle Reign at Lumen Field.

The only goal of the game was registered in the first half and carried the hallmark of the team's top attacking inspiration. Barbra Banda was once again present at the crucial moment to finish it. It was her third of the season and her 16th of regular season play with the club, a figure that puts her tied with Sydney Leroux for third-most regular season goals in Orlando Pride history.

Moorhouse keeps the sheet clean with late shutout push

Pride earned their third clean sheet for the season. Backline contributors, such as Kylie Nadenar and Carson Pickett, held off Seattle's attempts, especially after the opponent's second-half change. Anna Moorhouse was called upon and delivered with five saves, her best to date.

Head coach Seb Hines praised the defensive team effort. "It's never perfect. Sometimes you miss the press and they were very direct in the first half, playing up to [Jordyn] Huitema and looking to play off her. Same thing in the second half. At times, we managed it well. I thought [Kylie Strom] and [Emily Sams] looked perfect back there, and then Anna [Moorhouse] made an unbelievable save that could've really changed the game."

Rhythm shifts and playing the match pace

Seattle Reign started with an adjustment period. As explained by Hines, Seattle Reign's use of five defenders surprised them and led to a tactical shift for Pride. "It took a little while. They adjusted and played five in the back, which surprised us. It's something we need to pay attention to — how teams are adjusting to us."

After the adjustment, Orlando managed the ball better and inverted the point of attack. With better control, they could hold onto the ball in key moments and preserve their lead. To win away for the NWSL is never easy. Hines pointed that out after the game: “With the parity in the league, it’s really tough to come away with three points on the road, so I’m super proud of the players and the way they showed their character today.”

Other than the attitude on the field, the coach also highlighted the way the team traversed different phases of the game. "I felt we did a tremendous job controlling the game and moving the ball at times. The goal was spectacular."