Silver lining in Orlando Pride cloud after Portland Thorns loss | OneFootball

Orlando Pride players and coaches have dusted themselves off after dropping a decision to the Portland Thorns, only their second loss of the season.

Their loss 1-0 to the Portland Thorns has prompted the Orlando Pride to intensify its focus. They’ve also accelerated their desire to win.

What the Thorns brought to the pitch pushed the Pride off-balance early in the match. They stayed there through the end of regulation.

Just six minutes into the match, goalkeeper McKinley Crone came in as a substitute for starting netminder Anna Moorhouse.

Following a save on a shot by Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie, there was a goalmouth scramble. Moorhouse collided with striker Mimi Alidou and had to leave with an injury. It’s an unfortunate condition, yet the Pride learned something valuable.

After the 16th-minute goal by Thorns defender Reyna Reyes, with an assist by forward Reilyn Turner, Crone stood solid in goal. It was Reyes' first career game-winner. Yet there was no second goal by the Thorns because of Crone’s performance in her NWSL regular season debut.

The match stayed close. The Pride learned just how effective Crone is.

May 3, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Orlando Pride defender Zara Chavoshi (34) steals the ball during the first half against Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

There was more good news about the Pride roster. Defender Zara Chavoshi got the call for her first NWSL start. It was her second appearance for the Pride at home since October 2024, and she hasn’t conceded a second-half goal this season.

Chavoshi’s first appearance this season was in the 88th minute of the NJ/NY Gotham match. She helped shut down last-gasp scoring chances for the home team. The result was a 2-0 result for the Pride and a consecutive clean sheet.

The Orlando Pride players and coaches can rest assured they have personnel to start or come off the bench with nerves of steel. Now they have to get everyone on the same page to create chances and achieve goals regardless of the environment.