Pride ready to embark on new winning streak

Winning has become a habit for the Orlando Pride, so the fact that they have drawn their last two matches is considered a bit disappointing. They have a chance to return to winning ways this weekend against a team struggling at the bottom of the NWSL standings.

The Pride (8-0-5, 29 points) faces the Utah Royals (2-10-1, 7 points) Friday at Inter&Co Stadium.

The last time these teams met was a 1-0 Orlando victory on April 12, restarting a record eight-game winning streak. Utah enters after a 1-0 win over Bay FC.

“We are delighted to be back at home in front of our fans. It’s been a long time,” said coach Seb Hines. “After Utah’s last result, we can’t take them for granted.”

The Pride are more focused on themselves, especially their attitude before games. Knowing that each team is fighting very hard to be the first to beat them makes things more difficult.

“Everyone wants to beat us right now. So I think just focusing on what we do best and scoring goals is something we really need to build on since we haven’t gotten results in the last couple of weeks,” said the midfielder Summer Yates. “By doing what we’ve been focusing on all week, I think we’ll get a good result.”

Orlando will count on Barbra Banda to continue scoring goals. His eight goals and three assists in nine games lead the team and his form has been the catalyst for the winning streak. She was held scoreless in the last two games.

Orlando will miss Celia (hip) and Morgan Gautrat (concussion). There are season-ending injuries to Simone Charley (leg), Luana (illness), Megan Montefusco (heel), Rafaelle (leg) and Viviana Villacorta (knee).

If you are going to …

Pride among the Royals

When: Friday at the Inter&Co Stadium, 8

TV: Main video