SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast

The Orlando Pride didn't get the sweep of the Kansas City Current, but they at least kept the visitors from celebrating a win in Orlando. The rematch between two of the top teams in the NWSL was a tightly contested one, but it didn't quite live up to the hype. Still, the Pride managed to continue their unbeaten run and added another point and clean sheet to the growing pile.

We tried to hit the game's high points, but we also had a few critiques, although the result is ultimately a good (if unsatisfying) one. We checked our score predictions from last week and made our selections for Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox this week asked us about Marta, Cori Dyke, Pride attendance, and much more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we discussed the U-20 USWNT's improbable late rally against Germany to force extra time and penalties. The Pride's Ally Lemos got things going with a great assist and the Yanks advanced to today's semifinal.

Finally, we look ahead to Orlando's road contest against a stubborn Bay FC side that has been playing much better of late. The Pride will look to get the offense going against a team that has been stingy in recent weeks. We'll have to wait to see who prevails. We provided our key matchups and score predictions.

Here’s how Episode 61 went down:

0:15 – The Pride didn't score as the offense continues to sputter, but at least they didn't concede in the rematch with the Current.

19:13 – Our mailbagbox seemingly grows every week.

43:45 – Ally Lemos started an amazing U-20 USWNT comeback and our preview for the Pride at Bay FC.

The Orlando Pride dominated statistically but got just enough offense to win on a Marta wonderstrike from outside the box in a 1-0 road win on Sunday against the Chicago Red Stars. Although the Pride kept Mallory Swanson quiet, Orlando needed a bit more sharpness in front of goal to open the game up. It never happened, but Marta's NWSL Goal of the Week helped Orlando secure three more points on the road.

We broke down the game, checked back at our score predictions from last week, and made our selections for Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox this week had concerns about whether Orlando should stay undefeated in the regular season, whether stoppage time is an issue, whether the soccer gods have an axe to grind with Barbra Banda, and whether Evelina Duljan should play more minutes with Banda. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we discussed Amanda Allen's loan to Lexington, McKinley Crone's new contract through 2026, and Banda's recent scoring drought.

Finally, we look ahead to Orlando's home match Friday against the Kansas City Current. The visitors will be looking for revenge from the first meeting and their perceived slights when Pride players were happy about the result in that match. We also provided our key matchups and score predictions for the game.

Here’s how Episode 60 went down:

0:15 – The Pride kept rolling with another clean sheet and a win at Chicago.

12:59 – Our mailbagbox is chock full, as is our Orlando Pride news segment.

39:50 – Our preview of the rematch against the Kansas City Current, who totally won't celebrate like crazy if they win after playing more than half the match a player down on the road. Honest.

The Orlando Pride came back from the road and there really is no place like home. After the obligatory Central Florida weather delay, the Pride went out and beat defending NWSL champion NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Adriana found her scoring boots and bagged herself a brace, and the Pride kept another clean sheet.

We discussed the highlights from the game, checked the result against our score predictions from last week, and made our selections for Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox this week had concerns about Haley Carter's role with her new title, wondered if referees are more lenient with the Pride's opponents, asked which midfielders and formation might be used in Chicago, and questioned what the final score really was on Sunday. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we dove into some of the recent Orlando Pride news, including Carter's new contract, Alex Kerr being waived, and the U-20 USWNT not using Ally Lemos in its 1-0 opening loss to Spain. We're not saying the U.S. lost to Spain because Lemos didn't play, but no one can prove the Yanks wouldn't have won if she had.

Finally, we look ahead to Orlando's trip to face the Red Stars in Chicago. The Pride usually do better against the Red Stars on the road than at home, which is weird, but hopefully that trend continues. We also provide our key matchups and score predictions for this weekend's game.

Here’s how Episode 59 went down:

0:15 – The Pride got two goals from Adriana and a big W.

13:55 – Our mailbagbox has anxiety issues, and some bits of Orlando Pride news.

33:18 – Our preview of Orlando's trip to play the Chicago Red Stars.

The Orlando Pride returned to league play on Friday and, despite some difficulties, managed to get a second-half goal and a little bit of luck to beat the Houston Dash 1-0. The Pride established a new NWSL record for consecutive games unbeaten (18), along with a few more club single-season records. We break down the match, speak glowingly of Angelina's pass and Summer Yates' goal, check in on our score predictions, and make our selections for Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox this week was helpful to someone who asked a question last week. In addition, we were asked about which team was the Pride's biggest NWSL Shield threat and whether we should be concerned about the defensive performance in Houston. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we look ahead to NJ/NY Gotham FC's visit to Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday. We check the tale of the tape and past history and provide our key matchups and score predictions for the heavyweight battle to come this weekend.

Here’s how Episode 58 went down:

0:15 – It wasn't easy, but the Orlando Pride finally beat the Dash in Houston for the first time in years.

14:54 – Our mailbagbox revisits old requests and makes new ones.

27:55 – Gotham is playing well, so the Pride have to be sharp on Sunday.

The NWSL regular season is set to return and the Orlando Pride will get their internationals back. Unfortunately, that won't include the recently acquired Grace Chanda, who sustained a ruptured quadriceps tendon during the Olympics while representing Zambia and she is out for the season, postponing her Pride debut.

But there is some good news. The club acquired defender Carson Pickett, who makes her return to Orlando to bolster a back line that has played well in front of goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse this season, regardless of who has played where along that back four. Pickett brings experience, talent, and a grittier side to her game with her return to the Pride and we can't wait to see how she fits in with the group.

We also touched on Ally Lemos and Amanda Allen getting honored with a call-up to represent their countries (the U.S. and Canada, respectively) in the upcoming U-20 Women's World Cup. Our congratulations go out to both players.

Pride rookie Cori Dyke joins us as our special guest as we put her through the paces of our unique style of exclusive interview. We learned a lot about her arrival in Orlando, her thoughts on earning her first pro contract and then a second deal as well. Heck, we even asked her about her college teammate Kerry Abello's commercial. Yeah, that one!

Our mailbagbox asked us about Orlando's attendance, books about soccer, some remarks from Sam Mewis about the USWNT's attackers, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we get to our preview of Friday's road match at the Houston Dash. The Dash don't score a lot of goals but they can also be downright stingy at times when it comes to conceding them. We provide our key matchups and score predictions for Friday.

Here’s how Episode 57 went down:

0:15 – Grace Chanda's injury, Carson Pickett's arrival, and two Pride players will represent their countries at the U-20 World Cup.

11:10 – Cori Dyke jumps on the pod with us to discuss her rookie year, the Summer Cup, and more.

30:40 – Our mailbagbox segment and a look ahead to Friday's match at Houston.

The Pride were off this weekend, but that doesn't mean there wasn't news out of the club. Orlando signed Head Coach Seb Hines to a new contract through the 2026 NWSL season with an option year for 2027. That's great news after the turnaround the club has experienced under Hines' stewardship. We discuss Hines' beginnings with the club, his rise to success, and what the deal means moving forward. We also discuss the many smiles of Seb Hines, which are numerous and each has its own purpose

Our mailbagbox asked us how long we think some of the Pride's brightest stars will hang around. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we discuss Kerry Abello's great month of July, taking a brief side trip to again enjoy the weirdness of her Orlando Health commercial.

Finally, we discuss the 2024 Olympic gold medal match between the United States and Brazil, which featured four Pride players on the pitch and another who got a gold medal. We are ultimately happy the team we support won the gold, but we can't help but feel a bit sad for Marta not winning the championship. What was with Brazil not starting her, anyway?

Here’s how Episode 56 went down:

0:15 – The Pride extended Seb Hines' stay in Orlando with a new contract.

15:58 – The mailbagbox is worried good players will leave the Pride.

26:28 – Kerry Abello wins monthly NWSL accolades and several Orlando players win Olympic medals.

Big shout-out to WJ Dog Treats (wjdogtreats.com) for sponsoring the mailbagbox segment of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. WJ Dog Treats is a small, family-run company of Orlando City fans who are committed to producing healthy, high-quality dog treats with just five ingredients, including their own home-made peanut butter. Give them a try. If you use the code SkoPurp at checkout, you’ll get a dollar off a bag of treats for your pooch!

The Pride finished out their Summer Cup with a third consecutive draw — this time against Racing Louisville at home. The teams finished with one goal apiece and despite the Pride leading the ensuing penalty shootout early, they faltered at the end and the visitors took home the extra point. In the end, both teams were eliminated from advancing. While it wasn't the kind of tournament the Pride wanted to have, their young players got competitive experience and kept the team's unbeaten run going.

We break down the match and make our selections for the Pride's Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox asked us about international players in the Olympics that we'd like to see sign with the Pride. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we look at the Pride players in the Olympics, but keep in mind we recorded Monday night before the semifinals were played on Tuesday. We'll have plenty to talk about next week, even though we thought we might not have a show with the Pride off until later in the month.

Here’s how Episode 55 went down:

0:15 – The Pride squared off against Racing Louisville and neither side won.

18:30 – The mailbagbox has us scouting players across the world.

29:16 – Pride players still in the Olympics, Marta's suspension, and more.

We want to give a big shout-out to WJ Dog Treats (wjdogtreats.com) for sponsoring the mailbagbox segment of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. WJ Dog Treats is a small, family-run company of Orlando soccer fans who are committed to producing healthy, high-quality dog treats with just five ingredients, including their own home-made peanut butter. Give them a try. If you use the code SkoPurp at checkout, you’ll get a dollar off a bag of treats for your pooch!

The Pride faced international competition for the first time ever, and things didn't start out so good but in the end, Orlando got yet another result. We start this week's show with a discussion of the Pride's 2-2 home draw against CF Monterrey, including a rude visit from an old friend, and the shootout that followed. Remember, the Summer Cup matches go directly to shootouts after draws so that one team can earn an extra point. In this case, it was Orlando.

Again, we didn't dare make any score predictions, but we did made our selections for the Pride's Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox clarified a question from a recent episode and asked what might have been a facetious question about Saturday's referee (or maybe it was serious...either way, we treated it as if it was serious). Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we discussed the latest results for the Pride players in the Olympics. Will an injury lead to Emily Sams getting her first senior cap? Can Orlando's Brazilians bounce back from a difficult loss? Will Barbra Banda stop scoring hat tricks if it means her team will win?

The Pride will have a weird, Thursday match against Racing Louisville as they wrap up group play in the Summer Cup. Orlando needs to get a win in this competition, and Thursday is as good a time as any, but it won't be easy, as games against Racing rarely are.

Here’s how Episode 54 went down:

0:15 – The Pride faced Liga MX Femenil competition for the first time ever and it took penalties to separate the sides.

14:56 – The mailbagbox clarifies itself and then asks another question.

25:09 – Pride players in the Olympics and a look ahead to Racing Louisville.

The Pride (minus several starters) went to North Carolina and — much like the first time they went there — they came home with a point. The 1-1 draw wasn't a terrible result, but it would have been a lot better if Orlando had managed to win the extra point that was just sitting there, waiting for them, in the ensuing penalty shootout. We discuss the team's Summer Cup opener with two home games remaining against Monterrey and Racing Louisville.

We may not have made score predictions, but we did give our thoughts (unanimously) on the Pride's Player of the Match.

Our mailbagbox asked about Bri Martinez, Olympic rosters, defenders making the monthly Best XI, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we discussed the Pride players in the Olympics and what their schedule looks like this week. There will be a lot of reasons to watch this Olympic tournament for Pride fans.

The Pride return home for a Saturday night meeting with Monterrey — the team's first competitive match against an international opponent. This is great for the game, and we are excited to learn all about Monterrey this weekend.

Here’s how Episode 53 went down:

0:15 – The Pride went to the Courage and were outplayed but still managed a late goal to tie it before throwing away a penalty shootout lead.

12:47 – The mailbagbox asks us to reveal what we know.

27:55 – The Olympic schedule for the Pride's internationals this week and a brief discussion of how little we know about Monterrey.

We open this week's show with a discussion of the Orlando Pride signing two young players to new contracts through the 2025 season with option years for 2026. Rookie Cori Dyke and second-year pro Summer Yates have earned new deals and the Pride didn't want to waste time getting them to stick around for a bit longer. We discuss both players' accomplishments in 2024, and of course we recorded the night before Orlando signed Viviana Villacorta to a similar new deal. Haley Carter is doing all of the business!

Our mailbagbox asked about the NWSL Best XI for the month of June, Marta's highlights, National Team Replacement Players, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We'd also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we'll find them easily and read them on the show.

The Pride now head to North Carolina to face a difficult Courage side in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, and we have no idea what to expect. Will Seb Hines play his best available lineup with more than half of his starters unavailable? Will he give opportunities to young players to see how they respond to getting competitive minutes? Will it be a combination? There are a lot of variables and we're not even tempted to try to figure out how to identify the key matchups or predict the score.

Here’s how Episode 52 went down:

0:15 – The Pride signed Cori Dyke and Summer Yates to new deals and we love seeing the club invest in its young players.

15:52 – The mailbagbox is interested in June's NWSL Best XI and other topics.

38:35 – It's hard to predict Orlando's Summer Cup opener at North Carolina due to a number of missing Orlando starters on international duty.