'It’s something we’ll definitely remember.' NWSL midseason finale lives up to hype.
The NWSL takes their summer break after this weekend, and the showdown between fellow unbeaten clubs didn't disappoint with Orlando topping KC.
Matches between top clubs don’t always live up to the hype, but as the NWSL’s two unbeaten giants went head to head in Kansas City; the two clubs competed in a beautiful chess match.
Orlando and Kansas City are opposing forces in every sense of the word. The Current’s high octane direct soccer against the Pride’s more methodical approach. Temwa Chawinga’s speed and skill against Barbra Banda’s ability to read the game, and precision on the ball.
Of course, both of these clubs are better than their star attackers, as displayed by Marta and Debinha sharing words in a heated moment.
In the end it would be Seb Hines’ tactical decisions that would see the Pride force Kansas City’s first loss at CPKC.
“Look, we knew this moment was going to come.” Vlatko Andonovski stated, “I’m glad it came against the best team in the league. It’s not like we got torn apart. We’ll go away and learn from this and get better.”
They’ll have to be better, the disappointment felt in Vlatko’s answers is caused by the pass of the match suiting Kansas City’s typical in creating opportunities vertically, through the lines, and in on goal through a myriad of attacking options. Some of the lack of danger can be explained by the absences of Bia and Vanessa DiBernado, but the Current carried a fair amount of possession, hindered by the lack of options centrally.
It’s a verticality that directly influences both goals scored in the first half, as Banda flicked her way through the Current backline before powering a goal past AD Franch, bettered moments later by Chawinga picks up the ball at the half line, only to cruise her way through the Pride midfield and into the back of the net.
Chawinga’s skill then caused Orlando defender Carrie Larwence to pick up her second yellow after falling behind and lunging late to make up for it, but the Current failed to capitalize on the player advantage.
Instead, the Pride’s solidity centrally kept the Current from generating a big chance, statistically their attack was never truly dangerous despite periods of constant pressure.
Orlando’s base allowed them to take advantage of a penalty shout going their way as AD Franch collided with Adriana, allowing Marta’s crafty penalty to put the Pride ahead.
The Current never could find an equalizer, despite Vlatko’s attempt at throwing Lauren at the top of the formation as he looked for an aerial threat.
Anna Moorhouse was solid in goal, but her seven saves registered in zero goals prevented.
Orlando Pride deserved to be happy in breaking the Current’s record breaking undefeated streak by putting themselves in prime position to break it after the summer break.
The midseason finale was a good teaser for the second half of the season, for the next time these two face off, and - hopefully - a final collision in the NWSL Final.
After the credits, NWSL fans were treated to a post credits bumper that featured around the Kansas City Current’s anger toward the way the Pride celebrated after the match.
Michelle Cooper posted this to her Instagram Story, while Vlatko Andonovski made his feelings known. Saying, “It’s not something we’re happy with, but it’s something we’ll definitely remember.”
While also including, “We have ten games to go, playoffs ahead of us and hopefully we meet them in the finals.”
If that doesn’t sell you on the next installment of the NWSL season, I don’t know what will.