PREVIEW: Orlando Pride Travels to San Diego for Inaugural Match Against Wave

ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2022) – Orlando Pride (3-5-6, 15 points) is set to travel to San Diego to face off against 2022 expansion side San Diego Wave (7-4-4, 25 points) at Torero Stadium for the first time in Club history. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET with the match available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. and internationally on Twitch.

“[San Diego] are a team on form. Last game they didn’t win, but they are at the top of the table and going to be difficult to play against away from home,” said acting head coach Seb Hines. “We have some good momentum and we have been playing some really good football and we have to continue that into the next game.”

The Pride are recently coming off a 2-2 draw against another 2022 expansion side, Angel City FC. Exploria Stadium saw the Pride earn a point thanks to a goal from Julie Doyle as well as an Angel City own goal in second-half stoppage time. Doyle’s goal was her second of the season, with both goals coming in the Pride’s last two matches. She became the first Pride player to score in consecutive games this season.

With the draw, the Pride stretched their unbeaten streak to a season-high five games dating back to July 3. During their run, four of those five games have been draws with their lone victory coming in a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash. The Pride are looking to start turning these good performances into victories and all three points as they make a push for a playoff spot.

The San Diego Wave have made a loud entry into the NWSL in their inaugural 2022 season as they sit in a tie at the top of the table with 25 points. They just recently dropped their last decision to the Kansas City Current in a 2-1 scoreline at home. The Wave have allowed a league-low 13 goals against their opponents this season.

The Wave have also been backed by former Pride player Alex Morgan who has recorded a league-high 11 goals so far this season. Morgan appeared in 69 games for the Pride and scored 23 goals, which is second most in franchise history. The Pride will also be facing off against former players in forward Jodie Taylor, and midfielders Taylor Kornieck and Emily van Egmond who are all sporting the Wave kit now.

Following Saturday’s match, the Pride will continue on the road and travel to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday, August 20 at Subaru Park outside of Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.