Orlando Pride draw 1-1 vs San Diego on Marta’s 100th appearance
SAN DIEGO (June 7, 2024) – The Orlando Pride maintained their unbeaten record in the 2024 NWSL season with a 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday night. The Pride, boasting an 8-0-4 record and 28 points, extended their unbeaten streak to 12 games, following a record-setting eight-match winning run concluded on May 24 against Portland.
The match featured a significant milestone for Marta, who made her 100th regular season appearance for the Pride, becoming the first player in the club’s history to achieve this feat. Marta recently returned from international duty with Brazil, where she secured two victories last week.
Orlando’s lone goal was scored by Julie Doyle in the 36th minute, an acrobatic effort off a cross from May’s Player of the Month, Barbra Banda. San Diego equalized in the 62nd minute through Makenzy Doniak. The game also saw Cori Dyke making her first career start and Alex Kerr debuting as a second-half substitute.
Pride head coach Seb Hines regarded the result as a valuable point on the road. “Overall, I think it’s a good away point. It keeps our unbeaten streak going, as well. It’s always a tough place to come, San Diego away,” Hines said. “You look at the personnel that they have on the field, internationals all over but I think we stood up to the challenge really well. I thought we took our goal exceptionally well as well. It was great to see Julie [Doyle] get on the score sheet. And then you know, obviously disappointing with the equalizer, but to see the game out and get a point away from home is pleasing for the staff and the players.”
Orlando will continue their road trip with a visit to North Carolina Courage on Saturday, June 15, at WakeMed Soccer Park.
Scoring Summary:
36’ – ORL: Julie Doyle (Barbra Banda)
62’ – SD: Makenzy Doniak
The Pride’s resilience has been a hallmark of their season, as they have managed to stay undefeated despite the challenges posed by strong opponents. The team’s next match against North Carolina Courage will test their ability to sustain this momentum on the road.
Marta’s 100th appearance underscores her significant contribution to the club, marking a notable chapter in both her career and the history of the Orlando Pride. As the team looks ahead, the blend of experienced veterans like Marta and emerging talents such as Doyle and Kerr provides a balanced and promising outlook for the remainder of the season.
he Pride will go back on the road and travel to Cary, North Carolina to take on the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, June 15. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET