
Storylines | Pride vs. Houston Dash
May 3, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Orlando Pride News Release
From O-Town to H-Town
Sunday will mark a reunion with former Pride player Christine Nairn, who was traded to the Dash following the 2018 season. Nairn recorded 20 appearances in her one season in Orlando with 13 starts. She tied for the team lead in assists with four with Marta while also scoring one goal. Her lone goal against Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park earned her NWSL Goal of the Week honors.
Another One for the Books
Marisa Viggiano recorded her first professional minutes on Saturday against Utah. The Pride selected Viggiano No. 30 overall in the 2019 NWSL College Draft out of Northwestern. She is now the third Pride player to register her professional debut in 2019, with Erin Greening and Joanna Boyles both doing so in the season-opener. The Pride selected Greening No. 25 overall in this past year's draft. Boyles served as a National Team Replacement Player for the Chicago Red Stars last season before coming to Orlando this offseason.
It's Anyone's Game
The Pride and the Dash have played a relatively even series throughout their history. The Pride hold the advantage with a 5-4-0 record over Houston in Club history, but the Dash have had the advantage of late. In 2018, the Pride earned a 1-0 victory at Orlando City Stadium over Houston thanks to a game-winner from former Dash player Chioma Ubogagu. Houston were victorious in the last two contests, however, winning by a score of 2-1 on June 27 and 3-1 on July 11.
Calling on Kop
Goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer registered her first start of the season in unexpected fashion last week following a warmup injury to goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. In her first outing of the season, Kopmeyer recorded four saves, the first of which served as the 200th of her NWSL career, a milestone she reached in 51 appearances. Kopmeyer has now recorded 18 saves through four appearances since joining the Pride from Reign FC last season.
With Harris on international duty, Kopemeyer is expected to be the Pride's No. 1 goalkeeper moving forward with Lainey Burdett as backup.
The A-Team Assembles
With the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on the horizon, the Pride's trio of U.S. Women's National Team players have joined the defending FIFA World Cup champions to begin final preparations for their title defense. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, defender Ali Krieger and forward Alex Morgan represent the Pride on the U.S. WNT's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup squad.
Sunday's match will mark the last for Canadian international Shelina Zadorsky before she joins Canada's pre-World Cup camp.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from May 3, 2019
- Utah Royals FC Signs Three National Team Replacement Players for Duration of 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup - Utah Royals FC
- Sky Blue FC Head South for a Clash with the North Carolina Courage - Sky Blue FC
- Courage Forward Crystal Dunn and Defender Abby Erceg Headline the NWSL Team of the Month - North Carolina Courage
- Preview: Orlando Pride Travels to Houston for Sunday Match - Orlando Pride
- Match Forecast: Reign FC Faces Washington Spirit on the Road - Seattle Reign FC
- Know Your Opponent: Houston Dash - Orlando Pride
- Storylines | Pride vs. Houston Dash - Orlando Pride
- Reign FC Sign Maegan Kelly as National Team Replacement Player - Seattle Reign FC
- Chicago Adds Four to Roster Ahead of Utah Match - Chicago Stars FC
- Washington Spirit and Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS), Announce Partnership - Washington Spirit
- Horgan and Perea Sign National Team Replacement Contracts - North Carolina Courage
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Orlando Pride Stories
- Orlando Pride Drops Decision to Racing Louisville
- Orlando Pride at Racing Louisville FC on NWSL+ and Fan Duel Sports Network
- What to Watch For, Powered by Verizon, as the Orlando Pride Take on Racing Louisville FC on the Road
- Barbra Banda Scores Game-Winning Goal as Pride Defeat Bay FC 1-0
- Barbra Banda Scores Game Winning Goal as Pride Defeat Bay FC, 1-0

