Historically, the Orlando Pride’s greatest on-field issue has been a lack of firepower. Fortunately for them, early on in her National Women’s Soccer League career, Messiah Bright has shown she can be part of the solution.
In four of the six full NWSL campaigns the Pride has competed in since its foundation, they have been among the three lowest-scoring teams. Last year was one of the worst yet – they found the net just 22 times, averaging one goal per game. Only bottom-of-the-table NJ/NY Gotham had a worse attacking record.
Prior to the 2022 season, Alex Morgan had been traded to the San Diego Wave. Then, Marta was ruled out early on after an ACL tear. Sydney Leroux couldn’t repeat her 2021 form before moving on to Angel City mid-season. Ultimately, without their usual attacking threats, Orlando’s top scorers were Darian Jenkins, a converted winger, and Gunny Jonsdottir, a midfielder, with four apiece.
