ORLANDO, Fla. – Midfielder Alanna Kennedy can’t return to Orlando soon enough.
The Australian women’s national-team player has not been with the Orlando Pride through their first five weeks and also missed preseason. She’s been away with the Matildas, competing in the Algarve Cup and most recently preparing for an appearance in the 2018 Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup final.
But after the Australians and the Japanese women’s national team decide their winner on Friday at 1 p.m., Kennedy and first-year Pride defender and fellow Australian Emily van Egmond will make their cross-globe journey back to the United States, as they’re expected to be in Orlando sometime next week.
For Pride head coach Tom Sermanni, Kennedy coming back to the States marks the return of one of the best midfielders in the National Women’s Soccer League.
“If you looked at last season, she’s probably one of the best, if not the best, midfield player in this competition. That’s what she brings; it’s as simple as that,” Sermanni said after training on April 17. “And, you know, when you’re missing two or three quality players, it does make a difference to your team.
“But, in saying that, we still feel…that we’ve got a squad that’s strong enough that can be very competitive in this league. And regardless of who’s in and who’s out, you know, we want players to go out and perform well enough to win games.”
Orlando has struggled to start its season, going 0-2-1 in their first three matches. The Pride have also scored only one non-penalty goal and have allowed the second-most goals (five) in the NWSL, so far.
Kennedy can help in both aspects. She recorded five goals and an assist in 25 appearances and 24 starts, including Orlando’s only goal in a 4-1 NWSL semifinals loss to Portland Thorns FC.
The 23-year-old also has defensive roots, starting as a center back for the Pride in multiple games for the Pride in 2017.
Fellow midfielder Christine Nairn is excited to finally play with Kennedy and not against her.
“Well, first of all, I’m excited to be on the same side as Alanna. I’ve, unfortunately, played against her–I don’t know how many years now. So I’m excited to finally be on the same team,” Nairn said after training on April 17. “With that being said, I think her coming in will even up the experience in there and just really help us have that aerial presence…
“I think that’ll help with Dani [Weatherholt] and I… Just bringing that experience and a little life to us in the midfield, and I think that we’ll be good to go as soon as she’s back.”
So far in 2018, the midfield has been a question mark for the Pride. Its mainstays have, so far, been Nairn and Weatherholt, but, depending on Sermanni’s formation, it has even involved midfielder Kristen Edmonds, who also plays outside back, and center back Toni Pressley.
Most recently, the Pride’s midfield featured Weatherholt, Nairn and Edmonds in their 2-1 road loss to the Thorns.
Orlando will have to wait at least one more week and play at least one more game before Kennedy returns, though, as the Pride’s next game comes on Sunday against the Houston Dash.
“I think we’ve been doing alright… You know, Dani and I are still getting on the same page. I’ve never played with her before, so we’re only three games into the season, and I think we’re just one chance away from getting a result on the road,” Nairn said. “We had our opportunities against [the Washington Spirit], as well.
“I think the more that Dani and I can get on the same page and work together and, you know, work off each other, I think that’ll go a long way. And, like I said, this is only [the] third round of the year, so only way is up, right now.”
Kickoff between the Pride and the Dash is at 5 p.m. Houston is seventh in the league–one spot above Orlando–with an 0-1-2 record. The Pride will also host their ’90s-themed night on Sunday.
For more on the Pride, as they await the return of Kennedy and their other national-team players, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
