The Orlando Pride will play a National Women’s Soccer League opponent in the preseason for the first time in their history, the team announced Wednesday.
Orlando will travel to face the North Carolina Courage on March 23 in the defending NWSL champion’s inaugural Friendship Cup. After the Pride and the Courage face off at 1 p.m., United Soccer League Championship side North Carolina FC will host Club Necaxa of Liga MX at 3:30 p.m.
In past preseasons, Orlando historically played collegiate teams, including Florida State University, the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida. The Pride also played the U-23 United States women’s national team.
“We are thrilled to provide another marquee event for our fans,” North Carolina President, General Manager Curt Johnson said, per ProSoccerUSA.com’s Mitchell Northam. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the passion for professional soccer in the Triangle to the world.
“These two matches continue our club’s tradition of providing our fans with some of the best of the best in worldwide soccer.”
The Courage dominated the NWSL in 2018, winning the 2018 NWSL Final and losing only once. North Carolina led the league in goals (53), goals allowed (17) and goal differential (36). Portland Thorns FC’s 40 goals were the second-most last season, Seattle Reign FC’s 19 goals allowed were the second-fewest, and Portland’s plus-12 goal differential was second-best.
Orlando lost all three matchups with the Courage in 2018. The first meeting of the season on May 23, 2018, was the closest, as the Pride narrowly lost 4-3 at home. North Carolina subsequently won 3-0 on June 30, 2018, in Orlando and 3-0 on Aug. 19, 2018, at home.
The Pride are led by new Head Coach Marc Skinner after playing under former boss Tom Sermanni in the team’s first three seasons.
For more on the Pride, as they continue preparations for the 2019 preseason, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
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