SANFORD, Fla. – The Orlando Pride returned to the field Tuesday after a two-week break, just five games into the 2026 season.
After starting this season 2-1-2 and currently in 6th place in the standings, the team is looking to build upon some early-season success.
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“We’ve had a good first five games, but we like winning,” said Pride head coach Seb Hines after training. “We want to win every game that’s in front of us and finding ways to do that.”
The NWSL took a two-week break for an international break. Pride forward Julie Doyle said this first pause came at a good time.
“We look forward to those breaks as athletes to get a mental reset and a physical reset,” she said.
The Pride’s first game back will be on the road at Racing Louisville Friday night. Orlando hasn’t beaten Louisville at home before.
“It’s always a tough environment to go and play,” coach Hines said. “They’re physical; they’re fast; they’re direct. We got to face those challenges whilst also trying to play our own game.”
Following Racing Louisville, the Pride play three home games in May, including former champions Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage. Orlando also has three road games in May: two out West and one against newcomers Boston Legacy.
“It all comes down to us focusing on what we’re good at and trusting what we’re trying to achieve in each game,” Doyle said.
The league will enter a month-long break in June for the men’s FIFA World Cup 2026. The United States is a co-host nation along with Mexico and Canada.