1. Back in the win column! An early goal from Haley McCutcheon was just enough for the Orlando Pride, who secured all three points on the road against the 2nd-place Washington Spirit.
2. This marks four straight years that the Pride have won at Audi Field. Since 2021, Orlando has not lost a match in the nation's capital, making it the most successful road venue the team has played in.
3. The Pride spoke ahead of the game about starting fast and wanting to silence the "Rowdy Audi" early on, as they looked to catch the Spirit in transition moments. And three minutes in, they did just that.
4. Barbra Banda started it off after picking the pocket of Élisabeth Tsé at midfield. After pushing the ball into space with her speed, she crossed it at the top of the box into the middle. After Jacquie Ovalle let the ball run, it was Haley McCutcheon who got on the end of it, hitting the ball first-time past goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and giving the visiting Pride the 1-0 lead.
5. The goal was incredibly important not only for the team, but the way results have gone for Orlando when scoring first. In almost every game this season the Pride have been first to find the back of the net, they have found a result as well. Eight wins, zero draws, and just one loss have been the record for Orlando when they're the first to score, making this goal by McCutcheon vital for all three points.
6. The rest of the match for Orlando was defense first. There were a few moments in transition, but the bulk of the work done in this game was done on the defensive side of the pitch. Still missing key contributors, the Pride backline held firm (and got a bit lucky with some shots off the post and crossbar), holding out Washington through the 90 minutes.
7. 11 minutes of stoppage time was given for this one, meaning Orlando had to hold on for dear life through the late push by the home side. In the 8th minute of stoppage time, Paige Metayer looked to have found an equalizer, but Cosette Morché was able to palm the ball over the bar to keep a clean sheet and help see out the win.
8. Speaking of Morché, a massive moment for the Pride goalkeeper as she came into this match making her first NWSL start and was able to put on a solid performance to help her get her first league wins and her team a much-needed three points.
9. The Pride will finally return home next weekend as they host the Utah Royals, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET on NWSL+.
