Heading into Saturday’s game at Orlando City Stadium, the Orlando Pride were riding a two-game winless run at home while also being shutout during that run.

That changed as goals from Alanna Kennedy, Alex Morgan, Toni Pressley and Kristen Edmonds pushed the Pride to a 4-1 victory FC Kansas City in front of 6,073 at Orlando City Stadium.

“We needed to put on a performance for the people in Orlando… and I think we did that tonight,” said Pride coach Tom Sermanni. “I thought our soccer was incisive. We played the way we’ve been trying to play, created lots of chances, probably could’ve finished the game off long before it went 2-1… but overall, delighted with the way the players went about doing the jobs tonight.”

Kennedy gave the Pride (5-5-4, 19 points) the lead after heading in a short corner from Marta in the 22nd minute. Morgan doubled the lead after scoring a penalty kick after being brought down in the 38th minute.

Maegan Kelly, who entered the game as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored for Kansas City two minutes into her debut to reduce the score to 2-1. But Pressley’s goal from long range in the 70th minute ensured Orlando the lead before Edmonds capped the scoring in the 75th minute for her first goal of the season.

For Kennedy, it was her second goal of the season, but first goal at home for Orlando. Marta recorded her fourth assist of the season on Saturday. Morgan had her second start of the season, and played her first full game for Orlando.

The Pride are back on the road when they travel to take on the Chicago Red Stars next week at Toyota Park at 3:30 p.m. on Lifetime.

(Photo Courtesy of Orlando Pride) 

The Orlando Soccer Journal is now on Patreon. If you’re enjoying our independent coverage of Orlando City, Pride and OCB, please consider becoming a patron.