“An up-and-down performance”: Why Orlando Pride struggled at North Carolina Courage in the NWSL Challenge Cup – tactical analysis

The second weekend of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup gave us another opportunity to examine the twelve teams and begin to see which will do well and which could struggle. North Carolina Courage have been one of the standout sides so far and were looking to build on their opening round win against NJ/NY Gotham. The visit of Orlando Pride, who could only manage a goalless draw at home to Washington Spirit last time out, looked like a good opportunity to do so. Both clubs have permanent managers once again, with Amanda Cromwell appointed as now-Manchester United Women boss Marc Skinner’s replacement at the Pride, whilst Sean Nahas saw his interim term made permanent after stepping in to lead the Courage last October.

This tactical analysis will break down the performances of both sides, specifically detailing Orlando’s play out of possession and the issues they had when looking to attack forwards. The analysis will also focus on North Carolina’s tactics, explaining how they looked to beat Orlando’s low block.

Lineups

North Carolina Courage made just one change to their starting formation, with Sean Nahas opting to play with a 4-2-3-1 and not the 4-2-2-2 that he had used against Gotham. Brazil star Debinha was left out of the squad and replaced by Kiki Pickett, who started as the right winger, whilst Brianna Pinto was given the playmaker role and Jaelene Daniels (née Hinkle) started on the left. Taylor Smith was given the central striker’s role, whilst Katelyn Rowland continued in goal with regular stopper Casey Murphy still injured. New Zealand centre-back Abby Erceg once again had the armband.

Orlando Pride also opted for a 4-2-3-1 for this game, having played in a 4-4-2 against the Spirit. They made three changes to their starting XI, with defender Amy Turner, midfielder Mikayla Cluff and Wales international Angharad James all dropping out. Toni Pressley came in to form a new central defensive partnership with Megan Montefusco (née Oyster), whilst midfielders Parker Roberts and Meggie Dougherty Howard were also given their first starts of the season. Captain Marta took up a wide forward position, whilst the experienced Sydney Leroux offered just as big a goal threat from the left-hand side, both supporting lone striker Darian Jenkins.