The 2019 Orlando Pride season was Orlando Pride's fourth season in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. The team played its home games at Exploria Stadium, renamed from Orlando City Stadium on June 4, 2019.[1] Following the departure of Tom Sermanni at the end of the 2018 season, Marc Skinner was announced as his replacement in January.
The team's opening day roster was announced on April 10 and included 17 returning squad members.[4]Sydney Leroux was notably placed on the supplemental roster instead of being deactivated on maternity leave in the hope she returned before the end of the season. She returned on September 29, making an 86th minute substitute appearance against Sky Blue FC, just three months after giving birth.[5]
On August 7, the club announced that Toni Pressley underwent surgery and was beginning treatment for breast cancer. She was placed on the 45-day disabled list.[7][8] The final game of the season was designated as a Breast Cancer Awareness match with the team wearing limited edition pink pre-match warm-up tops to be auctioned off later. All nine NWSL teams also donated autographed items for the online fundraising auction.[9] Pressley made her first appearance since the surgery during the game, coming on as a substitute with Harris handing her the captain's armband.
On August 15, the club announced that Emily van Egmond would undergo season-ending ankle surgery in Australia. She was placed on the season ending injury list.[10][11]
On September 16, the club announced that Alex Morgan would be placed on the season ending injury list following a knee injury picked up on international duty.[12]
Orlando Pride began preseason training on March 4, 2019. The squad included eight non-roster invitees on trial with the team during preseason.[25][26] A total of five were eventually signed by the team with another later added as a temporary national team replacement player.
As per league schedule, preseason camp began on March 4 with many of the squad still away on international duty.[27] The Pride played their first ever preseason game against fellow NWSL opposition on March 23, taking part in North Carolina Courage's inaugural Friendship Cup which ended in a 4–0 defeat. On March 30, the Pride hosted the University of South Florida for a closed-door friendly, marking the fourth consecutive preseason meeting between the two teams.[28]Liga PR Femenino champions Sol traveled to Orlando the week before the NWSL season began for the final preseason friendly, a match open to the public with for free.[29] The Pride won both of their final two preseason games.
^Match vs. Washington Spirit was originally scheduled in game week 20 but later postponed until October and was the only game played. One save was nominated from each team.
