On Saturday, Orlando Pride played their first preseason match against Eastern Florida State College. With an impressive 8-0 win, it seems like the team has created some chemistry after less than a week of training together.

“It was a good game,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “It was good to get out, get an 11 v. 11, have another look at the players, get a little more cohesion.”

Throughout the game, the Orlando Pride players managed to find connections and solid passes, slipping past the Eastern Florida defense and creating plenty of scoring opportunities. “What we’re beginning to see is… things working a little bit better for the team, players being a little bit more confident in themselves and players also being a little more confident in each other,” Sermanni said. “Now we’re beginning to see players get into their stride a bit.”

It didn’t take long for the Pride to find that rhythm. Striker Alex Morgan scored her first goal off a penalty kick in the 4th minute. She scored three more goals in the first half. Kristen Edmonds added on another two, and Monica Alves put one into the back of the net, giving Orlando Pride a commanding 7-0 lead going into the half. Allie Wisner added to that lead in the second half, rounding off the scoring at 8-0.

Alex Morgan on First Pride Match: “It Was A Good Step Forward” Read

“We’ve got the fire power,” Sermanni said after the game. “Just hopefully we can play well enough to utilize that fire power.”

The players and coaches alike know that team chemistry can’t be developed overnight. But getting such a massive win in their first game as a team definitely gives the squad more confidence moving forward. “I was pleased with the rhythm and the tempo that we played at and the control with which we played,” Sermanni said. “I think that’s probably one of the most pleasing bits today.”