ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Pride secured a historic 3-0 victory over L.D.Alajuelense Tuesday night at Inter&Co Stadium, marking their debut and first win in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. The result propels the pride (1-0-0, 3 points) to the top of their group in the inaugural tournament, designed to elevate women’s club soccer in the region.
This landmark win for the Pride comes as the club aims to establish itself as a contender on the continental stage. The Concacaf W Champions Cup features the top women’s clubs from across North America, Central America, and the caribbean, offering a pathway to the FIFA Club World Cup. L.D. Alajuelense fell to 0-1-1 with 1 point.
Forward Julie Doyle opened the scoring in the 49th minute with a one-touch finish following a deflection,her second goal of the season across all competitions. Defender Carson Pickett doubled the lead in the 64th minute, striking a left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box, assisted by Viviana Villacorta – both earning their first goals/assist of the season, respectively. Simone Jackson then added a third goal in the 81st minute for her first professional goal, assisted by Summer Yates, who recorded her first tournament assist and second of the season.
Beyond the scoreline, the match was highlighted by the return of midfielder Luana, who made her first appearance for the Pride since March 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She entered the game as a 70th-minute substitute, having undergone chemotherapy at Orlando Health Cancer Institute.
“It was a really pleasing result, filled with a lot of positives of the game,” said Head Coach Seb Hines. “First of all, getting a win and getting that feeling back. Secondly, scoring some goals as well, which we’ve needed. I think the biggest highlight of tonight was getting Luana back onto the field. I think that was a really special moment for everyone. For her to go through what she’s been through and go onto the field and show her class was so pleasing to see. A lot of really good moments today.”
The Orlando Pride will next travel to face Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Martin Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET on NWSL+ and Paramount+.
