The final whistle of each of the Orlando Pride’s three consecutive wins this past week signaled something just short of an explosion from players on the bench and on the pitch.
Defenders Ali Riley and Courtney Petersen launched themselves into the arms of captain Ashlyn Harris. After the team’s midweek win against Portland, defender Toni Pressley hurtled off the bench before the referee even signaled the game’s end.
After one team huddle, midfielder Gunny Jónsdóttir and keeper Erin McLeod lifted a drum out of the supporters section, leading a final chant as they stayed on the field to soak in the victory.