History will be made this Independence Day Weekend when the Orlando Pride host Racing Louisville FC on Sunday night at Daytona International Speedway as part of a one-of-a-kind two-day entertainment showcase that also features a freestyle soccer show, a performance from Chance the Rapper and a men’s legends game that features stars Javier Mascherano and David Trezeguet.
The match will be played on a temporary soccer pitch inside Daytona International Speedway on the infield between pit road and the trioval. Also televised on CBS Sports Network, the showdown provides both sides an opportunity to claim a series advantage and a big three points with each team winning one and drawing one in their three-game regular season history.
When asked about not just the game itself, but about the opportunity this serves for his club and the sport as a whole across the United States, Orlando Interim Head Coach Seb Hines expounded with optimism.
“I think it’s great. It’s an opportunity for us to come out of our comfort zone a little bit … being the headline game can only help the league and women’s soccer move forward and bring bigger crowds to stadiums. It’s coming out of our comfort zone and really showing the world what we can do as a league.”
On the match itself, Hines reiterated the difficulty of replicating an environment like the one Daytona International Speedway will provide, but with players enjoying a week off to reflect after a calamitous result in Portland, the 90 minutes on Sunday night serve as an incredible opportunity for the Pride to show their shift in mindset.
“There’s been a different mindset in training sessions. Our fundamentals need to be better, but the players have shown this since coming back from the break. I’m really excited for the game; it’s going to be a great event for everyone and looking to get three points and technically get our first win at home.”
Falling in line with Hines’s sentiment is Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who remarked that it’s the team’s mindset shift that has been most noticeable for her in their last few training sessions.
“I am very proud of this team in the last couple days, they’ve shown an entirely new level and hunger and desire and understanding that the last performance wasn’t good enough, including my own. So I think we’re excited anyway and are moving in a good direction, and I think what’s really wonderful about the timing of this game is that it gives even more of something to look forward to and an opportunity to shine and really grow the game.”
Not lost on McLeod is that opportunity to highlight the women’s game, and with that comes a level of responsibility for the club to put its collective best foot forward.
“It’s an awesome time for women’s sports in this country and it’s growing at a rapid pace and it’s an opportunity for different eyes to be watching our team and hopefully we build more of a fanbase as we continue to build this team.”
Regardless of outcome, the world’s game on display in such a legendary venue is sure to draw more than a few eyes.
Ticket information and details regarding the match can be found on [https://daytonasoccerfest.com/](https://daytonasoccerfest.com/) .
Fans in the U.S. can catch the match on CBS Sports Network, with kickoff scheduled for 8 P.M. ET. Those watching from across the globe on Sunday night will be able to view the match on the NWSL’s Twitch channel [here](https://www.twitch.tv/nwslofficial3) .

Match Highlights

Match Highlights