The NWSL schedulers really know what they're doing in terms of manufacturing storylines. The Orlando Pride, the newest NWSL franchise, and the Portland Thorns completed a trade this offseason that sent Alex Morgan, one of the most marketable USWNT stars, from Portland to Orlando.
So of course they played each other for their season opener.
GAME DAY!! Been waiting for this day to come for months. #ORLvPOR #jointhepride
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) April 17, 2016
Morgan, presumably, was not as excited after the game as she was when she wrote that tweet. The Pride were defeated, 2-1, by the Thorns, who feature a few USWNT standouts in Tobin Heath and Meghan Klingenberg. They also feature Icelandic midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who got both Thorns goals.
Anyway, onward to the highlights.
And here's the replay of the whole game, for anyone who's interested.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
