Marta balancing work, play to help Pride find winning mentality

Marta has tried to help her Orlando Pride teammates play aggressively for wins while also bringing joy to the pitch. (Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel) Trying to read Marta on the pitch may be difficult for defenders, but deciphering the soccer legend’s thoughts is far simpler.

Her face, bronzed by a lifetime outdoors, is animated and expressive with eyes that crinkle around the edges for emphasis.

That usually happens because she’s laughing — such as during an interview when her Orlando Pride teammates broke out singing “Happy Birthday,” to Danica Evans in the background. Marta clapped her hands and mouthed the words with a wide smile.

But, when asked what advice she can provide that her…