SANFORD, Fla. — After the Orlando Pride’s 6-1 loss to North Carolina during the weekend, Alanna Kennedy made sure to take rookie Erin Greening aside and offer words of encouragement.
It’s something the veteran midfielder often does with Greening, a rookie who has earned a significant role within the Pride defense throughout the season. A self-described perfectionist, Greening often analyzes mistakes after matches until experienced players like Kennedy can shift her focus to the next game.
At this point in the season, Kennedy said the defender is no longer a rookie. The biggest challenge, Kennedy said, is making sure Greening believes in herself.