By Marilia Macedo
Orlando Pride hosted the OL Reign on Friday, August 26, at Exploria Stadium, and there was a great NWSL regular season match between them. Even with bad weather giving a truce, Pride could not stop Reign, and the Seattle team came from behind to take a 2-1 win.
The first half started with both teams trying to connect passes to get the ball possession. However, while the Pride struggled to attack, the Reign created some opportunities with Huitema and Rose Lavelle, who hit the crossbar on her 50th regular season appearance. Even with the attempts of the visiting team, the hosts managed to deny the attempts, making good defensive blocks, and the game started to improve for the home team.
In the 38th minute, the hosts put the visitors’ defensive system under pressure, and when Hiatt tried to make a pass, Meggie Dougherty Howard was there to anticipate it and sent it towards the goal. The ball deflected in Alana Cook and left keeper Tullis-Joyce with no chances to defend, 1-0.
After the break, Head Coach for OL Reign Laura Harvey made no substitutions to start the second half, and the team needed about ten minutes to reach the equalizer.
In the 58th minute, Rapinoe lobbed Erika Tymrak, looked to the area, and attempted a cross to the box. Then, Bethany Balcer reached the ball with a beautiful header, sending it to the back of the net, 1-1.
Later, on one side, Ally Watt and Meggie tried to regain the lead, and Megan Rapinoe tried to surprise McLeod with a rocket to turn the tide on the other.
However, the teams were not connecting the last pass, and the match appeared to be heading toward a draw. The end of the game was near, but in stoppage time, behind a fine move by Fishlock, Rapinoe received a cross from Huerta and scored, and her goal secured a 2-1 victory.
With the result, Orlando remains without beating The Bold since their first match in May 2016.
The next challenge for the Reign will be against the Chicago Red Stars on Friday, September 9, at 10 PM ET, while the Pride will face the Thorns on the same day, at 7 PM ET.