Credit Orlando Pride
By Marilia Macedo
The match that happened at WakeMed Soccer Park ended in a goalless draw between North Carolina and Orlando Pride.
The first half started with good chances for the visitors in a brilliant set-piece – Kornieck fired a blast that hit the crossbar.
Shortly afterward, in a good play started by Marta, Jónsdóttir crossed the ball to the area and it spilled out to Viggiano. However, her shot was saved by Murphy.
On the other side, Paul Riley’s team also created opportunities with Debinha – she ran through the Pride’s defense and left behind four opponents, but Marta and Toni Pressley were there to put the ball out of danger.
Minutes later, the Brazilian forward also tried to find her teammate, Lynn Williams, in the Pride’s area and the defenders conceded a corner.
In another great opportunity, Kurtz took the rebound after a corner kick and the ball went over the bar.
At the beginning of the second half, Marc Skinner’s team tried to score with Sydney Leroux, but the defenders applied pressure and Murphy saved her shot.
In response to it, North Carolina kept creating. Following a penalty box scramble, Pickett tried her luck and Ashlyn Harris pushed away.
One of the best chances for the visitors appeared with Leroux, who crossed to Alex Morgan – her shot was saved off the line by Pickett, who also made a great match offensively and defensively.
In the end, the local team had possession and more attempts. Even so, they tried, but they could not find a way to get the three points.
Although the players did not manage to score in the match, Skinner’s team had a solid defensive system with McClernon and Pressley, who were efficient and prevented North Carolina’s players from scoring goals.