By Alonso Contreras
In the game’s pivotal moment, it was the forward Julie Doyle of the Orlando Pride who unleashed a powerful strike, only to see it collide with the crossbar, denying her side a potential breakthrough.
As the clock ticked to the 6th minute, a momentary lapse in focus led to a corner against the Pride. Goalkeeper Ana Moorhouse valiantly denied the impending threat with a swift save employing her feet, showcasing her reflexes in the face of adversity.
San Diego managed to break the deadlock following a well-executed corner kick. Abby Dahlkemper, positioned adeptly, unleashed a decisive strike that found the back of the net, thus inaugurating the scoring at Exploria Stadium.
Marta, a prominent figure in the match, found herself in a promising one-on-one situation with Girma. However, her resulting shot lacked the necessary power, enabling the goalkeeper to secure possession with relative ease.
An instance of pure magic materialized as Marta elegantly navigated the field, seamlessly transitioning from one side to the other. With finesse, she dispatched a pinpoint cross using her right foot, locating her reliable partner Adriana strategically positioned in the center. The ensuing expertly executed header from Adriana leveled the match, injecting a dose of exhilaration into the unfolding spectacle.
During the second half, Orlando exhibited notable control over the proceedings, fashioning a plethora of opportunities in contrast to their opponents.
The team’s Head Coach, Seb Hines, strategically marshaled a potent offensive formation comprising luminaries such as Bright, Adriana, Doyle, and the likes of Marta
In a defining moment of Orlando Pride’s dominant phase, San Diego Wave brilliantly capitalized on a corner kick, notching their second goal of the match and altering the tally to a 2-1 lead, Carusa scored her first goal with San Diego
90’+2: San Diego’s coach Casey Stoney was just shown a red card after kicking the ball away from the Pride as they were trying to throw it in.
Orlando Pride fought until the end but they could not find the second goal. The next game will be September 3rd in Seattle against OL Reign.