Credit Alexandra Corrie
By Luis Carlos Pineda
The Orlando Pride got a 1-1 draw in the scorching heat of Washington. The Pride showed resilience coming from behind and overcoming all odds to get the result.
In the first half, The Spirit had several opportunities to score but was met with a phenomenal performance from Ashlyn Harris. In the 26th minute, she had a huge save coming off a Spirit free-kick. On the other hand, the Pride was without Sydney Leroux but Taylor Kornieck and Alex Morgan had a superb game. Alex Morgan had a counter and went 1v1 with Bledsoe and the Washington keeper stopped her tracks. The Pride was the closest to score with well thought out attacks in transition.
In the second half, Washington came out ready to pounce. Washington’s mid-pressed the pride’s, that turned over balls unnecessarily giving the Spirit the upper hand in possession and clear chances during the first minutes of the second half.
Here’s when Pride’s backline again started to shine, covering Hatch, Sanchez very well. Until, Kelly O’Hara executed a perfect long ball, that our backline did not see, to Ashley Hatch and the striker opened the score 1-0 Washington. Harris attempted to punch the ball out wide but Hatch was too quick to execute the header, a very savvy play by the Spirit’s striker. As Washington celebrated, the Pride composed themselves and showed that newfound resilience they’ve been honing in moments of adversity. Washington’s keeper cleared the ball after a save that was easily picked up by Marta, she short passed it to Taylor Kornieck, and the striker easily passed Washington’s defenders and struck the ball into the bottom left corner and leveled the score 1-1. It was a golazo by Taylor Kornieck that ended her goal-scoring drought and was the exclamation point for her wonderful performance.
After the Pride’s goal, Washington attempted some plays in transition but was met by a solid Pride’s backline. Wonderful performance by the Pride that is still unbeaten after 9 games and at the top of the standings. Orlando Pride will face Gotham FC at home, which is a must-see game on June 20th.
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