Credit: Alexandra Corrie
By Luis Carlos Pineda
The Orlando Pride beat the Washington Spirt 1-0 yesterday at Exploria Stadium. The first half was all Orlando. Washington had some chances, especially from Hatch in the 8th minute and Ashlyn Harris came out with the great save.
In the 11th minute, Alex Morgan saw Leroux open past the Spirit’s defense, and assisted her for the Pride’s only goal of the night.
In the 27th minute, Washington scored off a free kick but the goal was called off by the ref. After the 30th minute of the first half Trinity Rodman’s intensity started to grow on the right flank and both Ali Riley and Phoebe McClernonstarted to realize the level of a threat she was in the attack. The backline then motivated the midfield to continue pressing the Spirit and forced them on some turnovers but the Pride were not able to capitalize on those. The score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
In the second half, it was all Washington the Pride had a few chances up front. The Pride lost intensity pressing and Washington woke up. Washington forced the Pride into their box and the backline started to shine. Harris,Ali Riley, Phoebe McClernon, Krieger, Gunny they shut down several attempts from the Spirit that could’ve tied the game easily.
In the 65th minute, Ashlyn Harris proved why she is one of the best keepers in this league. McClernon fouled Hatch in the box and Washington got a penalty kick. Ashlyn Harris came out big with the HUGE save. The crowd rejoiced and the backline embraced, Harris went down with a knock but later in the press conference Harris said she was ok.
In the 70th minute, Alex Morgan off a Marta assist went 1 vs. 1 with Bledsoe and it was no good.
In the 78th minute, Trinity Rodman kept looking for open gaps and also attempted to break up that right flank through her stamina and change of pace. The Pride backline delivered and contained her superbly. Ali Riley even changed flanks in the second half and the young phenom was not able to even get close to score or come with an assist. Tremendous work by the backline that showed resilience and discipline.
Overall, the Pride as I mentioned before, had the mindset since last practice and even last game, that against Washington they had to win at all costs. We need to be proud of the resilience and winning attitude the team showed yesterday. It was their best game attacking wise in the first half and showed great defensive form on the second. Pride’s next game is May 1st against North Carolina Courage. Another huge test for this Pride team. I am for certain, they will go again for the WIN and surely win BIG.
#vamosorlando.