Credit Orlando Pride
By Luis Carlos Pineda
Pride draws at home.
It was a high-intensity game, in which in the first half the pressing from the Pride’s mid had Washington increase their turnover ratio. The pride from the get-go had clear chances to score but the finishing was just not up to par. The Spirit had a few chances as well, especially through Trinity Rodman’s feet. Rodman found an open space past the Pride’s backline but Ashlyn Harris was spot on like always with the great save.
As much as the Pride attacked through Leroux, Kornieck, and Morgan, I got to give kudos to Washington since they were able to contain that lethal trio for a good portion of the first half. All three strikers had clear chances but could not find the back of the net.
In the second half, both teams came out swinging. Leroux, Morgan had chances but Washington’s keeper Bledsoe denied them all. The same came from the great Ashlyn Harris, she denied clear chances from Rodman and Sanchez. In the 75th minute, Huster crossed a perfect ball for Ashley Hatch and scored the 1-0 Washington. In the face of being behind on the scoreboard, at home, and in front of their fans, the pride looked for their resilience within. In the 82nd minute, Phoebe McClernon, that did a super job covering Trinity Rodman, threw a perfect cross for Alex Morgan, and the striker lobbed the ball perfectly behind Bledsoe and scored the 1-1 Orlando. It was Morgan’s first NWSL goal since 2018. After Morgan’s goal, Orlando was able to contain the Washington Spirit until the ref called the end of the game.
The Orlando Pride started their season with a draw but their resilience and their willingness to get the result will be detrimental against the Courage this Saturday.
#vamosorlando