Orlando Pride Draw 1-1 in their Season-Opener Against the Washington Spirit
Orlando Pride teammates celebrate Alex Morgan (#13)'s goal during their NWSL home opener against the Washington Spirit at Exploria Stadium May 16, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando Pride engaged in a back-and-forth season opener against Washington Spirit this Sunday at Exploria Stadium. After a late goal from Washington Spirit’s substitute Ashley Hatch, Alex Morgan was able to pull back the deficit. A good game marred by missed chances, Orlando Pride take this point but know they deserve more after a productive 90 minutes.
The chances came early and often for both Washington and Orlando. Trinity Rodman nearly opened her account for the 2021 NWSL season with a shot that was saved by Ashlyn Harris. Just moments later, Alex Morgan almost scored and assisted with two dangerous moments that made things difficult in the box. The attacking forwards for Orlando Pride did a lot to cause danger but failed to find their mark in front of goal. Morgan, Sydney Leroux and Marta had opportunities to score but clarity in the final third was hard to find.
Orlando Pride dominate early possession and chances with their fortified team play. However, Washington Spirit found chances through individualistic efforts via Ashley Sanchez in between long bouts of possession. The first half ended as a stalemate with Orlando Pride looking hungrier for three points than their opponent.
Change of Pace
The second half continued with urgency on the side of Orlando. Early chances gave way to a dangerous lofted ball that was almost put in by Leroux. Washington Spirit’s Aubrey Bledsoe managed to stuff the danger at the cost of a cleet meeting her face in the moment of collision. The danger ensued for Orlando Pride shortly after as Ashlyn Harris did well to secure her second save of the night. Missed chances seemed to be the theme in this season-opener. Alex Morgan’s near make at the 55′ minute encapsulates the theme of this first match day.
Tensions continued to mount for Washington Spirit. A series of corner kicks led to the first card of the night for Ashley Hatch. Just moments later, Hatch turned that pressure into diamonds. She latched onto a whipped in cross from Tori Huster and headed it home. Although the goal made matters difficult for Orlando, the objective continued in attack.
A beautiful through pass from Phoebe McClernon gave Alex Morgan an open run. The ball landed in perfect position for a chip that not even a goalkeeper’s hand could keep off-target. Morgan pulled it back for a well-deserved 1-1. This goal meant a lot to Morgan — considering it was her first for the Orlando Pride since 2018 and first Orlando goal since motherhood:
“I feel like I’m able to give more defensively. I’m picking off a lot of balls from CB’s, CM’s — able to read the play defensively a lot. I found myself coming back quite a few times today but then the goal came from a ball over the top … I have been able to evolve my game and fulfill my responsibilities for both teams. (Pride and USWNT)”
One point in a season-opener is a good start but more was left to be desired. For the Orlando Pride’s NWSL chances, winning games of this caliber are fundamental. Orlando’s attacking trident showed promise, and the chemistry will only continue to grow as the season wears on.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
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