In their first home game in over a month, new expansion team Orlando Pride hosted the Houston Dash in an exciting match over points desperately needed on both sides. With just under 7,000 people in attendance, the Pride were able to come away with a 1-0 win.
Promising first half
The first half showed dangerous looks from both sides, but as soon as the whistle blew Orlando dominated the first few minutes. They wrecked havoc on the Dash’s backline and tested goalkeeper Lydia Williams, especially a header that just barely went over the crossbar from striker Alex Morgan just minutes in. Orlando, after going scoreless three games, was definitely aggressive, looking more lively than they have in about a month.
Pride forward Jamia Fields earned her first start and made a noticeable impact on their attack, getting involved in nearly all chances they had in this half. In the midfield, the trio consisting of Becky Edwards, Kristen Edmonds and Maddy Evans was completely in sync and were able to make plays off each other and their target forwards effortlessly.
Though the home team dominated possession and majority of play, Houston was just as strong on counter attacks. The backline struggled a bit when Orlando came at them, but as soon as the ball found a Dash player’s foot, they were streaking towards goal. It wasn’t until halfway through the first 45 minutes that the visitors really came to life, their attacks being more dangerous the more opportunities they had. Denise O’Sullivan and Rachel Daly really stood out in the attack, O’Sullivan taking dangerous shots on goal while Daly made slashing runs in attempts to get behind Orlando’s defense. Forwards Chioma Ubogagu and Kealia Ohai made their impressions too, both getting to the endline and serving quality balls into the box.
Second half dramatics
The excitement only picked up as the second half began, dangerous attacks coming as soon as the ball started moving. Houston was able to string together numerous attacks, forcing Orlando to stay in their half for a while as they got their chances on goal. Daly and the rest of the Dash attack found themselves making their way towards the box, forcing Pride defenders and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to move saves in order to keep it a scoreless affair. It didn’t take long for the Pride to answer these attacks when the momentum shifted later on the half. Time was running out and neither team would be satisfied with only one point.
Orlando’s miracle came from 5’1” forward Jasmyne Spencer who was subbed on in the 68th minute. As the final minutes of regular time were coming to a close, Houston was relentless in their attacks. Daly even attempted a bicycle kick in the box, but her - and the rest of the Dash - attempts were unable to find the back of the net. It seemed as though the game would end in a scoreless draw, but in the two-minute stoppage time allotted, Spencer became a hero. The forward was left completely unmarked right outside of the six yard box, allowing herself to volley in her first goal of the season before Williams could even make a save. Moments later, the whistle blew and Orlando bagged three points.
What this means for both teams
The Orlando Pride are now tied for fourth with the Western New York Flash after this match. The Houston Dash stay at eighth on the table, still a mere three points above the Boston Breakers. The much needed win for the Pride soars their confidence going into their home stretch of matches. Meanwhile, the Dash extend their losing streak to five matches. There are even more questions are popping up for them as everything but finishing seemed to be going right for them tonight.
The Orlando Pride are at home once again this Sunday, June 26 as they take on first place Portland Thorns. The Houston Dash have a bit of a break, but are back in action on Saturday, July 9 as they travel to New Jersey to face Sky Blue FC.