With Orlando being at the bottom of the standings, a win from San Diego seemed to be the most viable option. That wasn’t the case, as the Pride blew the Wave out of the water with a 3-1 victory.
Here’s how the match went down on Sunday at the Snapdragon Stadium.
Starting XIs
San Diego Wave
Sheridan; McNabb, Girma (c), Riehl, Westphal, Shaw, Colaprico, Briede (Barcenas, 71′), Jakobsson (Turnbow, 80′), Doniak, Hill (Ali, 62′)
Orlando Pride
Moorhouse; Strom, Madril, Montefusco, McCutcheon, Villacorta, Cluff (Watt, 73′), Adriana, Tymrak (Listro, 79′), Marta (c), Bright
Match Highlights
The Wave took the initial lead in the 12th minute. Makenzy Doniak took the ball down the wing and sent it low into the box, where Jaedyn Shaw struck the ball to the near post, giving the West Coast team the 1-0 lead.
About 14 minutes later, Orlando tied the game up. After being awarded a corner kick, Brazilian Adriana whipped the ball in and found Mikayla Cluff at the back post, who headed it home.
A few minutes before the half-time whistle blew, Orlando took their first lead of the game. Viviana Villacorta placed a curling ball right on the head of Haley McCutcheon, who had a strong header to slot the ball into the back post past an outstretched Kailen Sheridan. Orlando led 2-1.
For the third and final goal of the game for the Pride, the team scored with about 20 minutes left in the game. Erika Tymrak sent a through ball to Adriana, who took a few savvy touches before slotting the ball into the back post.
Orlando took the 3-1 win from a huge team effort.
Player of the match
The Player of the Match would have to be Adriana.
The Brazilian joined Orlando this year as she reunited with compatriot Marta. Her savvy moves allow her to dribble by almost anyone and insert a nutmeg when necessary.
What’s up next?
Both teams return to the pitch on Saturday, May 6th. San Diego faces the Washington Spirit at 1pm Eastern, and the Pride face Racing Louisville at 7pm Eastern. US-based viewers can watch the San Diego game on CBS and the Orlando game on Paramount+.
International viewers can stream the games on NWSLsoccer.com.
