Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 1-1 as Pride Battle for Road Point

For her first test of the season, Orlando Pride backup goalkeeper Caroline Stanley was up to the challenge.

Stanley, the Oklahoma City native, was called on in the 25^th minute for starter Ashlyn Harris who came out of the game following what appeared to be a hip injury on a free kick. Despite giving up an early goal, Stanley and the Pride defense held strong and Marta pulled a goal back in the second half to give Orlando a 1-1 draw away to Seattle Reign FC.

The Reign (2-1-3, 9 points) failed to capitalize on 12 corner kicks in the game. Orlando (1-2-3, 6 points) was unable to get the same offensive spark that led them to a 3-1 home win over league-leading North Carolina Courage last weekend.

After Harris came out, the Reign tried to test the back line and Stanley.

Stanley had her first test just a minute later as Jessica Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe combined to challenge five yards from goal, but Stanley pushed the ball away as Seattle was whistled offside.

Stanley was not as fortunate in the 42^nd minute after failing to get her punch of a cross clear of the box. Beverly Yanez redirected a shot off a corner into the back of the net as the Orlando line struggled to clear the ensuing scramble.

Despite several attacks on the other end of the field in the latter stages of the first half, Yanez’s goal stood at halftime.

In the first half, the Pride had just three shots on goal to Seattle’s five, but the Reign managed six corners in the half while Orlando had none.

In the start of the second half, Camila and Marta doubled to give the Reign defense challenges. Then, in the 51^st minute, Marta finally connected for a goal after a defensive miscommunication from the Reign back line gave her the opportunity to push the ball past Kopmeyer and tie the game, 1-1.

Defensive challenges continued for the Reign, leaving opportunities for Jasmyne Spencer in the 58^th and 60^th minutes with Kopmeyer having the stretch to push both balls away from goal.

Jamia Fields had a nearly open attempt at goal after Steph Catley put in a nice ball that went across the face of the goal. Fields stretched to put a toe on the ball, but Rachel Corsie pushed the ball out of play to preserve the 1-1 tie in the 66^th minute.

The Pride had to battle six more corner kicks in the second half, but Stanley pulled down saves on three different occasions, including twice where Rapinoe shot from point-blank range.

In the 87^th and 88^th minutes, Rapinoe challenged Stanley, but both balls went over the crossbar. Stanley was tested in the 92^nd minute by Fishlock, but scooped up the effort. Another effort by Fishlock off the head was right into the hands of Stanley to close out the game.

Seattle had 12 shots on goal for the game to the Pride’s nine. Both teams drew a pair of yellow cards.

Up Next:

The Pride will get back on the road next Saturday for a trip to face Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. It will be Orlando’s fifth road match in seven outings to start the 2017 NWSL season. Sky Blue FC defeated the Houston Dash, 2-1, on Saturday. Houston’s loss, coupled with Orlando’s draw, put the teams in a tie for eighth in the league but the Pride take the spot by virtue of a better goal differential.