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Orlando Pride vs Houston Dash: Final Score 1-1 as Taylor Kornieck Scores Late Equalizer

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3 years ago

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The Orlando Pride (6-5-7, 25 points) got a late header from Taylor Kornieck to draw with the Houston Dash (6-7-4, 22 points) 1-1 at Exploria Stadium this afternoon. Kornieck’s goal off a corner kick cancelled out an early strike by Houston’s Rachel Daly, claiming a point for each team.

The Pride only made one change to the starting lineup from last week’s 1-0 win over NJ/NY Gotham FC. After missing the last game with an injury, Amy Turner returned to the lineup, replacing Toni Pressley. Erika Tymrak remained in the lineup after a strong performance in New Jersey that included a stellar long-range goal.

The Dash got off to a fast start, putting the Pride on their back foot. The first chance for the visitors came inside the first minute, when Kristie Mewis received the ball on the left. With space in the box, Mewis fired on goal but her shot was wide of the target.

In the 10th minute, the Dash broke the early deadlock. After doing well to get in front of the defender, Ali Riley either took a heavy touch or tried a short pass to Turner but didn’t get enough on it. Either way, Daly reacted faster than Turner, ran in, and played it past Ashlyn Harris inside the far post for the opening goal.

“It was interesting because I thought we had a good warm up,” interim coach Becky Burleigh said about the slow start. “But I think it was a little bit of confidence. It was a little bit of tempo. It’s definitely something we’re going to go back and evaluate because we just can’t have that kind of start and expect to get good results.”

“It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is,” Meggie Dougherty Howard added. “But I think we just need to be confident from the first minute and I think it takes us a little bit of time to build that confidence through the game.”

The first chance of the game for the Pride didn’t come until the 27th minute. Marta dribbled through a pair of Dash defenders, before taking a long-distance shot from outside the box. The ball was easily collected by Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, but it was the first shot for the Pride.

The Dash nearly doubled their lead in the 36th minute. A Mewis corner was headed toward the far corner, but Harris got her hand to it and knocked it away. Unfortunately, the ball went directly to Shea Groom who fired right back on goal. Harris was in a seated position, but was still able to make the save, allowing the Pride to clear.

While the Pride got the ball briefly out of danger, it quickly re-entered the box and was at the feet of Mewis. The dangerous midfielder shot on goal, forcing Harris into another save, keeping the Pride’s deficit at one.

The Pride didn’t have many chances in the first half but did create some near the end. In the 42nd minute, Marta sent a dangerous cross into the box. Jodie Taylor was charging toward goal, but was unable to reach the pass as it sailed harmlessly out of play.

In injury time, the Pride had a pair of opportunities to equalize before the break. First, Gunny Jonsdottir received the ball outside of the box and fired on goal, but Campbell was able to easily catch it. A minute later, Sydney Leroux found space and shot toward the far post. The ball skipped past a diving Campbell, traveling just inches wide of the post.

Similar to the first half, it was the Dash who got the first chance of the second 45 minutes. In the 48th minute, Riley lost the ball to Nichelle Prince in her own third. Prince carried the ball into the box unimpeded, getting a shot on goal. However, Harris was there once again, getting low to make the kick save.

Already down a goal, the Pride suffered a difficult loss in the 60th minute. Jasmyne Spencer got in front of Harris on a Dash corner kick, forcing the Pride goalkeeper to go up and over the former Pride player. Harris dropped the ball, resulting in a scramble in front of goal that saw the ball hit the post.

When the ball was finally cleared, Harris went down in the box. The Pride medical staff attended to her head and neck area, even bringing on a stretcher. Once Harris got up on her own, she was given a concussion test and escorted off the field by the medical staff. Erin McLeod came on for the star goalkeeper, her first appearance for the Pride since June 23 in Kansas City.

“Besides being a little bit sore, I think that we’re out of the woods on that one,” Burleigh said about Harris after the game. “It was more scary at the time. When you have a head or a neck injury, there’s always some concern there.”

In the 79th minute, the Pride created a couple of chances that resulted in the equalizer. It started when Ali Krieger sent a long ball into the box, finding the head of second-half substitute Kornieck. The forward got her header on target, but Campbell was able to tip it over the crossbar.

Dougherty Howard found Kornieck again on the ensuing corner kick. Again, Kornieck put her header on target. Campbell got her hand on the ball, but tipped it against the underside of the crossbar. The Dash tried to clear but the ball snuck over the line for the equalizing goal.

“I’m feeling great,” Kornieck said about scoring her first goal at Exploria Stadium. “It’s been a long time coming. I’m happy for the team to play incredible, and I’m just really happy to get my first goal at Orlando stadium. It meant a lot to me to go in and score, finally, in front of our home crowd, I have no words for it. It just meant the world to me.”

After the Pride had lost one of its most important players earlier in the second half, the Dash nearly lost one of theirs. In the 82nd minute, a dangerous cross into the box found the head of Daly. However, Mewis was also going after the ball and Daly’s head slammed into the midfielder’s shoulder, sending her to the ground. Fortunately for the Dash, their first-half goal scorer was able to resume.

The 95-degree heat showed its impact in the final minutes of the game. The Harris and Daly injuries resulted in 10 minutes of second half injury time, but neither team was able to create a chance and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Pride led many statistical categories in this game, including possession (56%-44%), passing accuracy (78.6%-73.7%), total passes (485-380), and duels (55-43). The difference was in the final third, where the Dash were able to create chances and the Pride struggled. While the Pride were better in the second half, the Dash had more shots (11-8) and shots on target (5-4).

“Looking back on the game, I think we put ourselves in the hole a little bit,” Burleigh said about the performance. “Our start was not what we would hope for, but for the team to battle back and to deal with that adversity and for the people who came into the match, but there were some really strong performances from the reserves. I’d like to shout out Erin McLeod. That’s a tough situation to go into and her composure was incredible. Obviously, Taylor gets a goal coming off the bench. But, Toni Pressley played a big role coming off the bench as well so it’s great to see our reserves making such an impact.”

While the Pride would’ve preferred three points at home, especially having played two more games than multiple teams, it’s a needed point as they look to secure a playoff spot for only the second time in team history. The point keeps the team in fourth in the league, and three points ahead of today’s opponent.

“I think that we’re going to learn from this game,” Dougherty Howard said after the game. “And I think it’s been a little bit of a pain where we’re struggling to start our game strong and today we got punished. So, we were able to fight back and showed a lot of character and getting the result again, but bottom line, we need to start getting better and we know that and I think that’s going to be a real focal point going forward as we make this playoff push. But once we settle in, we show that we can play, and we can be confident on the ball, but we just have to do that from the first minute.”

The Pride will take the field again next Saturday night when they face Racing Louisville FC at Exploria Stadium at 7 p.m.

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Opinion

Three Orlando Pride Games to Circle on the Calendar

Let’s take a brief look at three games to pay extra attention to during Orlando’s upcoming NWSL campaign.

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22 hours ago

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January 24, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

We got the release of the Orlando Pride’s 2025 schedule on Wednesday, which means we’re that little bit closer to the start of the season on March 7. The nature of the 14-team National Women’s Soccer League means that there are fewer scheduling quirks than with the 30-team Major League Soccer, with each team playing the other 13 clubs twice each. Still, there’s plenty to dig into with regards to how the scheduling shakes out, and now that I’ve had time to examine what 2025 holds, I’ve got three games in particular that I’ve got circled on my match calendar. Behold.

March 7 — vs. Washington Spirit

You had to know this was coming, right? There’s so much to like about this game. Not only is it the home opener, but as the NWSL Challenge Cup match, it’s also a chance to win another piece of silverware in a rematch of last year’s NWSL Championship game. This game sells itself on just about every level imaginable. The Pride return almost everyone from a wildly successful 2024 season, and while there aren’t a ton of new signings to familiarize ourselves with, getting healthy versions of Grace Chanda and Simone Charley is essentially like getting two brand new players. It’ll be our first chance to gauge where the Pride stand as they try to continue on from the high standards that were set last year, and we should also get a couple new banners hoisted into the rafters. You can hardly ask for more than all that.

Aug. 16 — at Kansas City Current

The Current were excellent in 2024, finishing fourth and boasting the league’s best attack, with 57 goals scored in 26 games, for an over two goals per game average. The Pride, meanwhile, had the league’s third-best attack, with 46 goals, and the joint-best defense with just 20 conceded. Orlando never lost to Kansas City in 2024, as the Pride drew and won the regular-season contests and then won again in the semifinal matchup between the two teams. The pair have made a habit of putting on entertaining affairs, and with the match placed as one of the first ones to occur after the league’s July break, it might go a long way towards setting the tone for the back half of Orlando’s season.

Nov. 2 — vs. Seattle Reign

The NWSL is bringing back Decision Day this year, and the Pride have been blessed with a home game on the league’s final day of regular-season play. On paper, Orlando has also been handed a favorable matchup against a Seattle team that struggled last year and is in the midst of a rebuild. Given how tight the margins tend to be in the upper reaches of the league, every point takes on added importance, and playoff scenarios can swing wildly when everyone is playing at the same time. It’s always nice to be able to play at home in a situation that variable, and it can make for a truly memorable atmosphere that will (hopefully) set Orlando up for another postseason run on the right note.

It feels a little cheap to highlight the first and last games of the season, but I can’t help liking what I like. Are there any games that you’re especially looking forward to this season? Be sure to have your say down in the comments. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando Pride

A 2025 Orlando Pride Wish List

Four things I want for the Orlando Pride in 2025.

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2 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

I know that it probably seems greedy to ask for anything more after the Orlando Pride won both the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship in 2024, but I’m still going to do so. If the Pride want to repeat their success in 2025, they will need a little bit more than in 2024. Let’s look at my wish list for the defending champs.

No Banda Slump

Barbra Banda scored 12 goals with five assists in her first 12 matches with the Pride. She then scored one goal with one assist in the next 10 regular season matches. I know that players have slumps. Strikers in particular tend to be streaky when it comes to goal contributions. I’m just asking that Banda not have another slump quite that big in 2025.

It might be that teams did a better job of double- or triple-teaming her on defense. Perhaps she just got a little unlucky during the slump. Whatever the reason, I hope that her familiarity with her teammates, the league, and Seb Hines’ style of play allows her to significantly increase her goal contributions this season.

A Healthy Chanda and Charley

Neither Grace Chanda nor Simone Charley were able to see the pitch much for the Pride last season. That hopefully changes in 2025. Adding these two players is almost like signing new players, except they’ve been there for everything. There’s no need to adapt to the culture of the club, as they are already a part of it all.

Chanda not only brings international experience, but she has played with Banda for the Zambian National Team. I expect she’ll be able to make an immediate impact when she integrates into the attack. As for Charley, she will be yet another speedy striker the Pride can utilize in their potent attack.

Adding Depth Contributions

The 2024 season saw some players step up a level. Ally Watt had one of her best seasons, Summer Yates impressed everyone, and Cori Dyke earned a starting spot after an appearance on SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. If we can have other young players make the same type of jump in 2025, it bodes well for the club.

Despite having the best defense in the league, the Pride are a little light along the back. I’d like to see Brianna Martinez and new signee, Zara Chavoshi, make some noise on the back line when they get some minutes. There’s also the possibility of a non-roster invitee impressing enough to get a contract. Depth is incredibly important for a team looking to repeat.

Overcoming History

Winning back-to-back anything in any sport is difficult. Every other team will bring their best against you. The weight of expectations can also be very heavy. That being said, if any club can do it, this Pride team can.

The coaches and players already dealt with the pressure of the undefeated streak last season. They dealt with the pressure of winning the NWSL Cup after winning the NWSL Shield. They have dealt with plenty of pressure. Now, they will need to find the proper motivation to propel them to the top yet again. There will be no sneaking up on the league this year.

Those are some of the things I want to see in 2025, but I want to know your thoughts on these points. Perhaps you have some wishes of your own. Let me know in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

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Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Announce 2025 NWSL Schedule

We now know who, where, and when the Pride will play in 2025 as they seek to defend their two shiny trophies.

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3 days ago

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January 22, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

The National Women’s Soccer League schedule was released this afternoon, telling us who, where, and when the Orlando Pride will play this year as they look to defend their NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. The 2025 season once again includes a balanced schedule with each team playing the other 13 teams once at home and once away. As previously announced, the Pride will take part in the NWSL Challenge Cup against the Washington Spirit on March 7 at 8 p.m. at Inter&Co Stadium prior to the regular season.

The Pride will open the season at home against the Chicago Red Stars at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 14. The first road contest will take place on Sunday, March 23 at NJ/NY Gotham FC. Like last year, the season will end with a Decision Day matchup at home against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday Nov. 2 at a time to be announced later.

The postseason will start with the quarterfinals taking place Nov. 7-9, with matches televised on ESPN/ABC, CBS/Paramount+, and Prime Video. The semifinals will be played the weekend of Nov. 14-16 and broadcast on CBS/Paramount+ and ESPN/ABC. The final will take place in primetime and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

The Pride’s longest homestand this season will be just two games, which happens four times if counting the Challenge Cup match against the Spirit and season opener against the Red Stars. Orlando will host Washington and Angel City on April 19 and 25, respectively; the Utah Royals and Racing Louisville on Aug. 3 and 9, respectively; and Bay FC and the North Carolina Courage on Sept. 13 and 19, respectively.

The longest road trip this year will also be two games, occurring four times: at Portland and North Carolina May 3 and 10, at Bay FC and Louisville June 13 and 20, at Kansas City and Angel City Aug. 16 and 21, and at San Diego and Houston Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

There are no regular-season matches scheduled in July, meaning the league is taking a break for any potential summer international friendlies/tournaments or an as-yet-unannounced cup competition. The Pride’s busiest month will be August, in which they’ll play five matches, with three at home and two on the road. There will be four Pride matches in March (counting the Challenge Cup), May, and September; three each in April, June, and October, and one — the regular-season finale — in November.

Here’s the month-by-month breakdown for the regular season:

  • March – 3 (plus the Challenge Cup)
  • April – 3
  • May – 4
  • June – 3
  • July – 0
  • August – 5
  • September – 4
  • October – 3
  • November – 1

The most common day the Pride will play this year will be on Friday (11 times, or 12 times counting the Challenge Cup), including four consecutive Friday games late in the season. They’ll play 10 Saturday games, four Sunday matches, and once on Thursday (at Angel City Aug. 21).

Here is the Pride’s schedule by day in the regular season:

  • Friday – 11 (plus the Challenge Cup)
  • Saturday – 10
  • Sunday – 4
  • Thursday – 1

Pride games will air on various platforms again in 2025, including Prime Video, ESPN 2, ESPN, ION, NWSL+, Paramount+, CBS, and CBS Sports Network.

A new NWSL Rivalry Weekend has been added to the schedule in 2025. While the Pride have some rivalries growing naturally against Kansas City and Washington, they have been pitted against Racing Louisville for some reason. Both teams wear purple, I guess.

Fans who support both Orlando City and the Pride will be interested to know the teams play on the same day eight times this season, but only twice do the game times overlap — on May 3, when the Pride play at 7:30 p.m. at Portland and the Lions play at 8:30 p.m. at Chicago; and on May 10, when the Lions host New England at 7:30 and the Pride and Courage kick off in North Carolina at the same time. However, the teams cut it close a couple other times, with the Pride hosting the Washington Spirit at 5 p.m. April 19 and the Lions playing at Montreal at 7:30 p.m.; and on Sept. 13, with the Pride hosting Bay FC at 5 p.m. and Orlando City facing D.C. United at 7:30 p.m. The other four times the teams play on the same day, the kickoffs are at least three hours apart and as many as 10.5 hours apart (March 29).

2025 Orlando Pride Schedule (All Times Eastern)

  • Friday, March 7 — vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. (Prime Video) – NWSL Challenge Cup
  • Friday, March 14 — vs. Chicago Red Stars, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Sunday, March 23 — at NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • Saturday, March 29 — vs. San Diego Wave, 12 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Saturday, April 12 — at Seattle Reign FC, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, April 19 — vs. Washington Spirit, 5 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, April 25 — vs. Angel City FC, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Saturday, May 3 — at Portland Thorns, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, May 10 — at North Carolina Courage, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, May 16 — vs. Kansas City Current, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, May 23 — at Utah Royals, 9:30 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Saturday, June 7 — vs. Houston Dash, 7 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Friday, June 13 — at Bay FC, 10 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, June 20 — at Racing Louisville, 8 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Sunday, Aug. 3 — vs. Utah Royals, 6 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 — vs. Racing Louisville, 7:30 p.m. (ION)
  • Saturday, Aug. 16 — at Kansas City Current, 4 p.m. (CBS)
  • Thursday, Aug. 21 — at Angel City FC, 10:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)
  • Friday, Aug. 29 — vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Sunday, Sept. 7 — at Chicago Red Stars, 3 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Saturday, Sept. 13 — vs. Bay FC, 5 p.m. (ION)
  • Friday, Sept. 19 — vs. North Carolina Courage, 7:30 p.m. (NWSL+)
  • Friday, Sept. 26 — at San Diego Wave, 10:30 p.m. (NWSL+/Paramount+)
  • Friday, Oct. 3 — at Houston Dash, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Friday, Oct. 10 — vs. Portland Thorns, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 — at Washington Spirit, 12:30 p.m. (CBS)
  • Sunday, Nov. 2 — vs. Seattle Reign FC, TBA (broadcast platform TBA)
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