Orlando Pride vs. CF Monterrey Femenil: Photo Gallery

With seven players representing their various countries at the Olympics, the Orlando Pride had to find a different source of firepower against C.F. Monterrey in their second Summer Cup group match. The Pride seized their opportunity to show off the massive potential awaiting behind the normal starters, with Alex Kerr, Evelina Duljan, Cori Dyke, and Ally Lemos all demonstrating their promise for the full 90 minutes. Kerr and Duljan especially shone, consistently taking on and beating defenders throughout the game.

The Pride had to level twice — first through Kerr’s moment of brilliance and late on a Julie Doyle tap-in of a seeing-eye Celia cross to force penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw. Clearly the team practiced this week, confidently making all five attempts, with goalkeeper Sofia Manner coolly reading Merel van Dongen’s panenka attempt for an easy save to give the Pride the extra point.

Inexperience showed at times, and fitness was tested, but the youngest Pride players showed the grit that has become the hallmark of the Seb Hines era. Orlando will next face Racing Louisville on tonight to round out group play. Due to the strange structure of the tournament (only four of the five group winners will advance), the Pride really need a win in order to have hopes of advancing.

We hope that you enjoy the images of the Pride’s first match against an international opponent.