All pictures property of Loud and Proud Orlando and 181 Creative.
A tough loss and the end of a seven game unbeaten streak for the Orlando Pride. Orlando generated plays unfortunately an OL Reign with tons of world class talent, was victorious. A goal by Megan Rapinoe in stoppage stunned Exploria Stadium.
In the first half, the game was very back and forth but nevertheless, OL Reign dominated the attacking chances from the get go. Orlando’s mid had chances but were very sloppy in transition and started to turn over the ball constanly. OL Reign created chances through Rose Lavelle that carved Orlando’s backline, Megan Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock. In the 15th minute, Huitema almost puts the Reigns up on the scoreboard after a beautiful Fishlock cross, but Erin McLeod came up big with the save.
In the 21st minute, Viviana Villacorta was subbed out due to injury. According to club sources, it was a left ankle injury. Mikayla Cluff came into the game and gave the Pride more control of the mid. Before the end of the half, the Reigns were the better team. Until, a very resilient Orlando Pride, scored the first goal of the night. In the 37th minute, Meggie Dougherty Howard with a shot from distance, that deflected on Cook, went past Tullis-Joyce and the Pride had the lead. Exploria erupted. Despite the Pride having more possession of the ball during the first half (50%-49%), the Reigns had the most chances to score.
In the second half, Ally Watt was subbed in the game for Orlando. It was her second game and her first in front of the Black Swans. Kylie Strom defensively was spot on but, the rest of the backline was not able to assist her on neutralizing OL Reign’s transition attacks through the wings. Kylie needed more help. In the 56th minute, OL Reign leveled the score. A bad clearance by the Pride generated for Rapinoe to throw a superb cross to Balcer and the striker scored. The equalizer goal switched the momentum to the visitors, and you started to see world class plays by Rose Lavelle, who had a shot that hit the crossbar, as well both Fishlock and Rapinoe exploiting Orlando’s left flank. In 67th minute, Tymrak generated a dangerous play with Ally Watt but unfortunately, Watt’s shot went over the crossbar. The game at that point became back and forth and the Pride created a couple of more chances in attack but they were not able to capitalize on their chances. In stoppage time, Huerta sent a great ball to Rapinoe that made a run and sealed OL Reign’s 2-1 win at Exploria Stadium.
Interim Head Coach Seb Hines:
“[It was] a big challenge for us, we said that [it would be] going into the game. Reign are a top team in this league with really, really talented players. It was probably our biggest test in the run of games that we have had recently. I thought we started the game slow and scared. Our message at halftime was do what we have been doing well to get to this point. I thought the second half was better and it is a sucker punch at the end because I felt like we were starting to get momentum and we looked like the team that was going to get the winning goal, but football is a cruel game at times. It is a learning moment for all of us.”
Despite the result, Orlando Pride show that same “take no prisoners” mentality throughout the game. A super resilient squad in which every single player, does anything in their power to win, no matter the opponent. The Pride will face the Thorns on September 9th at Exploria Stadium.
Vamos Orlando!
