Louisville, Kentucky – The Orlando Pride battled to a 2-2 draw against newcomer Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium in their NWSL home debut. The match is also a part of the opening weekend of the NWSL Challenge Cup.
Orlando took the field with seven new members to the club, five making their NWSL debut. It was a great night for Taylor Kornieck and Abi Kim, who scored the Pride’s pair of goals on the evening, the finishes coming in their respective NWSL debuts.
For Louisville, CeCe Kizer scored the first goal in club history , assisted by No. 1 overall pick Emily Fox. Kornieck leveled the game for the the Pride right before halftime. Meggie Dougherty Howard, who lofted a ball into the box, finding the head of Kornieck for the score.
In the 88th minute, Dougherty Howard slotted a ballin for Abi Kim, who roofed it first time over the head of goalkeeper Michelle Betos for the finish.
Louisville sealed the late equalizer in stoppage time with Brooke Hendrix getting on the end of a loose ball in the box following a free kick from Savannah McCaskill.
“I’m really pleased with how the players came from behind, showed the resilience that we’re trying to work on them for.” Said Orlando Pride head Coach Marc Skinner. “We’re disappointed to give a goal away at the end, but take nothing away from Louisville and the event tonight. It was a good experience for everyone.”
The Pride head home for their next match, a quick turnaround to face Ny/Nj Gotham (Formerly Sky Blue) on Wednesday April 14th at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
