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Orland Pride defeat KC 1-0 to stay unbeaten

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 30, 2021, Orlando Pride forward Marta #10 and Midfielder Desire Scott #11 fight for the ball during the match at Exploria Stadium (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

ORLANDO – The Orlando Pride (3-0-1, 10 points) defeated Kansas City (0-2-2, 2 points) 1-0 to take the top spot on the table. This is Orlando’s third consecutive win and 4th result to start the 2021 NWSL season.

The Pride scored the eventual winner in the 16th minute when both teams were battling for a ball in the box, right in front of goal. The ball, headed by Alex Morgan dropped by the line and Marta tapped it in just over the goal line. it was confusing, it took officials at least 10 minutes to credit the goal to Marta, and to describe that Morgan got the assist.

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 30, 2021, Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball #7 steals the ball from Orlando’s Talor Kornieck #22 at Exploria Stadium (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

For most of the first half, Orlando was on the press. Taylor Kornieck and the Pride’s midfield would find Morgan on a number of occasions, but Kansas City stood strong to keep the lead at one heading into halftime. Kansas City goalkeeper Abby Smith was put to work in the half, making three key saves, as Kansas City didn’t manage to make a single shot on goal in the entire first half.

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 30, 2021, Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan shoots a penalty against Kansas City at Exploria Stadium (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Kansas City cam out of the locker room ready to fight in the second half. Things took a turn in the 65th minute when Katie Bowen tripping up Alex Morgan in the box for a penalty kick. Morgan’s kick rolled wide to the post for no result.

The visitors would bring on Amy Rodriguez and Victoria Pickett in the 68th minute, in an effort to continue to apply the pressure and find an equalizing goal, and though the added energy and the feeling of danger to the game, they didn’t test Aslyn Harris since coming into the game.

Orlando, Florida, USA, May 30, 2021, Kansas City defender Rachel Corsie #2 makes a header towards the goal at Exploria Stadium (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Next up, the Pride head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Spirit on June 6th at 2pm ET. Kansas City will head home, hosting the Houston Dash on June 6th at 2pm ET.

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