ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Pride (2-2-2, 8 points) managed to pull out a 2-2 draw against the Washington Spirit (1-1-3, 6 points) at a Exploria Stadium on Friday night.
In the final minutes of stoppage time, Orlando managed to get back to back goals to secure the 1 point. This is the second time that the Pride has pulled out a draw in late minutes.
Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins scored the goals for Orlando in the final minutes. It was Jenkins first regular season score of her career, while it was her second as a pro for Cluff.
“I don’t think I have been so happy about a tie in my life.” said Pride Head Coach Amanda Cromwell “Equalizing is important. Especially going down, I thought we actually played very well that game for a majority. We had a couple turnovers and [Washington] finished really well. Good players are going to punish you for your mistakes so we have to just tighten up in our possession, especially in the defensive half.”
The game started with a lot of back and forth, both teams trying to feel each other out and get their footing.
Orlando Goalkeeper Erin McLeod charged towards a loose ball at the edge of the box and slid over the line while trying to secure it. The Orlando wall managed to block the free kick, but it certainly looked like a decent chance for the Spirit.
Washington finally scored in the 19th minute when Audrey Harding found Trinity Rodman with a cross pass. Rodman shot and angled shot into the lower left corner for the opening goal of the match.
The Spirit scored again in the second half, when Ashley Sanchez took a ball that deflected off the back of Viviana Villacosta and pushed it through to Ashley Hatch. Hatch kicked it in past McLeod for the 2-0 Lead.
Orlando kept the fight going until the bitter end.
In the 90+5 minute mark. Jordyn Listro started a run towards the end line. She lofted the ball into the box, where Washington Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury chased it. Cluff managed to get her head on the ball and send it past Kingsbury for the first Orlando Score.
Three minutes later, took a deflected cross from Julie Doyle and calmly tipped it in past Kingsbury for the equalizer.
Orlando will hit the road and head to Houston to take on the Dash on June 3 at PNC Stadium. Kickoff for the match is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
