June 3, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Orlando Pride News Release
HOUSTON, Texas – Orlando Pride (2-3-2, 8 points) fell for the first time on the road this campaign, dropping a 5-0 decision to the Houston Dash (3-1-2, 11 points) on Friday night at PNC Stadium.
The match served as the first of three on the road for the Pride in the month of June, set to return to the pitch on Sunday, June 12, taking on the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium in a 6 p.m. ET kickoff.
Orlando Pride Head Coach Amanda Cromwell:
“This is a tough one to talk about because I thought we had good energy to start the game. It was a little bit methodical both ways, I think both teams were feeling each other out. When they scored, I don’t think our response was good enough. [We needed to] pick up the energy, pick up the level. Conceding multiple goals again in the first half puts you in a bind so we changed things up. I am always a coach that is going to go for it. I would rather lose 5-0 trying to get back and get some goals, than stay at 3-0 and stop trying. We changed formations, obviously we were pushing. I think we hit the post, had some chances, but nothing fell our way tonight. Everything they touched in the box was golden and it just feels pretty bad.”
Scoring Recap:
27′ Nichelle Prince – HOU 1, ORL 0
The home side took the lead with Nichelle Prince getting in behind the Pride defense down the right flank, able to control it just long enough to send her shot into the back of the net.
32′ Rachel Daly (María Sánchez) – HOU 2, ORL 0
Houston doubled its advantage shortly thanks to a lofted ball from María Sánchez finding the head of Rachel Daly in between a pair of Pride defenders, who was able to hit it home on the run for the finish.
39′ Nichelle Prince (Marisa Viggiano) – HOU 3, ORL 0
The Dash added another with Marisa Viggiano finding Prince down the left flank. The Canadian international was able to cut back inside before sending in a cross that took a deflection…