May 10, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Orlando Pride News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Orlando Pride (0-1-1, 1 point) fell 4-2 to the host Washington Spirit (1-1-0, 3 points) on Wednesday night, in what marked the second match of the 2023 UKG Challenge Cup for both teams. With a heavily rotated lineup, the Pride took the lead early in the match and, despite falling behind in the first half, nearly rallied to an equalizer but a late insurance goal from the Spirit sealed all three points for the home side.
The night saw the first-ever career starts for three Pride players in rookies Amanda Allen and Brianna Martinez, as well as second-year player Haley Bugeja.
Rookie Tori Hansen scored the opening goal for the Pride, the first of her professional career, with Ally Watt adding the team’s second, her second over as many Challenge Cup matches. Midfielder Summer Yates earned the assist on Watt’s goal, with the pair combining previously in the Club’s opening Challenge Cup match for a score.
Scoring Summary:
10′ Tori Hansen – ORL 1, WAS 0
The Pride took the early lead off the corner kick, leading to a loose ball in the box that eventually fell to the foot of Tori Hansen, who flicked it in with the back heel for her first professional goal.
33′ Lena Silano – ORL 1, WAS 1
The Spirit leveled thanks to a ball that was blocked by the Pride defense, eventually landing outside the area for Lena Silano, who cut it to her right foot before slotting her shot into the far post from right outside the box.
38′ Sam Staab – WAS 2, ORL 1
The home side took the lead off a free kick from the right edge of the area, with Sam Staab sending in a curler straight to the far post.
42′ Marissa Sheva (Chloe Ricketts) – WAS 3, ORL 1
Washington added to its lead with another effort from outside the box, this time coming at the left edge of the area off a strike from Marissa Sheva that sailed into the right top corner of the net.
49′ Ally Watt (Summer Yates) – WAS 3, ORL 2
The Pride halved the deficit shortly after halftime, with Summer Yates winning the ball at midfield and fending off her defender before sending a long ball over the top for a running Ally Watt. Watt sped by a Washington defender and took a touch before sending her shot into the bottom right corner for the finish.
90+4′ Ashley Sanchez (Riley Tanner) – WAS 4, ORL 2
With the Pride pushing for an equalizer, the home side added an insurance goal late after intercepting a clearance from Kaylie Collins, which came with…
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