The Orlando Pride were down six players due to international preparations for the Olympics, including Alex Morgan. They had a goalkeeper making her first start of the year. They had a team that had not won a road game in several seasons now. If there was a time to be down so many key players, this would have appeared to be it.
Quickly, it was apparent this patchwork team needed a little more time together. A little more urgency and a little more communication to make things work. Until the Olympic break is over, the Pride are going to be looking for help and a spark somewhere.
Even if it has to come very late in the game.
After giving up a fifth minute goal on a miscommunication and botched save from goalkeeper Kaitlyn Savage freed up an empty net for Mollie Pathman to give the Boston Breakers a 1-0 lead.
It stayed that way the entire game as the Orlando Pride had bursts of threatening play, but could not quite get over the hump. Not until the final minutes.
In the 90th minute Kristen Edmonds lined up a free kick from just outside the box and put it into the upper 90 to secure a 1-1 draw seemingly at the death.
The momentum had turned and Orlando pressed for the winner as Boston sat back, seemingly happy for a road draw. That pressure was worth it as the Breakers’ keeper failed to clear the ball and it fell to Leah Fortune, playing her first game for Orlando.
She one timed the pass over the defense to Edmonds running behind. She skillfully chipped the ball over the keeper as she took a nasty hit, securing the 2-1 win on the final kick at Camping World Stadium.
This strike…wut.
?: @BHSN #ORLvBOS | 1-1 pic.twitter.com/DODY6BpVEa
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) July 10, 2016
90+' YES. YES. YES.
?: @BHSN #ORLvBOS | 2-1 pic.twitter.com/0qW7VuUAny
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) July 10, 2016
Orlando certainly looked a bit short handed and struggled to get great opportunities despite winning possession. Getting this result was deserved but very hard fought. It was a tough one to earn.
The Pride showed their resolve with a short-handed roster and scored an important victory to keep pace in the NWSL. The road the next game or so is going to remain difficult as many of their top players will be out of action. Orlando is just surviving right now.
And certainly winning on the last kick and needing two stoppage-time goals is more than surviving.
Kaka names to Fan XI
Kaka has missed nearly half the season for Orlando City so far this year. But, like so many All-Star Games, that decision often comes down to popularity.
And Kaka is still very very popular.
He was named to the starting midfield for this month’s MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal of the Premiere League. Kaka was named the MVP of last year’s All-Star Game.
