Drama Unfolds as Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride Clash in NWSL Showdown; Marta's Performance Signals Playoff Intent
A thrilling encounter marked by lead changes and a stunning comeback saw Orlando Pride edge out Washington Spirit in a key NWSL matchup, setting the stage for the upcoming playoffs.
In a thrilling clash that lived up to its potential playoff-hype billing, the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride delivered an instant NWSL classic on Saturday on CBS. The third-place Pride secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over the second-place Spirit on the road at Audi Field.
In a match that was a wild roller coaster featuring lead changes, two own goals, and a decisive penalty that ultimately snapped the Spirit’s 12-game unbeaten streak, it was a crucial three points for Orlando, who are rallying into better form ahead of the NWSL postseason.
“Great game, great result. You know, we were disappointed with the goals that we conceded, but we showed a lot of resilience to come back and win the game. Credit to all the players, the staff, it鈥檚 been a journey to get here. We now hold our own destiny, trying to reach that top four spot,” said Pride head coach Seb Hines after the game.
Translation: “Great game, great result. You know, we were disappointed with the goals that we conceded, but we showed a lot of resilience to come back and win the game. Credit to all the players, the staff, it鈥檚 been a journey to get here. We now hold our own destiny, trying to reach that top four spot.”
The Spirit took control of the game in the first half and carried a narrow lead into halftime. The initial go-ahead goal was crafted by Italy international Sofia Cantore with a backheel.
OH SO CHEEKY CANTORE 馃ぉ
“Sofia with a 10/10 finish to put the Spirit BACK in front 鈥硷笍 pic.twitter.com/Q3TiWt2v6u”
(Translation: Sofia with a 10/10 finish to put the Spirit BACK in front)
The highlight-worthy goal was the last time the Spirit would lead the game. Orlando’s second-half comeback was sparked by Brazilian international Marta off the bench. The veteran player’s impact was instant, getting on the ball from the whistle and taking a cheeky shot that deflected off Spirit midfielder Narumi Miura and into the goal.
“ONE MINUTE IN AND ORLANDO HAS THE EQUALIZER 馃く… Get to CBS and @paramountplus NOW, this game is unreal 馃挮 pic.twitter.com/1kIQ2rYaKj”
(Translation: ONE MINUTE IN AND ORLANDO HAS THE EQUALIZER… Get to CBS and @paramountplus NOW, this game is unreal)
Marta later converted a game-winning penalty kick, sending goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury the opposite way. Ally Watt earned the penalty after a foul by Spirit defender Kysha Sylla.
“So cold 馃ザ… Marta gives the Pride their first lead of the afternoon from the spot 馃幆 pic.twitter.com/rAaHVgzcqf”
(Translation: So cold… Marta gives the Pride their first lead of the afternoon from the spot)
“To bring on a player with her quality, she鈥檚 an attacking player. She wants to get forward; she wants to score goals, you know, make an immediate impact off the bench. We have to manage her because she played high minutes on Wednesday night against Pachuca. We felt we needed a bit of a spark, and she certainly brought that,” added Hines.
The Pride, who struggled after returning from the mid-season break and lost their leading goal scorer Barbra Banda to a season-ending injury, are now on a four-game unbeaten streak with the playoffs just weeks away. They have three wins in their last five matches and will have a final regular-season game on November 2.
Fans eager to see the two sides battle again have hopes for a potential semifinal meeting, especially with Rodman being hoped back for the playoffs.
“Anytime we play Washington, it鈥檚 always an emotional game. It’s very competitive. Both teams are going after it. So, yeah, it鈥檚 for the neutrals. It was a good game,” joked Hines.
