Christen Press’ Game Winning Goal Tops Orlando Pride in Third Week of the NWSL
Orlando Pride were unable to get on the scoreboard as Christen Press broke the deadlock to give the Chicago Red Stars a win at Toyota Park. Alyssa Naeher finished the match with four saves to keep the clean sheet for the Red Stars as Orlando returns home to host Seattle Reign FC in Week 4 of the NWSL.
Soccer News: In its second road match of its inaugural season, Orlando Pride continued to build chemistry but were held scoreless by host Chicago Red Stars in Sunday’s 1-0 result. Orlando (1-2-0, 3 points) controlled possession for much of the match, but had difficulty solving Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who made four saves to keep the clean sheet.
“It was a frustrating match, to be honest. I thought, particularly the first half, I thought we dominated large parts of play but didn’t get anything for it and probably didn’t create enough chances for the possession we had,” said Pride head coach Tom Sermanni.
I thought the effort from the players was fantastic, and they kept going right until the end, and almost gave ourselves a chance to equalize. But our execution at critical times sort of let us down,” Sermanni continued.
Reigning NWSL Rookie of the Year Danielle Colaprico found Christen Press in the 65th minute, giving the Red Stars a 1-0 advantage after a scoreless first half. Colaprico found Press on a free kick, with Press making a well-timed run behind the Pride defense and lifting a shot past goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
Jasmyne Spencer, who entered the match as a substitute in the 73rd minute, came inches from pulling the game level in stoppage time but her low shot from the right skidded just beyond the far post. Sermanni praised Spencer for her play in the first weeks of the NWSL season, commenting on her pace and ability to win balls when going into tackles.
She’s been dynamite for us. She’s been electrifying in the first two games and we thought we had to change the system a little bit. We always knew she was going to come in after about 60 minutes and whatever game she’s come into or started this year, she’s created problems for the opposition.” stated Sermanni.
Harris had another impressive game between the pipes for the Pride, making five saves for the second-straight match including multiple key stops to keep her team within striking distance.
In one of Chicago’s few chances of the first half, Jen Hoy picked off a back pass from center back Laura Alleway and found Press streaking through the middle. Press fired a close shot on Harris but the goalkeeper was able to come off her line to deny her U.S. Women’s National Team teammate.
Harris made another two acrobatic stops in the second half, first parrying away a distance shot from Amanda DaCosta and later making a full-extension stop on a headed corner in the 79th minute.
In her first start of the season, forward Sarah Hagen used her height to win multiple aerial battles in the box – connecting on multiple crosses from Maddy Evans and Josée Bélanger – but Naeher was able to cover ground and make the stop on each of them.
Sermanni commented on the early season for Orlando Pride and the positive aspects that have come out of the first three weeks for the new club.
This is our third game as a brand new team. It’s not going to be perfect but I think, when you look at the three games we’ve played, we’ve given a really good account of ourselves. We’re giving ourselves chances to win,” stated Sermanni.
The Pride return to Camping World Stadium, formally known as the Orlando Citrus Bowl, for their next match, hosting Seattle Reign FC at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 8.
Source/Photo Credit: Orlando Pride
