In the team’s first tests of the 2023 season, the ladies are going to learn how to respond to their first loss of the 2023 season, as they fell by a final of 2-1 against the Orlando Pride in NWSL action on Saturday night.
At the start of the night, it was all Orlando as they controlled both the pace and possession. The Pride put up some impressive numbers, as they had a 60% possession total as well as ten final third entries and three touches inside the opponent’s box.
Eventually the Spirit started to gain their offensive momentum thanks to a great connection by Paige Metayer, as she had a beauty of a pass to Ashley Sanchez in the 17th minute.
In the cage Aubrey Kingsbury showed great skill by making a save from Orlando Pride’s Messiah Bright. Bright has been playing very well for the Pride as she leads Orlando with two goals this season.
It was the penalty kick that set the stage for the first goal of the night, as Brazil soccer-legend Marta, who is also a six-time FIFA World Cup Player of the Year, converted from her position around the 23 minutes for her first goal since October 2021. Marta always plays well against the Spirit, as she now has nine total goals against the team.
Sam Staab got her squad right back into it, as she got the game-tying goal in the 28th minute, with a head that was inside the box. The goal for Staab is the first of the 2023 regular season. Staab has been playing well for the Spirit as she has now scored at least once in every regular season of her career.
After some tremendous soccer by both clubs, it was Orlando that was eventually rewarded for their fine play, as in the 77th minute. The game-winning goal came from Kylie Strom, notching her second goal since joining the Orlando roster.
There was a ton of heart shown by the Spirit as the match worn on, but eventually the Orlando defense stood tall and got the well-earned three-points.
Now the ladies are going to see if they can rebound in front of their home crowd at Audi Field, as they host East Coast Rivals NJ/NY Gotham on Sunday, May 28. The start of that match is set for 5:00 p.m.
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