CARY, N.C. (March 23, 2019) - Orlando Pride played its first match of the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) preseason on Saturday afternoon, falling 4-0 to the North Carolina Courage. The Pride, who trained with all players in camp for the first time this preseason on Friday, traveled to the defending champions to play their first-ever preseason match against an NWSL side.
The match gave first-year Head Coach Marc Skinner the first opportunity to see his squad on the field, as the Club continues preparing for its first regular season game, which will be hosted at Orlando City Stadium on Sunday, April 14 against Portland Thorns FC.
Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner:
"I think North Carolina took chances we gave to them. What today was about was finding the best opposition, which they are clearly from their league status, and seeing how we can find a way around beating them. What we found today was lots and lots of learning experiences. Of course, the one thing I'll never be happy with is the result, I want to win every game, but I'm also three weeks into what we are trying to do. We put things in place today and I was really, really pleased with the girls' attitude toward doing that...I think from today, I've seen a lot of quality moments though obviously, the scoreline suggests differently."
Scoring Summary:
35’ Meredith Speck - NC 1, ORL 0
The Courage get on the board first after a clear attempt is blocked in the 18-yard box. Defender Meredith Speck found the ball at close range to put the home side up one.
61’ Jessica McDonald (Lynn Williams) - NC 2, ORL 0
Jessica McDonald adds a second goal for the Courage, sliding on a loose ball in the box.
69’ Lynn Williams (Leah Pruitt) - NC 3, ORL 0
Leah Pruitt finds Lynn Williams with a ball through the backline to make it 3-0.
89’ Julia Spetsmark (Liz Eddy) - NC 4, ORL 0
Midfielder Liz Eddy sends a ball over the top to Julia Spetsmark who beat second-half goalkeeper substitute Lainey Burdett.
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando Pride: GK Ashlyn Harris © (Lainey Burdett, NRI 74’); D Ali Krieger (Camila 81’), Toni Pressley, Shelina Zadorsky (Erin Greening, CDP 74’), Carson Pickett (Dani Weatherholt 46’); M Emily van Egmond (Bridget Callahan, NRI 74’), Alanna Kennedy (Joanna Boyles, NRI 81’), Marta (Marisa Viggiano, CDP 74’); F Rachel Hill (Caitlin Farrell, NRI 74’), Alex Morgan (Abby Elinsky, NRI 81’), Chioma Ubogagu (Danica Evans 81’)
Substitutes Not Used: None
North Carolina Courage: GK Steph Labbe (Kate Rowland 46’); D Merritt Mathias (Shannon Horgan 76’), Abby Dalhkemper (Ally Haran 76’), Abby Erceg © (Kaleigh Kurtz 76’), Meredith Speck (Hailey Harbison 46’); M Samantha Mewis (Liz Eddy 62’), Denise O’Sullivan (Lauren Milliet 76’), Crystal Dunn (Cari Roccaro 62’), Kristen Hamilton (McCall Zerboni 46’); F Jessica McDonald (Leah Pruitt 62’), Lynn Williams (Julia Spetsmark 76’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Adelaide Gay; D Julie King, Ryan Williams; M Heather O’Reilly, Peyton Perea
