SANFORD, Fla. (March 3, 2021) — Orlando Pride welcomed its first opponent of the 2021 preseason on Wednesday afternoon, facing new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Kansas City at the Orlando Pride Training Ground at Sylvan Lake Park. The Pride controlled the tempo for much of the match, with a number of opportunities, but could not break through and fell 1-0.
Early into the match, third-year player Marisa Viggiano looked to find Sydney Leroux in the box, but her header sailed high. Later, in the second half, Leroux had another opportunity after being slipped in by Alex Morgan but the KC goalkeeper came up with a big stop at point blank range. Viggiano looked to again provide service in the 55th minute, but Morgan was unable to get around on the ball.
Pushing for an equalizer, the Pride nearly tied things up in the 80th minute after Crystal Thomas danced to the endline and crossed to Erika Tymrak on the doorstep, but the KC netminder was in the perfect position to make the stop.
Pride goalkeeper Brittany Wilson, who alongside Morgan played all 90 minutes, did not face many shots but came up with a big double save midway through the first half.
Despite limited chances on net, the visiting side took advantage of an opportunity in the 58th minute, scoring the lone goal of the match off the foot of Raisa Strom-Okimoto.
The Pride will face their next preseason test on March 13, traveling to face NCAA powerhouse Florida State University. The complete Pride preseason schedule can be found here.
Teams 1 2 F
Orlando Pride
0 0 0
Kansas City
0 1 1
Scoring Summary:
KC - Raisa Strom-Okimoto (Gaby Vincent) 58’
Orlando Starting XI/Substitutions: Gunny Jónsdóttir (Jordyn Listro 67’), Ali Krieger (Konya Plummer 45’), Sydney Leroux (Erika Tymrak 63’), Marta (Crystal Thomas 67’), Phoebe McClernon (Toni Pressley 63’), Jade Moore (Meggie Dougherty Howard 63’), Alex Morgan, Courtney Petersen (Carrie Lawrence 52’), Ali Riley (Ally Haran 67’), Marisa Viggiano (Chelsee Washington 67’), Brittany Wilson
