ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2021) - Orlando Pride (6-5-6, 24 points) takes on the Houston Dash (6-7-3, 21 points) for the second time this season on Sunday, Sept. 5 at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff for the match is set for 4 p.m. ET, with the contest set to be nationally televised on CBS, with international viewers able to tune in on Twitch.
“When you look at Houston on paper, they’re an absolutely loaded team. Overall there are not a lot of weaknesses in their roster so we’re going to have to put our imprint on the game right from the start,” interim Head Coach Becky Burleigh said. “We’ll need to keep an eye on the dangers that they possess in the offensive end and they also got a boost recently on the defensive side with the addition of Abby Dahlkemper. But we’re coming off a big win last week, and at this point in the season every point is valuable, so we’re really excited to get back in front of our fans on Sunday.”
Sunday’s match, presented by Rasmussen University, will be the second meeting between the two sides this regular season, the first of which ended in a 2-1 Dash victory at BBVA Stadium. The Pride entered the second half down 2-0, but Gunny Jónsdóttir was able to pull one back, for what was her first goal as a member of the Orlando Pride. Orlando was unable to find an equalizer, dropping the team’s first decision of the season.
The Pride come into Sunday’s match looking to build off a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena last Sunday. After a scoreless first half, Erika Tymrak found the back of the net in the 49th minute for what would be her first goal as a member of the Pride. Sydney Leroux also recorded her first assist of the season, supplying the ball to Tymrak for the eventual game-winner.
Leroux continues to sit atop the league with seven goals on the season, tied with three other players in NWSL. Teammates Marta and Taylor Kornieck continue to lead the Pride in assists, each with three on the year.
Houston enters the matchup after a midweek 1-0 defeat against OL Reign. Bethany Balcer scored early for the Reign, with the Dash unable to find the back of the net in the contest.
Veronica Latsko and Rachel Daly lead the Dash with three goals apiece thus far in the season. Four players currently sit tied for the team-high in assists with two on the season.
Following Sunday’s match, the Pride return to Exploria Stadium to take on Racing Louisville. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available at Orlando-Pride.com or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
