It wasn’t what we expected, but for the first time in 2017, Alex Morgan found the back of the net for the Orlando Pride. The goal came off of a penalty kick in the 38th minute, putting her team up 2-0 against FC Kansas City.
The goal takes some pressure off of Morgan, who played her first full game for the Pride on Saturday at Orlando City Stadium after playing 30 minutes against the Chicago Red Stars and then playing 60 minutes in last week’s match against the Washington Spirit. Her goal was one of four tallies to come for the Pride that night as the team went on to collect a 4-1 victory and a much-needed three points at home.
“I think there was a lot of positive things from tonight’s game,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said after the match. “We needed to put on a performance for the people of Orlando, for the supporters and for everybody in the community. I think we did that tonight.”
Morgan might not have scored from the field of play, but her presence on the field was monumental to the victory. She drew the penalty that led to her goal, giving her team the huge leap from a one goal lead to a two goal lead. With her playing front and center, Morgan helped lead the offense and create shooting chances that led to goals from Alanna Kennedy, Toni Pressley, and Kristen Edmonds in addition to herself. With Morgan now fit and ready to be in the starting lineup, Sermanni thinks we have only seen the beginning of what we can expect from her.
“I think what you saw tonight was a glimpse of Alex,” Sermanni said. “I think we’re beginning to see the impact she can have in this team with the players that we now have.”
