Don’t Call it a Comeback
Sydney Leroux’s game-tying goal against Racing Louisville was not only the latest goal in Orlando Pride history, but it was her fourth time this season securing a result for the Pride. The exact time of the goal was 93:19 which bested the previous latest goal in Club history which was scored by Kristen Edmonds at 93:02 in a 2-1 victory over Boston in July 2016.
Leroux has been responsible for three game-winners for the Club across all competitions this year to add to last Friday’s last-minute equalizer, including in the Pride’s last matchup against the Thorns on May 26. With the finish, Leroux enters the weekend tied with Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch and North Carolina Courage forward Lynn Williams with five goals this season.
Kornieck’s Assists
Taylor Kornieck provided the assist to Leroux’s stoppage time stunner, a slight headed flick on Ashlyn Harris’ distance service, marking her third helper on the season. That ties her with teammate Marta and North Carolina’s Carson Pickett at the top of the league leaderboard. Kornieck and Marta also have a goal apiece this season.
Possible Debut
The Pride’s most recent signing forward Jodie Taylor could make her Orlando debut on Sunday in Portland. Taylor was a member of the Thorns in 2015, where she made seven appearances and tallied three goals. The last time Taylor made an appearance in NWSL regular season play was against the Pride, in 2019 where she netted a goal for OL Reign.
Save of the Week
Ashlyn Harris was awarded Save of the Week in week seven for her heroics against North Carolina. Harris saved her first penalty of the season, and third of the calendar year for the Pride. This is Harris’ third time this season winning the award and the fourth time this season that a Pride goalkeeper has won the award.
About Last Time
The Thorns traveled to Orlando earlier this season when the two Club’s met in the third week of regular season play. Orlando’s Alex Morgan and Portland’s Simone Charley found the back of the net in the first half, knotting the game up right before halftime. After a go-ahead goal right after the start of the second half by Sydney Leroux, the Pride were able to hold on for the Club’s first victory over Portland since May 12, 2018 and the first-ever victory over the Thorns at Exploria Stadium.
Appearing in Purple
Amy Turner appeared in her second match for the Pride, subbing in during the 59 minute against Louisville. She had previously made her debut for the Pride on July 4th, also her birthday, against the North Carolina Courage. Recent Signee Kylie Strom made her Pride debut during the Club’s last outing against Louisville. Strom subbed into the game during the 86th minute, just in time for the stoppage time, game-tying goal.
