Seventh for Syd
Sydney Leroux scored her seventh goal of the season on Sunday in Chicago, claiming sole possession of the league lead for goals scored through 14 games. Seven goals is the most Leroux has scored in a season dating back to 2013, when she tallied 11 for the Boston Breakers. Seven goals is also the most a Pride player has scored in a single regular season since 2017.
A Number of Firsts
The Pride celebrated a number of firsts in the team’s win over Chicago. Jodie Taylor scored her first goal as a member of the Pride after she received the ball in the box from Ali Krieger, cutting to her right foot and slotting it past the keeper. Erika Tymrak recorded her first assist as an Orlando Pride member, supplying the assist to Sydney Leroux in the 89th minute to seal the game. The 2-0 victory also served as Becky Burleigh’s first win as the Pride’s interim head coach.
Against Portland
The Pride have faced Portland twice this season, splitting the series 1-1-0 with the home side claiming the victory in each. The Pride defeated the Thorns 2-1 with both Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux finding the back of the net on May 26 in what served as Orlando’s first victory against Portland since May 18, 2018 and the first-ever at Exploria Stadium. In the second matchup of the season, Portland took the victory, however Marissa Viggiano made history for Orlando with her 95th minute goal being the latest-ever goal scored for the Pride.
Speaking of Making History...
Ashlyn Harris recorded her 74th all-time regular season appearance for the Pride against Chicago this past weekend. Harris now holds the record for most appearances with the Club, which was previously held by former Pride midfielder Dani Weatherholt. Harris’ milestone performance was topped off with her second clean sheet of the season and fourth through all competitions this year. Harris was also nominated for Save of the Week after her heroics at Chicago. This is Harris’ seventh nomination for the award during the 2021 regular season.
Ali’s Assists
Ali Krieger recorded her second assist in as many games at Chicago when the defender assisted Jodie Taylor for the eventual game-winning goal. Krieger and Taylor previously played together in 2014 with the Washington Spirit, featuring on the pitch together over 20 times. This is the third season in Krieger’s time with the Pride that she has recorded at least two assists.
Orlando’s Olympians
All four of Orlando’s Olympians, including gold medalist Erin McLeod, bronze medalist Alex Morgan, Ali Riley and Marta will be honored Saturday night against Portland. Riley and Marta already made their post-Olympic debuts with their starts against the Red Stars last week. However, Saturday will be their first minutes at Exploria Stadium since Tokyo.
