Lloyd’s injury to knee adds anxiety to loss Dash update

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Dash’s bid to build on the momentum from their season-opening victory came up short Saturday night, but that might not be the club’s most pressing matter.

The Dash await news on an injury to reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd in a 3-1 loss to the expansion Orlando Pride.

Lloyd, a forward, hurt her right knee in the first four minutes of the match. She played until the 14th minute and later was seen on the sideline icing her knee and signing autographs after the game. Lloyd, 33, was set to have an MRI exam on Sunday.

“Thank you all for the support,” Lloyd tweeted after the match. “This won’t stop me. … I will be OK.”

Saturday’s match at the Citrus Bowl will be remembered for good news, at least for the home club. The match drew an National Women’s Soccer League-record 23,403 fans.

Orlando (1-1-0) scored first in the opening minute of the second half when Dash midfielder Andressa deflected a cross into her net for an own-goal. The Pride scored the winner 10 minutes later on Lianne Sanderson’s free kick. Alex Morgan gave Orlando a 3-0 lead in the 60th minute.

Andressa scored for the Dash with a shot from well outside the penalty box in the 75th minute.

The Pride roster includes three players who competed for the Dash — Becky Edwards, Toni Pressley and Kaylyn Kyle.

The Dash (1-1-0) opened the season with a 3-1 win over Chicago on April 16