Sydney Leroux
has a goal and an assist in the Orlando Pride’s 2-1 victory over the Washington Spirit.
Entering their game against the Washington Spirit at Orlando City Stadium, the Orlando Pride knew they had to turn things around to keep themselves in the playoff picture.
Back-to-back home losses have seen the Pride slowly slide down the standings, but on Saturday night, the Pride delivered a much-needed win.
A late goal from Marta sealed the Orlando Pride’s 2-1 victory over the Spirit.
The Pride (7-5-4, 25 points) opened the game dominating the final third, but the Spirit opened the scoring in the 26th minute when a corner kick from Whitney Church connected with Ashley Hatch, who headed the ball into the net for the lead.
The goal snapped Washington’s scoring drought of 476 minutes without a goal.
Orlando tied the game before halftime when a ball played from Alanna Kennedy into the penalty area found Sydney Leroux, who made a quick turn to strike toward the far post and past Aubrey Bledsoe for the equalizer.
It was Leroux’s fifth goal of the season.
With the match looking like it was heading toward a draw, Marta scored the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute after a solo effort saw her beat a defender and strike the ball toward the upper-left corner, off the crossbar and into the net for the 2-1 lead.
The victory snapped Orlando’s two-game losing streak.
Camila, who’s been recovering from a knee injury since October, made her first appearance of the season for Orlando. The Brazilian entered for Emily van Egmond in the 65th minute.
Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, who played for the Pride last year, made her first return to Orlando on Saturday and finished with 10 saves.
The Spirit (2-10-4, 10 points) saw their winless streak stretch to seven games.
Alex Morgan, who was listed as questionable entering Saturday’s game, did not play due to a right calf strain.
Danica Evans also did not play because of an excused absence.
Up next, Orlando embarks on a two-game road swing, beginning with the Houston Dash Wednesday at BBVA Compass Stadium at 8:30 p.m.
The Pride finish their stretch against the Utah Royals next Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium at 7 p.m.