Minutes after kickoff both teams off to a great start with the ball on both ends of the field. Sky Blue FC had a few key opportunities in the box with shots fired and set pieces as did the Orlando Pride. The ball switched fields several times, and possession was not one sided. In the 44th minute, the Orlando Pride capitalized on a Free Kick outside the box by defender Kristen Edmonds. This gave the Pride a 1-0 lead at the half.
In the second half, Sky Blue FC quickly separated themselves from the competition. Forward Samantha Kerr found the back of the net two minutes into play to tie the game at one. Six minutes later, Sky’s Maya Hayes blazed by Orlando’s defense and fired the ball behind keeper Ashlyn Harris to put 2 up on the scoreboard. Sky Blue FC quickly controlled the remainder of the half with intensity as Orlando Pride soon ran out of gas. Orlando struggled stringing passes together and creating substantial opportunities the second 45 minutes of the match clearly leaving them frustrated. The Sky Blue FC came out on top with a 2-1 victory over the Orlando Pride.
“We played a team that is well organized and has very good defenders. We studied and worked on some things this week, we had some good opportunities, but we fell to suicidal defending on the two goals, things that should never happen at this level.” Said Orlando Pride’s Head Coach Tom Sermanni post game.
The Orlando Pride will finish their season at home with the next and final match Saturday, September 24th at 5 PM ET at Camping World Stadium.
