Pride draws 0-0 against Thorns to continue their fight for a place in the Playoffs

Written By:  Rafael Morazzani
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(Photo Credit: James Leyva/ The SkyBoat)

(Orlando, FL) Orlando Pride tied 0-0 after facing Portland Thorns FC at the Orlando City Stadium. Pride is still fighting to clinch a point in the playoffs and waits for Seattle Reign to draw or lose.

Neither Orlando Pride nor Portland Thorns could score Saturday afternoon. Orlando dominated the reins of the game and suppressed Thorns’ game. Portland managed to create a few chances, but nothing alarming for Orlando.

Five minutes into the game, forward Chioma Ubogagu had the first chance for the home girls. The 25-year-old shot with her left-foot from outside the box and the ball went over the goal.

In minute 12, forward Marta threw a ball to forward Alex Morgan. The USWNT international was face to face with Portland’s goalkeeper, Adrianna Franch, but her shot went directly into her hands.

In the 34th minute, Morgan stroke from outside the box with her left-foot. Franch had to dive into her left side to save the ball by sending it to a corner kick.

Minute 40 was witness of the clearest chance for the visiting side for the whole game. Midfielder Ashleigh Sykes connected a pass with forward Hayley Raso who returned the ball to the midfielder. Sykes ran her way into the box and shot as she was face to face with Pride’s goalkeeper and captain, Ashlyn Harris. The keeper intercepted the shot, but the ball still in its way into the goal. However, defender Camila scooped the ball out.

In the post-game press conference, Camila addressed the media speaking on her save and Harris “That was for Ashlyn, she made the defense. I am happy for that, but it is on her…”

After four minutes into the second half, defender Stephanie Catley fell and had to be attended by the medical team. A minute later, she stepped out of the field and had to be substitute by Jasmyne Spencer.

“Nothing serious she has a little knee issue, but it is not major…” said Orlando Pride head coach, Tom Sermanni, about Catley’s injury. “It is not a strain or anything like that…”

On minute 69, Thorns Amandine Henry received the ball at the verge of the box. The player, who came as a substituted nine minutes earlier, shot but the ball went very wide from Harris’ goal.

The match registered a total of fourteen shots (two on target) for Orlando Pride and 51% of ball possession. Whereas, Portland Thorns FC shot five times (one on target) and had 49% of the ball possession.

This was the first time in ten games that Orlando Pride does not score in a match.
“Obviously we would like to be a field scoring team…but it comes a time that has to be balanced with pragmatism…” said Sermanni.

Orlando Pride starting XI: [G] Ashlyn Harris (C); [D] Kristen Edmonds, Monica, Ali Krieger, Stephanie Catley; [M] Camila, Alanna Kennedy, Dani Weatherholt; [F] Chioma Ubogagu, Alex Morgan, Marta.

Portland Thorns FC starting XI: [G] Adrianna Franch; [D] Katherine Reynolds, Emily Sonnett, Emily Menges, Meghan Klingenberg; [M] Lindsey Horan, Allie Long, Ashleigh Sykes, Nadia Nadim; [F] Christine Sinclair, Hayley Raso.

Orlando Pride will play their last game of the regular season on September 30th, 2017 at the WakeMed Soccer Park against North Carolina Courage. Meanwhile, Portland Thorns FC will finish the season at their home stadium, Providence Park, on September 30th, 2017 against Chicago Red Stars.

The match had a registered attendance of 7,353.

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