Pride Prevail in Extra Time Against Houston

Pride delivered victory in a thrilling encounter against the Houston Dash, securing a dramatic 1-0 win thanks to Cori Dyke's stoppage-time goal. The match saw a tale of two halves, with a somewhat lackluster opening period giving way to a dominant second-half performance by Orlando. Head Coach Seb Hines's strategic squad rotation, initially resting key players such as Marta and Barba Banda, set the stage for a late surge. The first half was characterized by midfield battles, with neither side registering significant offensive pressure, and Orlando only attempting five total shots in the entire game, all coming after halftime.

The turning point arrived with Hines's halftime substitutions, notably the introduction of Barba Banda and Cori Dyke. Their immediate impact was evident; Banda, despite coming on as a substitute, led the team with 5 shots attempted and 2 shots on target, showcasing her offensive prowess. Dyke proved equally influential, contributing 6 shot-creating actions and ultimately scoring the decisive goal, her first for the Season. As the game progressed, further substitutions like Marta and Prisca Chilufya continued to tilt the field in Orlando's favor, with the Dash seemingly intent on a scoreless draw.

The climax of the match unfolded in a tension-filled eight minutes of second-half stoppage time. The persistent pressure from the Pride finally paid off when Summer Yates, who was on the field for 37 minutes, found space for a cross. This cross, after a defensive touch, found Cori Dyke, who despite a difficult touch, managed to force the ball into the net. The goal, scored in the 98th minute, sealed a crucial three points for the Pride. This hard-fought victory, coming before a two-week road trip and an extended summer break, underscores the team's resilience and the decisive impact of strategic player management.