LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Orlando Pride had the lead but gave it up in stoppage time in its opening match of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup settling for a 2-2 draw with NWSL expansion side Racing Louisville FC.
It took Louisville just 12 minutes to score its first competitive goal when Emily Fox’s through-ball found Cece Kizer. Kizer took a touch to control and then sent it into the back of the net.
Right before half-time Orlando scored its first challenge cup goal. Meggie Dougherty Howard received ball from Marisa Viggiano. Standing on the right side of the box she floated it over the defense to find Taylor Kornieck who scored her first professional goal.
Two minutes from time Dougherty Howard was the provider again as she sent the ball for Abi Kim, allowing her to lift it over the keeper for another first professional goal.
Just when it all seemed like the Pride was going to seal its first Challenge Cup win, the clock in stoppage time, Louisville popped up with a late equalizer. Savannah McCaskill’s free kick wasn’t dealt with well, allowing Freja Olofsson to get a touch, keeping it alive, allowing Brooke Hendrix to pounce and slam home to take the point.
“We’ll take a result, we always knew we were going to fight against the crowd as well as the team that we were going to play against. We showed real quality at moments, and it will increase and get better as we go throughout the games. I’m really pleased with how the players came from behind, showed the resilience that we’re trying to work on them for. We’re disappointed to give a goal away at the end.”
Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner
In truth the equalizer was no less than Louisville deserved, it was an even match, with few chances, while Orlando could have made a case for the win, Louisville would certainly have felt aggrieved if that was how it played out.
There will be a quick turn around for the Pride, which has its first home match of the tournament on Wednesday against NY/NJ Gotham FC.
Florida Soccer Report 