The Orlando Pride dominated the visiting San Diego Wave for a victory but only by a slim margin, 1-0, on Friday night.
The game’s only goal came in the first half from forward Summer Yates for the Pride, who might have scored more often if not for Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan (seven saves).
Orlando (2-0-3, 9 points) had a 20-4 shots advantage over San Diego (1-2-1, 4 points) and an 8-1 edge in shots on target. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made one save in shutting out the Wave.
The Pride’s lone tally came in the 26th minute when a shot by Kerry Abello was saved by Sheridan and pushed into the path of Yates, who volleyed home the rebound to make it 1-0.
The goal was the first given up by San Diego in an NWSL road match since Aug. 25, 2023, when it allowed one in a 2-1 win over Orlando. The Wave were overwhelmed by a strong Pride midfield led by Marta, Angelina and Haley McCutcheon.
Despite its struggles, San Diego nearly tied the game in the 82nd minute after a deep cross from the right wing found Savannah McCaskill at the far post. McCaskill played the ball across the 6-yard box to Alex Morgan, but the Wave forward was unable to put the ball into the net after colliding with Orlando keeper Moorhouse and defender Emily Sams.
Morgan injured her ankle on the play and did not return to the match. San Diego was out of subs and played the rest of the match with 10 players.
Barbra Banda made her debut for Orlando on Friday, coming on in the 61st minute as a substitute. While she didn’t score a goal, the Zambian forward created a lot of dangerous chances and showed why she is one of the top new players in the NWSL this season.
A win for Orlando moves the Pride to fourth in the standings, though they do have a match in hand over each of the top three teams. San Diego will finish the weekend no higher than seventh. The Wave’s four points through five matches played are the fewest they’ve gained through their first five matches in their three NWSL seasons.
–Field Level Media
