Orlando Pride striker Jasmyne Spencer found another goal in Saturday night’s win against the Boston Breakers, bringing her season tally to three goals just eight games into the year. Compare that to four goals across all of last season, and Spencer is well on the way to improving her record in 2017.
Head Coach Tom Sermanni spoke earlier this week about Spencer’s development, citing her composure in the 18-yard box and her ability to finish chances. Tonight we saw that in action-- Spencer tapped on into the net after the Boston goalkeeper Abby Smith found herself scrambling to defend the Pride players in the box.
Spencer connected with Camila on that goal, as she did in her goal last week against Sky Blue FC. After a bit of a struggle at the start of the season, the Pride offense is really starting to connect and find the back of the net. For Spencer, that connection with Camila is critical to her success.
“Camila is a great player and she has great vision, so every time she gets on the ball I try to get in position,” Spencer said. “Because I know she’s going straight for goal, either for herself or for anyone that she sees.”
Spencer has started to develop some confidence, scoring three goals in four matches for the Pride. She’s only one goal away from tying her total from last year, and we haven’t even reached the halfway point of this season. That confidence could help carry her-- and her team-- to better results.
“She’s had three goals in not too many games, and as a striker, that’s key for your confidence first and foremost,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said after the match against Boston. “I think tonight having Marta play in that #10 role gave Jasmyne the freedom to make lots of forward runs and play to her attributes.”
The Pride will return to the road and face off against the Houston Dash Saturday, June 17th at BBVA Compass Stadium. Spencer will be keeping her eye on that match and looking to add another goal to her tally-- or do whatever it takes to help her team come out victorious.
