The Orlando Pride was well-represented in this week’s U.S Women’s National Team (USWNT) friendly against Thailand. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris earned a spot in the starting lineup, earning her ninth cap for the USWNT, and Forward Alex Morgan scored two goals as a second half substitute.
The U.S showed their dominance early on in the match, scoring three goals in the first five minutes. The match was the first for this national team since their quarterfinal exit at the Olympics, and it was special for a lot of reasons. Above all else, it marked the final match for 15-year national team veteran Heather O’Reilly.
Harris had a couple of solid saves in a match where the Thailand offense didn’t get many chances. Alex Morgan came in as a substitute at the half and scored two goals, including one in the 90th minute that rounded off the final score at 9-0. Nine goals to honor number nine.
O’Reilly was honored before the match with a special jersey, and was made the captain for this match. She was honorarily subbed off at the end of the second half, bringing the USWNT down to ten players. The number nine was lit up by itself as a sign of respect-- no one can replace O’Reilly. She was given a standing ovation by the fans.
But the USWNT match did not mark O’Reilly’s last soccer match. O’Reilly plays for FC Kansas City, the team that the Orlando Pride will host for their final match at Camping World Stadium on Saturday, September 24th. O’Reilly hasn’t said whether this will be her last match in the NWSL, but don’t miss the opportunity to give this legend and your entire Orlando Pride a good send-off into the off-season.
