Orlando Pride wrapped up its preseason play on Thursday night, downing the University of South Florida 5-1 at Corbett Stadium. The Pride’s next match will kickoff the 2018 National Women’s Soccer League season, when the Pride host Utah Royals FC at 7:30 p.m. on March 24.
The Pride had five different scorers in the match.
“I’m really, really delighted with the result. I thought we showed a lot of cohesion, a lot of good movement, a lot of good passing, created a lot of chances and we looked really comfortable today,” Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “So, I think it was a good step forward from the last game.”
Sydney Leroux made it four goals in three matches just four minutes into the match, sending in a tight angle shot from the left side. Christine Nairn got the play started, chipping a ball up to Carson Pickett on her way to the left byline, setting up a cross to Leroux.
Orlando doubled its lead in the 19th minute after Kristen Edmonds, playing in her first match this preseason, fed Danica Evans on the doorstep. Dani Weatherholt made it a three-goal lead just before the halftime whistle, cleaning up the rebound on a late corner.
Nairn picked up her second assist of the game in the 58th minute, dropping a ball in for Chioma Ubogagu for her first goal of the preseason.
The Bulls got on the board in the 72nd minute, but the celebration didn’t last long as Nairn responded from the ensuing kickoff, scoring on a long distance blast directly off of the restart.
Individual and season tickets are currently on sale at orlando-pride.com/tickets or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
