Cori Dyke netted her inaugural goal in the National Women’s Soccer League during the second-half stoppage time, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory for the Orlando Pride against the Houston Dash on Saturday night.
In other NWSL action, the Kansas City Current managed a 2-1 triumph over NJ/NY Gotham FC on enemy territory, Angel City was forced into a 2-2 draw by the Chicago Stars in Los Angeles, and Bay FC clinched a 1-0 win over the Portland Thorns at home.
In the tense final moments at Inter & Co Stadium, a deflected save from Dash goalkeeper Abby Smith directed the ball to Dyke. Entering the match at halftime, Dyke effortlessly controlled the bouncing ball and flawlessly directed a half-volley into the near post.
Houston, notably starting the match without a traditional center forward, played defensively, enduring consistent second-half pressure from Orlando. The Pride (7-3-1) attempted 22 shots throughout the match. Abby Smith made seven impressive saves and the Dash’s defense managed to block nine additional shots.
As a result, Houston (3-6-2) has failed to secure a win in their last three matches.
Chawinga and Cooper shine as Current overwhelm Gotham 2-1
Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper each tallied a goal and an assist, leading the Kansas City Current to a 2-1 victory against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday.
The Current (9-2-0) extended their winning streak to four, gaining the lead early with Cooper’s goal in the third minute. Cooper, playing forward for the U.S. women’s national team, slotted the ball into the goal from close range following a successful interception from Chawinga outside the box.
The duo continued to combine effectively when Cooper’s well-placed low cross was riveted home by Chawinga in the 11th minute, deftly maneuvering past Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Gotham (3-5-3) managed to score in the dying minutes, courtesy of an own goal by Vanessa DiBernardo.
Making a notable return for Gotham, Rose Lavelle stepped onto the field as a substitute in the 74th minute. Lavelle had been sidelined following ankle surgery in December 2024.
Vignola scores crucial equalizer as Angel City ties 2-2 with Chicago Stars
Mary Alice Vignola’s late strike in the 80th minute helped Angel City secure a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Stars.
Angel City (4-4-3) initially took a 1-0 lead by halftime, courtesy of Kennedy Fuller’s precision strike inside the box in the 29th minute.
Chicago (1-8-2) hit back and managed to level the game just shy of the hour mark. Nadia Gomes, coming in as a substitute, delivered a cross that awkwardly deflected and lofted beyond the reach of goalkeeper Angelina Anderson.
The Stars surged ahead when Ally Schlegel sent a shot from 25 yards, which Anderson got a touch on, only to see it deflect off the crossbar and settle into the net in the 66th minute.
Vignola responded by capitalizing on a loose ball close to the goal, driving in the equalizer for a 2-2 finish.
This match marked Alexander Straus’ debut as the head coach of Angel City. Straus arrived from Bayern Munich last week, stepping into NWSL coaching for the first time.
Malonson scores as Bay triumphs over Thorns 1-0
Alyssa Malonson etched her name on the score sheet for the first time in her NWSL career, propelling Bay FC to a 1-0 victory over the Portland Thorns at PayPal Park.
The Bay defender took advantage of a well-directed pass from Penelope Hocking, smashing the ball into the top corner from a tough angle in the 39th minute.
Despite enjoying 55% of the possession and launching 16 shots compared to Bay’s 10, the Thorns failed to break Bay’s defense.
This defeat snapped a five-match undefeated streak for Portland (4-3-4). Bay (4-4-3) celebrated their fourth clean sheet this season, and notably became the first team to shut out Portland since April 18.
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