Tag: Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride, down 2-0, strike twice in stoppage time to get draw vs Washington Spirit

A staggering late comeback for Orlando got them a point, and into the NWSL history books.

Darian Jenkins scored the latest regular season goal in NWSL history, helping the Orlando Pride snatch a 2-2 draw against the Washington Spirit on Friday night after entering second half stoppage time down by two.

The Spirit held a 2-0 lead as six minutes of stoppage time were signaled by the fourth official, with Trinity Rodman scoring yet another highlight reel goal in the first half, and Ashley Hatch adding her seventh goal against Orlando in her last eight appearances against the Pride.

However, just as the game appeared over and done with, Orlando fought back. Rookie midfielder Mikayla Cluff played a crucial pass before arriving late to head in a cross from Jordyn Listro in the fifth minute of stoppage time, giving the Pride a lifeline.

Then, with the Spirit not able to fully clear the ball into the Orlando half, the Pride stunningly struck again. Multiple Washington blocks ended up going directly to an Orlando player, and late sub Julie Doyle played a pass to Jenkins at the back post. From there, Jenkins made some NWSL history, burying a low shot 7:47 into stoppage time to somehow give Orlando a share of the points.

That stands as an NWSL record for the latest goal scored in a regular season game.

Watch Orlando’s dramatic late goals

Gators soccer legend Becky Burleigh named Orlando Pride interim head coach

Former Florida coach Becky Burleigh hasn’t roamed the sideline for the final team. She was appointed interim head coach of the Pride Sunday.

Former Florida coach Becky Burleigh hasn’t hung up her whistle for the last time yet. She retired after the Gators women’s soccer team finished their 2021 campaign, but the Orlando Pride appointed Burleigh as the interim head coach Sunday. She takes over for former coach Marc Skinner who left to lead the Manchester United women’s team.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Orlando Pride franchise,” Burleigh said, according to a release. “My hope is to create a seamless transition plan to build on the growth and strides that Marc and the team have made so far this season. Change, despite being difficult, always brings an opportunity for growth. I’m eager to work in partnership with the existing staff and players to make that happen.”

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She was the first coach in Gators women’s soccer history and roamed the sidelines at Florida for the last 26 years where she recorded a 513-160-46 career record, including a national championship in 1998.

Burleigh has also coached some of the biggest names in women’s soccer like Abby Wambach and Heather Mitts and current Pride players Erika Tymrak and Meggie Dougherty Howard.

She will join the team for training this week before the Pride’s matchup Saturday versus the North Carolina Courage.

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