Orlando Pride lose 3-1 to North Carolina Courage

Team says Camila scores first career goal

CARY, N.C. – The Orlando Pride lost 3-1 to the North Carolina Courage Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said it was a game of good things and bad things, but thinks it was a fair result.

"North Carolina is the most potent team in the league and coming to play here is not easy. They deserve credit for the team they have built," Sermanni said. "But we need to find ways to capitalize on the opportunities we are given. We are doing a lot of good things, but small mistakes or mental lapses will cost us in the worst moments. We have the pieces on the roster to get the results. We just need to find a way to get all of the parts working effectively together at the same time."

The Courage -- the former Western New York Flash who relocated under new ownership during the offseason -- got on the board first when Jessica McDonald jumped on a rebound in the sixth minute.

Pride team officials said North Carolina forward Lynn Williams put a header on net that goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris denied with a kick save, but McDonald was able to find the loose ball to make it 1-0.

Orlando responded when Camila won an aerial battle at midfield and then dribbled to the top of the area before firing a curling shot past the diving attempt of Sabrina D'Angelo, Pride team officials said.

However, North Carolina broke the deadlock six minutes later after a handball in the box led to a penalty kick goal by Samantha Mewis. Pride team officials said Williams extended the Courage lead to 3-1 in the 70th minute, taking a right-footed shot that saw a favorable bounce off the far post and in.

Orlando will close out the two-game road trip next weekend when it travels to face FC Kansas City at 6 p.m. May 7.


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