The Red Stars defeated the Orlando Pride by a score of 1-0 on Sunday evening at Toyota Park. Christen Press scored the lone goal on a long free kick taken by Danielle Colaprico in the 65th minute.
This was Press’ second goal in three matches while goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned her second consecutive shutout.
Press had the first good chance of the game in the 13th minute when Jen Hoy stole the ball from the Orlando defense, and then played the ball to Press, who set up a shot, but Ashlyn Harris denied her with a block.
The next major opportunity came late in the second half when Hoy broke away from the Orlando defense. Laura Alleyway, however, had an impressive recovery run to catch up and go diving in to deflect Hoy’s shot away.
The match was scoreless at half time.
Harris once again responded with a big save in the 56th minute to save a shot from outside the penalty area by Amanda Da Costa.
A few moments later, Orlando was in a scramble in the Red Stars’ box. The ball was eventually kicked out for a corner kick. Alex Morgan then had a shot shortly after, but it went wide left.
The Red Stars’ goal came in the 65th minute when Colaprico took a free kick from the center circle and sent a long ball into the box. Press took a touch and then blasted a shot past Harris from close range.
Casey Short nearly doubled the lead in the 79th minute with a header, but Harris came up with a one-hand save.
Jasmyne Spencer came close to tying the game for Orlando in the 90th minute with a shot from the right side of the field, but the ball rolled past the left post.
Orlando had one last chance to score in stoppage time. Alleyway set up to take a free kick, but it sailed high. The referee blew the whistle shortly after the ensuing goal kick.
The Red Stars improve to a 2-1 record, while Orlando goes 1-2 after three weeks.
For Week 4, the Red Stars will be away at Boston Breakers at 7 pm ET on May 7th, and Orlando Pride will host the Seattle Reign at 6 pm ET on May 8th.