In going through Week 5’s goals across the National Women’s Soccer League, there were multiple of the spectacular variety. But were there any as impactful as the two the Orlando Pride scored in stoppage time to work out a draw against the Washington Spirit?
That’s right: They scored two — not just one — stoppage-time goals to tie, 2-2. It was actually the second time this season that they scored in stoppage time to tie a match when the equalizer was not even the first goal of said stoppage time. Two weeks earlier, the Kansas City Current took the lead after the clock struck 90 only to give away a penalty and settled for a draw against the Pride.
In trying to decide which goal to highlight, it became clear the first one was more a product of shrewd play by the Pride, and it was the one that really changed things on the day. The match, however, was not typical of one that had a comeback. The Spirit were never under the hammer, never desperate to clear balls as the Pride unleashed a furious late attack. They were casually leading the match 2-0 when Ashley Sanchez, in the 92nd minute, elected to try and score rather than dribble towards a corner to burn time in possession. She skied the shot hopelessly high. Still, there were few if any indications the Spirit would leave Orlando with anything less then three points.
