The Houston Dash dropped their second game of the season 3-1 against the Orlando Pride, in front of a record crowd of 23,403 at Orlando Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.
Alex Morgan and Lianne Sanderson scored to lead Orlando, as the Pride throughly outplayed Houston for their first victory in franchise history. The Dash conceded the opening goal of the match at the start of the second half. Alex Morgan's attempt on goal deflected off Dash defender Andressa and past goalkeeper Lydia Williams for a Houston own goal.
Morgan managed to net her first goal for Orlando in the 61' minute. The 26-year-old forward directed Steph Catley's cross from inside the area into the far corner of the net. Sanderson's 56' minute goal caught Houston off balance as her free kick came right as the Dash were setting up their defense.
Randy Waldrum tinkered with his lineup from last week's home opener, starting Lloyd in place for Ohai upfront and Morgan Brian made her season debut in the midfield.
In the fourth minute, Dash captain Carli Lloyd injured her right knee in the fourth minute on a non-contact play and was replaced by Kealia Ohai. The severity of the injury is currently unknown and Lloyd will have an MRI on Sunday.
Thank you all for the support. This won't stop me. Will get an MRI and go from there. I will be okay.
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) April 24, 2016
Andressa scored Houston's lone goal in the 75th minute, making up for her earlier own goal. The Brazilian blasted home an impressive strike from well outside the 18-yard box. Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris made a flurry of saves in the final ten minutes to keep the Dash from getting back into the match.
Houston will look to get back into the win column at home next Friday against Sky Blue FC.
Lineups
Dash starting XI: Williams; Poliana, Brush, Moros, Chapman; Brian, Brooks, Andressa; Lloyd(c), Beckie, Daly #ORLvHOU pic.twitter.com/yjp1Tu3YYX
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 23, 2016
Your Starting XI for tonight’s home opener. #ORLvHOU #FilledWithPride pic.twitter.com/k54FvtQ2U7
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) April 23, 2016
13' Dash substitution. Ohai in for Lloyd #ORLvHOU
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 23, 2016
65' Dash substitution. Ubogagu in for Brian. #ORLvHOU
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 24, 2016
77' Dash substitution - Privett in for Beckie. #ORLvHOU
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 24, 2016