Orlando Pride made their first-half advantage count at Shell Energy Stadium, beating Houston Dash 2–1 in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday, October 18. Luana converted a penalty in the 16th minute before Solai Washington doubled the lead in the 31st, leaving Houston with a deficit they could not quite erase despite Danielle Colaprico’s 55th-minute response.
Orlando build a two-goal cushion
In front of 7,248 supporters in Houston, the visitors struck first from the penalty spot. Luana’s 16th-minute conversion put Orlando ahead and established the platform for a productive opening half.
Washington added Orlando’s second in the 31st minute, giving the Pride a 2–0 lead they carried into the interval. That cushion ultimately proved decisive, with both of the visitors’ goals arriving before the break.
Colaprico gives Houston hope
Houston found a route back into the contest when Colaprico struck in the 55th minute. Her goal cut the deficit to 2–1 and left the Dash with more than half an hour of regulation time to pursue an equalizer.
But the hosts could not find the second goal needed to secure a draw. Orlando protected their remaining advantage through eight minutes of second-half stoppage time to take all three points.
Pride carry the sharper threat
The final statistics reflected a competitive fixture, with each side attempting 12 shots. Orlando, however, put six efforts on target to Houston’s three and finished with 55.1 percent possession.
The Pride also edged the corner count 6–5. Houston’s second-half goal kept the result in doubt, but Orlando’s first-half finishing supplied the difference.
Next fixtures
Houston next face Chicago Stars FC on Friday, October 23, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Orlando return to action against Gotham FC on Sunday, October 25, at noon PDT.
