Pride Mount Second-Half Comeback to Draw Louisville in Historic Daytona Match
July 3, 2022 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Orlando Pride News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando Pride (2-5-3, 9 points) overcame a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw in the inaugural DAYTONA SoccerFest against Racing Louisville FC (2-4-4, 10 points) on Sunday night at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.
The match saw Kylie Strom score her first-career NWSL goal, while Darian Jenkins notched a goal and an assist to lead the Pride comeback. Erika Tymrak also added an assist on the night, while Thais Reiss recorded her first NWSL start.
The Pride face a quick turnaround, set to host the Houston Dash on Friday, July 8 at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET with tickets available here or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
Orlando Pride Assistant Coach Seb Hines:
"I think the team showed a lot of courage to come back from 2-0 down, you know, we've been in this position too often. But I felt that we didn't deserve to lose that game today. I think the players played terrific, they played how we wanted to play. We wanted to control the game with our passing and moving, create goal-scoring opportunities. Obviously we need to work on the last part of that but I can't fault their attitude. Their attitude this week from Monday to the game day has been first class."
Scoring Recap:
34' Emina Ekic - LOU 1, ORL 0
The visitors got on the board thanks to a cross from Nealy Martin finding Emina Ekic at the back post, who was able to control it before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
51' Savannah DeMelo - LOU 2, ORL 0
Racing Louisville doubled its advantage shortly after the halftime break thanks to a free kick effort from the left edge of the box by Savannah DeMelo, who was able to curl her finish through the Pride wall and into the top right corner of the net.
59' Kylie Strom (Darian Jenkins) - LOU 2, ORL 1
The Pride answered with Kylie Strom finding Kerry Abello on the left flank, who sent a cross into the area. Following a poor clearance by the Louisville defense, Darian Jenkins was able to find Strom inside the edge of the area, who took one touch before curling her finish into the right side netting to halve the deficit.
69' Darian Jenkins (Erika Tymrak) - ORL 2, LOU 2
Orlando leveled with Celia driving up the right flank, finding Erika Tymrak at the edge of the area, who was able to feed a ball in behind the Racing defense for Darian Jenkins, who hit it first time into the right corner to tie the game.
Match Notes:
For the second time this season, the Pride rallied from 0-2 down to draw the match 2-2. The first a come back on May 27 against visiting Washington Spirit behind goals from Mikayla Cluff and Darian Jenkins.
Kylie Strom scored her first goal as a member of the Pride in the match.
Darian Jenkins netted her second goal of the regular season in the match, while notching her second assist in all competitions on Strom's second half finish.
Erika Tymrak tallied her first assist of the year.
The match served as part of the inaugural DAYTONA SoccerFest at the iconic International Daytona Speedway and the first NWSL match to take place at an American racetrack.
Thais Reiss recorded her first NWSL start on the night.
Carrie Lawrence returned to the field for the first time since suffering an injury on May 27 against the Washington Spirit.
Assistant Coach Seb Hines made six changes to his starting lineup from the side's last outing at Portland, with Reiss, along with Celia, Kylie Strom, Jordyn Listro, Viviana Villacorta and Erika Tymrak all reentering the fold.
Next Match: The Pride return to Exploria Stadium on Friday, July 8, taking on the Houston Dash in a 7 p.m. ET kickoff.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 3, 2022
- Spirit Falls Short in San Diego - Washington Spirit
- Racing, Orlando Draw at Daytona International Speedway - Racing Louisville FC
- Pride Mount Second-Half Comeback to Draw Louisville in Historic Daytona Match - Orlando Pride
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Orlando Pride Stories
- Orlando Pride Signs Defender Zara Chavoshi to New Multi-Year Contract
- Orlando Pride, Grace Chanda Exercise Mutual Option for 2026 Season
- Orlando Pride Signs Midfielder Haley McCutcheon to New Contract
- International Wrap-Up: 11 Pride Players Called up for June and July International Duty
- Orlando Pride Drops Decision to Racing Louisville
