- Angel City squanders 2-0 halftime lead in dramatic collapse
- Marta scores crucial 71st-minute goal to spark Pride comeback
- Vignola's own goal in stoppage time decides NWSL thriller
- Houston Dash secure first home victory against struggling Utah
In a NWSL match that will be remembered for its dramatic momentum shifts, the Orlando Pride completed a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Angel City on Friday night. The match turned on a devastating 93rd-minute own goal from defender Mary Alice Vignola, who inadvertently headed an Ally Watt cross past her own goalkeeper under intense pressure.
The game began with Angel City dominating possession, controlling 57% of the ball in the first half. Riley Tiernan opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a precise near-post finish, capitalizing on Orlando's defensive disorganization. Katie Zelem doubled the advantage just before halftime, punishing the Pride's failure to clear a corner kick with her first goal of the season.
Orlando's resurgence began in the 71st minute when Brazilian legend Marta fired a low drive that goalkeeper Angelina Anderson couldn't contain. Five minutes later, Zambian international Barbra Banda leveled the score with a perfectly timed header off Carson Pickett's cross - her fourth goal in three matches.
The NWSL's reigning champions completed their comeback through relentless pressure in stoppage time. Pride forward Ally Watt's dangerous cross forced Vignola into the decisive error, extending Orlando's unbeaten streak to five matches while leaving Angel City winless in their last three outings.
In Texas, the Houston Dash earned their first home victory of the season through Delanie Sheehan's spectacular 80th-minute strike. The midfielder volleyed home a cleared corner kick from 18 yards out, giving Utah Royals goalkeeper Mandy Haught no chance despite the visitors' 57% possession advantage.
Strategic Insights:
- Late goals decided 22% of NWSL matches this season (12/55 games)
- Teams leading at halftime have dropped 18 points league-wide in 2025
- International players account for 63% of goals scored in NWSL play
The Houston-Utah matchup revealed a growing trend in NWSL competition - home teams now convert 38% of shots on target compared to 29% for visitors. This regional advantage proved crucial for the Dash, who improved to 2-1-1 at Shell Energy Stadium while Utah remained winless on the road.
Friday's results highlight the NWSL's competitive parity, with just six points separating third-place Orlando from tenth-positioned Angel City. As teams approach the midseason mark, defensive errors like Vignola's own goal could prove decisive in playoff qualification races. The Pride's ability to rally from multiple goals down reinforces their championship pedigree, while Angel City must address late-game concentration lapses to salvage their season.