Lianne Sanderson’s goal in the 24th minute gave the Orlando Pride a 1-0 lead over Florida State University, but inclement weather led to the game being called off eight minutes later during a closed-door friendly at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday.
Despite the shortage of game time, Tom Sermanni’s team played mostly with its midfielders being more inclined to attack. FSU only had one shot on goal when Megan Connolly’s strike was saved by Aubrey Bledsoe.
“I’m just really disappointed the game finished after 32 minutes,” Sermanni said. “But I’m certainly more pleased with what we did today in comparison to the other games that we played.”
The Pride entered Saturday’s friendly after a 3-0 victory over the University of South Florida on Wednesday.
With three weeks remaining until the season-opener in Portland, Sermanni said the team doesn’t expect to schedule any more friendly games against collegiate teams.
Orlando almost scored the opening goal minutes into the game when Sanderson’s cross found Sarah Hagen, whose ball was headed off the post.
Orlando Pride starting XI: Bledsoe; Josée Bélanger; Laura Alleway, Monica Hickman Alves, Steph Catley; Becky Edwards, Kaylyn Kyle, Sanderson; Sam Witteman, Hagen, Jasmyne Spencer.
The Pride kicks off the season when they visit the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on April 17.
OCB deadlocked
Orlando City B’s search for its first win of the USL season continues.
OCB were held to a scoreless draw against the Charleston Battery on Friday in front of 1,123 at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne.
Anthony Pulis’ men went down a man after Tony Rocha was sent off after picking up a second yellow card minutes into the second half.
Orlando City B makes its first road trip of the season when they visit Louisville City FC on April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
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