Pride's Simone Charley knots game late, damaging Dash's playoff hopes

Simone Charley scored the equalizer in the 85th minute and the Orlando Pride rallied for a 1-1 road draw with the Houston Dash on Friday night. Fighting for a playoff spot, Houston (7-10-6, 27 points) took the lead in the 62nd minute when Malia Berkely scored amid traffic off a short corner. Ten minutes later, the Pride (9-8-6, 33 points) started to take control, getting three shots away, including an attempt from Ally Lemos which Abby Smith had to reject in the 79 th minute. Charley, who came off the bench in the 68th minute, was able to head home a delivery from Haley McCutcheon with five minutes remaining in regular time for her first goal in three years, which also stunned the home crowd. Orlando has earned three points in the two matches following its 0-5-4 rut, as it continues to challenge for a top-four spot in the NWSL standings. They are currently tied with Seattle for fourth place, but the Reign have a game-in- hand. The Dash, meanwhile, have managed just two goals amid their current 1-2-1 stretch, as their own push toward playoff position continues. They current reside in 10 th place, still only two points behind eighth-place Louisville. Houston owned an 8-2 overall shot advantage during the scoreless first half. Orlando responded and pressured early in the second half, only to be thwarted by some key saves from Smith (five saves). Orlando owned a 6-3 advantage when it came to shots on target. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was credited with a pair of saves. –Field Level Media

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