Mallory Pugh stood at the penalty spot, the roar of a crowd of 5,200 at the Maryland SoccerPlex growing. It was the 90th minute of a steamy afternoon, and all that stood between Pugh and an equalizing goal against Orlando was Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledose.
Bledsoe guessed correct — and still she had no chance. Pugh, the rising star for the 19-year-old U.S. national team, delivered a strike low to the left corner. Bledsoe dove left, got a hand on the shot, but could not stop it as the Spirit salvaged a 2-2 draw. Pugh scored both Spirit goals while Brazilian star Marta matched her with a pair for Orlando.