The Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit to open the 2021 NWSL regular season. It was an evenly matched game, and a draw was a fair result for both teams. Ashley Hatch broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. She converted a difficult header over Ali Krieger. Just minutes later, the Pride struck back. Phoebe McClernon played a wonderful ball over everyone, and Alex Morgan chipped it over the Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe.
Here is what we learned from the match:
A Game of Firsts
There were many firsts in this match.