ORLANDO, Fla. — Angel City FC’s Claire Emslie converted a penalty shot in the 50th minute, but Brazilian legend Marta produced a late equalizer as Angel City and Orlando Pride played to a 1-1 tie in an NWSL match on Friday night.
After the teams played to a scoreless stalemate through the first half, Angel City (0-1-1) caught a break early in the second. Pride midfielder Angelina stuck her foot out a little too far and caught ACFC’s Meggie Dougherty Howard as she was dribbling into the box. A penalty was called, and after a brief confirmation, Emslie stepped up and converted the shot for the lead and Angel City’s first goal of the 2024 season.
Orlando (0-0-2) spent the rest of the half testing Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday. Anderson was up to the challenge as the pressure increased, but six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta had loomed as a threat all night and she finally delivered for the hosts on a set piece in the final minutes.
Orlando had a corner kick in the 88th minute, and a wide open Marta volleyed a perfect service just inside the post and beyond Anderson’s reach to level the score.
Neither team could produce a game-winning goal during more than five minutes of stoppage time.
Angel City defender Madison Curry, the former Santa Margarita High standout who was selected with the 51st pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, made her Angel City debut, coming on as a substitute in the final 15 minutes.
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In more concerning news, Angel City defender M.A. Vignola went down with an apparent knee injury during the first half and had to come out of the game.
Angel City will remain on the road for its next two matches – next Saturday (March 30) at Kansas City and April 13 at Chicago.