NWSL Fall Series: Orlando Pride storm back from three-goal deficit to draw North Carolina Courage

The Courage missed their chance to crack the top three in the standings

The Orlando Pride stormed back from a three-goal deficit with a stoppage time goal in the second half to spoil North Carolina Courage's hopes of finishing in the top three in the Fall Series. The two sides settled for a 3-3 draw on Saturday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.  

The Courage scored all their goals in the first half with Debinha and Lynn Williams getting on the score sheet. Marisa Viggiano, Kristen Edmonds and Ally Haran rallied for Orlando in the second half, which played its first and only home game of the calendar year. 

With the draw, North Carolina finished the Fall Series outside of the top three in the standings with five points. Washington Spirit, who has already finished their Fall Series campaign, officially clinched third place and the final grant prize for the Community Shield with seven points.

Here's what to know and see from Saturday's action:

Scorers

⚽ Courage: Debinha (19')
⚽ Courage: Lynn Williams (45+5')
⚽ Courage: Debinha (45+6')
⚽ Pride: Marisa Viggiano (54')
⚽ Pride: Kristen Edmonds (71')
⚽ Pride: Ally Haran (90+2')

Top plays

Debinha opens the scoring: Courage capitalized off a turnover with a sprinting Debinha into the box who slotted the ball away for the opening goal.

Lynn Williams sneaks one in before halftime:  Williams found herself with time and space in the box and slotted a goal past keeper Ashlyn Harris to make it 2-0 in stoppage time in the first half. 

Marisa Viggiano gets one back: The home side continued to build into the second half with an active Marta and Leroux creating this rebound tap in from a hustling Viggiano.

Marta serves up an assist for the game equalizer: The Pride continued their attempts on goal into stoppage time as Marta took a free kick and Ally Haran headed the goal for an equalizer.

Notable performances

Let's rate some of the notable performances on the day, with one being the worst and 10 being perfection:

Debinha, North Carolina Courage: The 28-year-old Brazilian international has had an impressive 2020 after coming off a 2019 NWSL final MVP performance. Her assist and two goals helped provided North Carolina with a first half 3-0 lead. RATING: 9

Lynn Williams, North Carolina Courage: Her presence up top kept the Orlando back line busy. Her stoppage time goal in the first half was clinical. RATING: 8

Marta, Orlando Pride: Facing an active attack in the first half that that saw her team down goal after 19 minutes, Marta repeatedly found herself in positions to try an generate offense for Orlando. Her set piece service on the late equalizer reminded everyone of her ability to change games. RATING: 7.5

Sydney Leroux, Orlando Pride: The forward had a big role in defensive recoveries while staying active in the attack. An elbow to the head forced her into a head wrap to stop bleeding, and her strong shot led to a rebounded ball that was put away by her teammate Viggiano. RATING: 7

A lookahead

The Fall Series will wrap up with one more match Saturday night. OL Reign will host Utah Royals FC in a West regional battle on CBS All Access. Both teams are searching for their first Fall Series win. 

• OL Reign v Utah Royals FC, Saturday at 8 p.m. ET (CBS All Access)

[Oct 17, 2020 at 3:53 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Starting XI notes

Orlando Pride: Jordan Bistro and Ashlyn Harris return to the starting XI for Orlando in their final Fall Series match. Kristen Edmonds is listed at outside back, and Deneisha Blackwood is slotted in the #10 position for the squad today.

North Carolina Courage: The Courage started out their Fall Series in a three back to begin the competition but have gone back to their traditional box midfield. Lynn Williams is the target up top, while their midfield has a staple player in Debinha, but also features new Fall Series acquisition Havanna Solaun.

[Oct 17, 2020 at 3:43 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Storylines

Let's take a look at some storylines ahead of the match from the visiting side North Carolina Courage

North Carolina Courage: The Courage started the Fall Series with a number of opt outs from starters. The club is entering the match in sixth place in the standings, but could jump into the top three with a win and goal-heavy performance. The Courage have had a number of impact players on the squad to play through ilike USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper and Lynn Williams, and they will likely lead the way again in this match against Orlando. It will also be a head-to-head between two top Brazil talents when Debinha lines up against Orlando midfielder Marta.

[Oct 17, 2020 at 3:42 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Storylines

Let's take a look at some storylines ahead of the match starting with the home side Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride: The Pride last faced the Courage in their opening Fall Series match. It was the first time the team had stepped on the pitch for competitive NWSL play in 2020, and it ended in a scoreless draw. The team is coming off of a recent loss against the Houston Dash where the Pride dropped a 2-1 result. Orlando was largely on the defensive side of things during the first half of the match, but Sydney Leroux kept the team in the game with a second-half goal. The team, which sat out of the Challenge Cup due to positive COVID-19 tests, is still in search of its first win in 2020.

[Oct 17, 2020 at 3:40 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Orlando Pride Starting XI