Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
During a rare Tuesday game in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Boston Legacy delivered plenty of drama to earn their second-ever win in very similar fashion to how they won their first just nine days earlier.
Despite dominating chance creation statistics in the first half against Orlando, the Legacy faced an early deficit after Marta converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute. It was just Marta’s second start of the season and her first goal of the campaign, but her 15th penalty converted across her NWSL career — the most of any player in league history.
Barbra Banda came on at halftime and immediately forced Boston far more onto the back foot than they’d been all game. The Pride found more offensive opportunities than they had the entire first 45, but Boston stood strong and finally broke through in the 72nd minute. Amanda Gutierres provided the assist with a cushioned header down to Aleigh Gambone, whose first NWSL goal tied the game.
Both teams continued to battle back and forth, but Boston got the ultimate chance in stoppage time. Video-Assisted Review of a corner kick in the dying minutes determined that the ball had hit the outstretched hand of Luana, and referee Ekaterina Koroleva awarded her second penalty kick of the night. Boston’s Brazilian forward, Gutierres, stepped up to bury the spot kick past Anna Moorehouse on the Legacy’s Brazilian Heritage night.
After losing its first five games, the expansion team is now unbeaten in their last four, having secured both of its victories with late goals in gritty comebacks.
