Simone Charley equalizer helps Thorns draw with Pride

The Portland Thorns and the Pride split points in a back-and-forth, 1-1 draw in Orlando Saturday night.

The Pride started on the front foot, with Jodie Taylor nodding a lofted cross past Bella Bixby to put Orlando up 1-0 in the 14^th minute.

Jodie's on fire, your defense is terrified 🔥#ORLvPOR | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/vM3L945WF7

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 14, 2021

Ashlyn Harris did her part to keep Portland scoreless at half, batting away a dangerous Simone Charley header in the 36^th minute.

*Weekly Amazing @Ashlyn_Harris Save Tweet*#ORLvPOR | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/SjZbx9fhsf

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 14, 2021

With the scoreline 1-0 at halftime, the Thorns went into the locker room trailing for the first time this regular season.

Portland started the second half energized, applying a wave of pressure to Orlando’s backline.

After a series of solid chances, Charley found the equalizing goal in the 78^th minute, heading in a set-piece from Meghan Klingenberg. Saturday’s goal marks Charley’s fifth of the season and second aerial finish in two games.

Inch-perfect equalizer for @SimoneCharley 👊 pic.twitter.com/GCZpKxQsV0

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) August 15, 2021

Next up: The Pride will face off against the Spirit on Aug. 22. The Thorns will compete in the Women’s International Champions Cup, starting on Aug. 18.