With Orlando Pride staring down defeat, Copper Queens striker Prisca Chilufya stepped up to the plate to score an added-time equaliser against NC Courage on Sunday morning. She revealed how delighted she was to open her scoring account for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions.
A riveting encounter at the WakeMed Soccer Park saw NC Courage draw first blood in the 27th minute through Felicitas Rauch. In a move started by goalkeeper Casey Murphy, the hosts worked the ball quickly into Pride’s half, creating a clear-cut chance for Manaka Matsukubo.
The Japanese international’s strike was blocked by Orlando Pride shot-stopper Anna Moorhouse, but Rauch pounced on the rebound to score a stunning volley.
Barbra Banda was close to drawing parity in the 58th minute, driving into the box on the counterattack before skying her shot from an acute angle.
The visitors kept it late against NC Courage, netting the equalizing goal in the 93rd minute to secure a point. It was substitute Chilufya who towered over the defence from a corner kick, nodding the ball into the far post with a clever header.
Acquired from Liga MX Femenil outfit FC Juarez at an undisclosed fee in January, Chilufya clinched a vital point for Orlando Pride, which saw them second in the standings with 16 points.
Chilufya on long-awaited goal
In a post-match interview, Chilufya said, “It’s a long-awaited goal. I feel very happy. I‘m very excited. I am just looking forward to moments like this, when the team needs you most and you just turn up and do what you can to lift everybody’s spirits up.”
“When going in, Paul [Crichton] said just get into the box and do what you can. It may sound crazy, but when I was going to that far post, it’s like I envisioned it. Like, what if I just go upfront and maybe just jump and flick my head? Who knows, I might get a touch on the ball. I did what I was thinking and, with God’s plan, it worked,” revealed Chilufya.
“After scoring the goal. I didn’t know what to do. I was just happy and smiling with everybody.“
Chilufya, who registered four goals and 10 assists in 18 games for FC Juarez this season, was signed to replace Adriana, who departed to Saudi Arabia in January.
Speaking about representing Orlando Pride, she added, “This is a dream come true, honestly. [I’m] playing with people who are very experienced. It’s very inspiring. With good coaches. It’s a very good group. The atmosphere is very good. We always try to lift each other up even when we are lagging behind.”
Next for Seb Hines’ Orlando Pride is a blockbuster clash against fellow title chasers Kansas City Current on May 17.
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