**ORLANDO, Fla.** – The Orlando Pride relied on a late penalty kick converted by forward Marta to defeat the Houston Dash, 1-0, on the final night of the regular season. Though the Pride were able to collect all three points, they finished in 7 ^th place–level on points with Angel City and Gotham but behind on goal differential, meaning they will miss out on postseason action.
The Pride knew they had their work cut out for them, as did Houston, but the home side came out the hotter of the two as Marta displayed again why she is still one of the best talents in the world in the 10 ^th minute. Playing a one-two deep in Houston territory, Marta found herself back on the ball inside the box and dancing around a few Dash players as she worked her way toward goal. Unfortunately for her, though, Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell was able to do enough to smother the chance and see the ball away to prevent the opening goal.
In the 32 ^nd minute, Houston had their first look on goal, though it was an easy save in the end for Orlando’s Anna Moorhouse. Then, right on the cusp of halftime, a backheeled effort from Houston’s Andressa just a few yards in front of goal spun off the inside of the near post and rolled on the goalline, but the Pride defense reacted in time to see the shot cleared off the line and out.
A cagey second half saw neither team with a desire to budge, even though Orlando was pressing heavily on the Dash goal. In the 78 ^th minute, a ball into the box and in behind the Dash defense was left wanting more as Orlando could not direct it toward goal and properly test Campbell.
However, when the match looked down and out, a late penalty decision went Orlando’s way as Marta was judged to have been fouled in the box before the end of regulation. Stepping up to convert, Marta was able to bury the chance from 12 yards out and still help her side claim victory, even though it would not be enough to carry them to the playoffs.
For the Dash, a 10 ^th place finish saw them off the places by five points, leaving a rebuild in place for next year.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights