Orlando Pride vs. Reign FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

Welcome to your match thread for the Orlando Pride’s third game of the 2019 NWSL season. The Pride (0-2-0, 0 points) play their third game in eight days tonight when Orlando takes on Reign FC (0-0-1, 1 point) in Tacoma. 

History

The Pride and Reign are tied in the all-time series (1-1-5) and have played to five straight draws. Each team won its home game in the 2016 series. On May 8, 2016, Sarah Hagen and Lianne Sanderson both scored as Orlando won 2-0. A few months later, on July 23, 2016, the Reign evened the series with a 5-2 win. 

Since then, no team has been able to come away with three points. The 2017 season saw a pair of 1-1 draws, and last season there were two 1-1 draws in Orlando and a goalless draw in Washington. 

Another interesting fact is that of the 17 goals score between the two teams, only Marta and Jessica Fishlock have multiple goals, and both just have two apiece.  

The last time these teams played each other was on July 21, 2018, in Orlando City Stadium. The Pride were disappointed not to come out with a victory, but the draw kept them in playoff contention at the time. 

Orlando got out in front first. Marta took a free kick in the 21st minute. The Reign were able to clear it, but Kristen Edmonds picked up the loose ball and played it right back to Marta. The Brazilian’s cross was again cleared, but Chioma Ubogagu kept it in the box and passed to Dani Weatherholt, who had her shot blocked. The ball stayed in the box, and Toni Pressley jumped on it and finished from close distance. 

The Pride took the 1-0 lead into halftime, but Jodie Taylor equalized in the 70th minute. There was some good ball movement by Seattle, and Nahomi Kawasumi was eventually free on the back post. She then put a perfect cross into the box and Taylor had no trouble in beating Haley Kopmeyer. The Pride struggled to contain Taylor all night, as the forward finished with a game-high six shots. 

Overview

Orlando comes into the match without a point and without a goal scored this season. The Pride hosted the Portland Thorns a week ago and then traveled to North Carolina mid-week. Orlando was outscored by a combined 7-0 in the two games. 

The Reign have only played once so far in 2019 — a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dash. Nichelle Prince scored in the 10th minute for the Dash, but Darian Jenkins scored her first NWSL goal off a deflected shot in the second half to tie things up. Taylor had a chance to win it for the Reign with a penalty kick on the last kick of the game. Jane Campbell guessed correctly and saved Taylor’s attempt, and the game ended. 

“The Reign are a team with fluidity, consistency and a number of ‘game-changers’ that we’ll need to keep controlled,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said. “This game will cap off a long, difficult opening week that’s a great test for us. If we can make them defend and keep on the front foot, I believe we’ll see the performance we need for a result.”

The Pride have been second best in both games, and the players will want to finally put together a good performance. It will be difficult against another strong team, but it’s a chance to get points on the board.

There are a few familiar faces on both sides of the field today. Former Pride originals Steph Catley and Jasmyne Spencer are now with the Reign. However, it’s quite likely neither player will feature. Catley, typically a starter, is listed as questionable with a calf strain. Spencer will definitely miss out as she tore her ACL and is gone for the season. The Pride also have former Reign goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer and left back Carson Pickett.  

The biggest threat that the home team has is U.S. international Megan Rapinoe. There is a chance that the 33-year-old will not play, as she is also listed as questionable with a calf strain, but she is a player that Skinner will need to game plan around. Rapinoe missed the season opener but is expected to play today. 

Taylor Smith will also be out with an ACL tear, as the Pride will only be missing Pressley (left hamstring strain).

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Ashlyn Harris.

Defenders: Carson Pickett, Shelina Zadorsky, Alanna Kennedy, Ali Krieger.

Midfielders: Camila, Emily van Egmond, Dani Weatherholt.

Forwards: Marta, Alex Morgan, Rachel Hill. 

Bench: Haley Kopmeyer, Erin Greening, Kristen Edmonds, Marisa Viggiano, Joanna Boyles, Bridget Callahan, Chioma Ubogagu.

Reign FC (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Michelle Betos.

Defenders:  Kristen McNabb, Megan Oyster, Lauren Barnes, Celia Jiménez Delgado.

Midfielders: Rumi Utsugi, Bev Yanez, Allie Long. 

Forwards:  Shea Groom, Jodie Taylor, Bethany Balcer.

Bench: Lydia Williams, Morgan Andrews, Theresa Nielsen, Christen Westphal, Elise Kellond-Knight, Jaycie Johnson, Kiersten Dallstream.

Referees

Ref:  Reyna Fonseca.

AR1:  Jeffrey Skinker.

AR2:  Salma Perez.

4th:  Chad Stewart.

How to Watch

Match Time: 10 p.m. ET.

Venue: Cheney Stadium — Tacoma, WA.

TV: None.

Streaming: Yahoo! Sports app (U.S.), NWSLsoccer.com, NWSL app (international).

Twitter: For live updates, follow along at the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride) and on The Mane Land’s Twitter (@TheManeLand).

Match Thread Rules

This is your live thread for posting comments on the match. So use our comments section below to talk about the game in real time with other supporters. If you’re new, welcome to our happy home! While you’re here, please observe a few basic rules:

• Absolutely no links to illegal streams. They can get us in trouble, and no one wants that.
• Try not to be the person who spews nothing but venom and hate for the team. It’s OK to be critical, and, let’s face it, sometimes even the best teams can be frustrating to watch, but being overly negative relentlessly can sap the enjoyment for others.
• Keep it somewhat clean and fair when criticizing players / officials. You never know who might be reading.
• Do unto others in the match thread, the way you would have others do unto you. We are a fun community and want to keep it this way. We have a moderator, but we’d rather let him enjoy the game instead of having to play babysitter.

Enjoy the match! Go Pride!