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Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Final Score 4-2 as Pride Lose in Challenge Cup

The Pride couldn’t hold onto their early lead, falling 4-2 to the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup.

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (0-1-1, 1 point) continued their 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup campaign with a 4-2 road loss to the Washington Spirit (1-1-0, 3 points). The Pride took an early lead with Tori Hansen’s first professional goal, but the Spirit ended the first half with three unanswered strikes by Lena Silano, Sam Staab, and Marissa Sheva.  The Pride got one back right after the break through Ally Watt, but Ashley Sanchez put it away in second-half injury time.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines used a heavily rotated lineup for this game, replacing every position from the team’s 1-0 win over Racing Louisville FC Saturday night. Kaylie Collins got the start in goal in front of a back line of Brianna Martinez, Caitlin Cosme, Hansen, and Celia. Thais Reiss and Jordyn Listro were the defensive midfielders behind Haley Bugeja, Kerry Abello, and Amanda Allen, with Watt up top.

Seven of the 11 starters for the Pride had made fewer than two appearances this season. Cosme’s four starts this season were the most, but she’s fallen out of favor recently and been replaced by Megan Montefusco in regular season games. The only three players with more than one start in the starting lineup were Cosme, Abello, and Watt, with the latter two starting three games each this season.

“The only way you’re going to be able to manage games is by playing games,” Hines said about his youthful lineup. “And we saw this as an opportunity to play a lot of the players who haven’t been playing minutes in the season.”

The Pride had the first chance of the game when Celia’s cross attempt was blocked out by Maddie Elwell for a corner. After Camryn Biegalski knocked the first corner out of play, the second ended up with Listro, who found Cosme behind the Spirit defense. Unfortunately, the center back’s shot was just wide of the far post.

The Pride won their third corner of the game when Allen’s shot was blocked out of play by Staab. The corner kick by Thais Reiss went into the six-yard box and bounced around until Hansen back-heeled it past Aubrey Kingsbury for her first professional goal.

“Thais played a great ball in and, honestly, I thought I was going to head it in,” Hansen said about her goal. “And then I think I headed it and there was a big jumble. And then the ball was at my feet and I just tapped it with my back heel and it went. So, very happy about that. I’m more of a header scorer, so it’s nice to get one with my feet and a back heel is even better.”

The first chance for the hosts came in the 13th minute when Maddie Elwell sent a cross into the Pride box. Civana Kuhlmann came flying through the air to get her head on the ball, but sent it just over the crossbar.

The Spirit had an even better chance to equalize in the 24th minute when a cross into the Pride box was flicked on by Staab and found the foot of Amber Brooks at the far post. The defender was behind the Pride back line and should’ve gotten her shot on target, but tipped it wide.

The hosts dominated possession in the first half and found their equalizer in the 33rd minute. It started when Abello fouled Chloe Ricketts, giving the Spirit a free kick. The initial ball was cleared and Sheva’s attempt was blocked. It went right to Silano, whose low shot went between the legs of Cosme and past the diving Collins to even the game at 1-1.

Washington felt it should’ve had a penalty in the 36th minute when Kuhlmann got goalside on Martinez. The defender leaned into the forward and both went to the ground. The Spirit players and fans were audibly upset as referee Joshua Encarnacion waved play on.

Washington didn’t dwell on the call, scoring a second goal two minutes later. Martinez fouled Paige Metayer, giving the hosts another set piece. Staab stepped up to take the kick and curled it into the box. It went around the two-player wall and over the arm of Collins to give the Spirit a 2-1 lead.

It was a great goal that gave Collins little chance and Sheva topped that strike just five minutes later. The Pride’s inability to clear again gave the midfielder a look at goal from long distance. Surprisingly, Sheva’s second touch was a shot. It got over the diving Collins and grazed the bottom of the crossbar to give Washington a 3-1 lead just before halftime.

“I think we just started having to defend more. And kudos to the Spirit, they had some really, really great finishes,” Hansen said about conceding the long-range goals. “But we can’t let off the brake and we have to keep going once we do score that goal, because we’re in the driver’s seat when we’re up 1-0, and we let them back into the game. And we’ve got to learn from that.”

“They were some worldies,” Abello said about the three first-half goals from outside of the box. “Sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up and say dang, that was a really good goal. But I still think that means we need to get some better pressure on them outside of the box.”

It should’ve been 4-1 just two minutes later when Kuhlmann dribbled into the Pride box and played it back for Sheva. Collins came off her line towards Kuhlmann, who drew two defenders, leaving Sheva open with an empty goal in front of her. Fortunately, she hit it wide of the target.

The Pride were fortunate to have the early lead, but the stats were a reflection of how the 45 minutes actually went. The Spirit had more possession (58.5%-41.5%), shots (10-4), shots on target (3-2), crosses (12-8), and passing accuracy (81.4%-71.9%). The Pride had more corners (4-1), with one resulting in their only first-half goal.

“Just to be a little bit more aggressive with our press,” Hines said about his halftime message. “I think there was moments where we allowed Washington to dictate the play. And that’s okay in certain moments, certain areas, but now we’re down 3-1. We have to start putting pressure on them. Start creating turnovers and being threatening in the attack.”

The Pride made one halftime change, bringing Summer Yates on for Bugeja and the rookie made an immediate impact. In the 49th minute, the midfielder won the ball from Kuhlmann from behind and sent a long pass forward for Watt behind the Spirit back line. Watt handled the ball well and played it past Kingsbury to get the Pride back within a goal.

“We came out on fire,” Hansen said about the early second-half goal. “Obviously, being down 3-1 at halftime is not something you want to go into halftime doing, but we believed in each other and we came out. Summer Yates, great player, played an amazing ball to Ally. It was a great finish and it kind of shifted the momentum towards us.”

It looked like the Spirit might get that goal back in the 53rd minute when a Biegalski shot was tipped by Collins. It went right to Silano to the right of goal, but the flag went up for offside.

Aiding the Pride in staying in the game was a halftime substitution by the Spirit. Staab’s set pieces caused problems for the Pride defense in the first half, but she was replaced by Tara McKeown at halftime. The Pride continued to give up free kicks, but they were falling into the arms of Collins.

As the game crossed the hour mark, both teams made changes. The Spirit went to their all-time leading goal scorer Ashley Hatch, who replaced Kuhlmann. Meanwhile, Hines made his second and third changes of the game. In the 61st minute, Maliah Morris made her second professional appearance, coming on for Allen. For more experience, Erika Tymrak came on in the 66th minute for Reiss.

The Spirit had their second decent chance of the half in the 71st minute when Silano played the ball back for Sanchez, who had just come on for Nicole Douglas. The Washington star tapped the ball to her right and shot towards goal, but the shot was blocked.

Looking for an equalizing goal, Hines made his final substitution in the 76th minute an attacking one, bringing on Messiah Bright for Celia.

The Pride almost had a chance in the 82nd minute when a long ball was sent into the box for Bright. But Kingsbury did well to come out strong and snatch it out of the air. A minute later, Bright attempted to send Watt behind the Spirit defense. Watt was unable to keep control, but was deemed offside anyway.

Four minutes into second-half injury time, the Spirit put the game away. Collins came way out of her box to the right of goal to clear the ball away, but she sent it directly to Sanchez. The Spirit star quickly played the ball towards the far post of the empty goal. Collins spirited back to her net and might’ve gotten a touch to it, but the U.S. international extended the score to 4-2, putting the game away.

It was a deserved result based on the performances of both teams. Washington had more possession (58.8%-41.2%), shots (18-7), shots on target (4-3), crosses (27-13), and passing accuracy (74.5%-61.5%). The Pride had more corners (6-5), but not enough possession or chances to get a result.

“Disappointed,” Hines said after the game. “You know, you never want to lose the game by (allowing) four goals. It’s a hard one because we took the lead, Tori scored a terrific goal, and you go 1-0 up early on in the game and you’re looking for the team to manage it from that moment and I don’t think we did. I don’t think we managed the game too well. I think we showed a little bit of naivety within the team, and we allowed them to get back into it. The goals were disappointing. And I don’t know how many goals they’ll score like that in the season, let alone in one game. But we have to learn from it. We had a really young team, a team that hadn’t played together. And again, we use every game as a learning moment for us.”

“I’m proud of the team,” Abello added. “We got ahead. We started off strong and they scored some pretty great goals against us. And some of those we can’t do anything about. But I was proud of the way we came out in the second half. It was a winnable game, so it’s frustrating that we didn’t come away with the win or even an equalizer. But at the end of the day, I think we learned a lot and I think that’s the exciting thing about Challenge Cup games is we have so many young players on the field that got a chance to play a full 90 or close to a full 90 and that will only help us going forward.”

The fact that the Pride lost this game wasn’t a surprise after making 11 changes to the starting lineup. However, a familiar situation popped up again at the end of the game. While the team was without its starting goalkeeper and both starting center backs, Sanchez’s last-minute goal was the fifth the team has given up in second-half stoppage time. Even if this one was a different situation because they were chasing the game.

With their midweek Challenge Cup game behind them, the Pride will look to build on the two-game league winning streak when they travel to New Jersey to face NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday evening.

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The Orlando Pride Are Dominant With Any Back Line

The Pride have three shutouts in four games despite a key injury on the back line and shuffling of the back four.

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1 day ago

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April 15, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Last season, the Orlando Pride were the best defensive team in the NWSL. They flirted with the league record for fewest goals conceded before resting starters and conceding seven in the final three games. The Pride are picking up where they left off last season by consistently keeping the opposition off the scoresheet.

To say the Pride defense has been stingy this season would be an understatement. They’ve conceded one goal through four games, completing their third clean sheet Saturday night in a 1-0 win over Seattle Reign FC. The only goal came in the team’s 2-1 win over San Diego Wave FC on Mar. 29 via Chiamaka Okwuchukwa, and that required video review to overturn a foul call for it to stand.

The fact that the Pride have been so successful defensively goes back to the roster construction by Haley Carter and Seb Hines. The pair have focused on bringing in versatile players who can play multiple positions, making it easier to change tactics mid-game with making additional substitutions.

Last year, the Pride started with a back line of Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner (then still known as Kylie Strom), Rafaelle, and Emily Sams. However, Rafaelle tore her right quadricep while representing Brazil at the Olympics. With the starting center back out, Hines inserted rookie Cori Dyke at right back and moved Sams back to her natural center back position alongside Nadaner.

The Pride didn’t miss a beat. With the new back line, the Pride went on a streak of five consecutive clean sheets. They gave up just one goal in seven games before resting their starters in a 2-0 loss to the Portland Thorns, ending their league-record, 24-game unbeaten run.

Rafaelle was taken off the season-ending injury list prior to this season and started alongside Nadaner. As she continued to gain fitness, Hines was careful about the number of minutes she received.

“Rafa missed a lot of football last year. You can see what she brings when she’s on the field. And so getting her to 45 minutes was a goal of ours,” Hines said after her first game back on March 7. “We would have liked to keep her on the field for longer, but, you know, you’re putting a player at risk at that moment.”

The Brazilian played 45 minutes against the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup and 62 minutes in the regular season opener a week later. However, she was taken off at halftime in the second league game against NJ/NY Gotham FC, something Hines said was precautionary.

“It’s disappointing for Raf, because she was building good momentum, getting good minutes,” Hines said after the game. “You know, it’s just a caution. We don’t want any sort of setbacks either, so we’re not taking any risks with that.”

Despite Hines’ insistence that the substitution was a precaution, the defender has missed the last two games. For most teams, losing a veteran international center back would be damaging. But not so with the Pride. They continue on like nothing’s changed.

“The transition is seamless with bringing Cori on and Em obviously shifts back to a more natural position at center back,” he said. “Kylie shifts across, and it’s only Kerry Abello that keeps her position.”

That back line, which was so successful last year, became the starting defense in the following two games. They conceded the team’s lone goal in the first of those two against San Diego but got back to keeping clean sheets in Seattle Saturday night.

The Pride set records left and right in 2024 and are already off to the same thing this year. They’ve scored 11 goals so far, one more than the second-place Kansas City Current. Combined with the one goal conceded — tied with the Current — the Pride are the first team in NWSL history to have a +10 goal difference after four games.

According to Hines, the defensive success of this team is support. They back each other up when mistakes are made, keeping the opposition from taking advantage.

“I thought Ky and Em were seamless back there and then Anna (Moorhouse) comes up with a massive save. And It could’ve really changed the game,” Hines said after Saturday night’s win. “So, everyone plays a role in the defending. Sometimes when we make errors, we’ve got players who support.”

It’s unclear when Rafaelle will return, but one thing’s for certain: It doesn’t matter who starts where on the back line for the Pride. The versatility of the players means they can fill in multiple positions without missing a beat.

The team’s defensive prowess will be put to the test in the coming weeks. The Pride welcome the Spirit back to Orlando on April 19, including U.S. internationals Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman. The following week, they welcome an Angel City team that features the always dangerous Alyssa Thompson and Claire Emslie. It would be even more difficult since they travel to Portland the next game, but Sophia Wilson (nee Smith) is out for the year. It will still be difficult, but the Pride won’t have to contend with Wilson.

Regardless of how the Pride play defensively in those games, it’s been a stellar start to the 2025 NWSL season. The back line led the Pride to unprecedented heights in 2024 and appears to be doing the same this season. It seems there’s no limit to how good this defensive unit can be.

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Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 1-0 as Pride Win Fourth Straight To Start The Season

The Pride won their fourth straight game with only their second-ever road victory against Seattle Reign FC.

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3 days ago

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April 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride (4-0-0, 12 points) continued their stellar start to the 2025 NWSL season, defeating Seattle Reign FC (1-2-1, 4 points) 1-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Barbra Banda gave the Pride the lead in the 41st minute — the fourth time this season the Pride have scored first. The Reign tried to claw their way back in the second half, but the visitors held on for all three points.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made two changes to the team that beat San Diego Wave FC 2-1 on March 29. Ally Lemos and Summer Yates entered the starting lineup for Morgan Gautrat and Angelina, who started on the bench after captaining Brazil during the international break.

The back line in front of Anna Moorhouse was Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke. Lemos and Haley McCutcheon were the defensive midfielders behind Yates, Marta, and Ally Watt with Banda up top.

This was a game of two halves in every sense of the phrase. The Pride dominated the first 45 minutes and could’ve been up multiple goals at halftime. But Seattle came storming back in the second half, causing the Pride to defend for most of it. After being outshot 6-5 in the first half, Seattle outshot the Pride 7-1 in the second half. But some good defending and excellent goalkeeping kept the hosts off the board.

The Reign tried to get off to a strong start, sending a long ball downfield in the 12th minute. Moorhouse came out to collect but was unable to do so. Ainsley McCammon was following up and attempted a weak shot, allowing Sams to clear the danger.

The first chance for the Pride came in the 14th minute, when Yates used some quick feet to create a chance. However, her right-footed shot was right at Seattle goalkeeper Claudia Dickey.

While the Reign got off to a strong start, the Pride began to take over as the game neared the 20-minute mark. 

“It took us some time. They adapted. They played five in the back, which kind of caught us off guard,” Hines said about the beginning of the game. “I think something that we have to be mindful of is teams adapting to us. So, no surprises when they went to five at the back, two sixes, two 10s, and one nine. We had to kind of change our build-up shape within that, and once we made that adjustment, I thought we looked after the ball. We switched the point of attack. We looked more threatening in moments.”

In the 21st minute, Yates built an attack, sending Banda through and giving the striker a chance. The Zambian had an opportunity to shoot on goal but didn’t get much on it and caused little trouble for Dickey.

The Reign created their second shot in the 22nd minute when Dahlien took an attempt. However, it was weak and didn’t cause any trouble for Moorhouse.

In the 23rd minute, Lemos nearly scored from a corner kick. The set piece was curling towards goal and went over the outstretched hand of Dickey, but it struck the crossbar. Banda met the ball just beyond the back post and tried to head the rebound on goal, sending her attempt over the frame.

McCutcheon was called for a foul near midfield in the 26th minute, and the ensuing free kick went into the Pride box. There was some confusion while trying to clear, allowing McCammon to get a shot off. However, Sams got in front of the attempt and the Pride eventually sent the ball upfield.

The Pride finally converted in the 41st minute, taking a lead for the fourth consecutive game. It started when Yates received a pass just outside the box and to the left of goal. The midfielder created space from her defender and sent a low cross across the top of the six-yard box. Banda got behind the back line and stayed onside, meeting the ball. It was an easy finish for the striker, tapping it in to give the Pride the 1-0 lead.

“We’re just pleased that Summer was able to get the cross off and Barbra is in the right place,” Hines said about the goal. “A good goal movement from Barbra and a tap-in goal.”

“I think we had a good amount of opportunities in the first half, but we just really couldn’t finish one. So, I think finishing one at the very end of the half really set us up nicely for the second half,” Lemos added. “Especially with that momentum going and I just really think like we were dictating the pace. And it was really, really good for us.”

The Pride have now scored first in all four games they’ve played this season. Scoring first is something Hines had spoken about and he made a point to mention it again tonight.

“It’s all mentality. It’s all character,” Hines said about scoring first. “We make a real point of scoring that first goal. It can obviously dictate the outcome of the game. So, for us to get that first goal’s vital for us.”

Unfortunately, Yates went down during the attack. After receiving attention from the medical staff, she left the field. The injury left Hines with a decision to make. Either use a substitution window or play with 10 until halftime. The Pride head coach went with the former, replacing Yates with Angelina.

The Brazilian substitute tried to make an immediate impact on the game, creating a chance in the 45th minute. She made a run from outside the box, finding enough space to send a shot on target. However, Dickey was there to tip it over the crossbar.

That was the final attempt of the first half as the Pride took a 1-0 lead into the break. After 45 minutes, the Pride had the advantage in possession (57%-43%), shots (6-5), shots on target (4-1), crosses (7-2), corner kicks (3-0), and passing accuracy (82%-77%). Most importantly, they took a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

The Pride stayed with their same lineup to start the second half, but Seattle made one change. Lynn Biyondolo (née Williams) came into the game for Jordyn Huitema. It was an inspired change, as the U.S. international caused problems for the Pride back line.

The Reign nearly found an early second-half equalizer, creating an attack in the 49th minute. Maddie Dahlien was sent behind the back line, sending a shot on target. Moorhouse made the save but was unable to control it. Rather than pushing it aside, she blocked the shot right in front. Nerilia Mondesir was the quickest player to react, but the Haitian international sent her attempt over the top.

Mondesir played a one-two with Biyendolo in the 56th minute, sending her behind the back line. However, she was forced wide and took a shot from a difficult angle. The attacker was aiming for the near post, but Moorhouse had it covered, blocking the attempt away.

Hines made a pair of changes in the 61st minute. Oihane and Prisca Chilufya entered the game for Dyke and Marta. It was Oihane’s Pride debut.

“Where I’ve been most impressed with how she’s just fitting in with the tenacity to go out there and defend and defend one-v-ones, and stop crosses, and get really tight to the forward,” Hines said about Oihane getting her Pride debut. “So, tonight was her first opportunity. And, like I said, she’s bought into what we’re trying to do here, and knowing that role and responsibility as a fullback.”

In the 63rd minute, Maddie Mercado used a couple of stepovers to lose her defender and create a chance at goal. She took a shot, but it was right at Moorhouse, who didn’t have any trouble making the save.

Hines made his final two changes in the 75th minute. Carson Pickett and Viviana Villacorta came on for Watt and Abello.

The Reign created problems in the 80th minute when a set piece into the box resulted in a scramble. Angharad James-Turner took a shot near the penalty spot that hit Sams. Eventually, the Pride were able to clear without conceding an equalizer.

A bad turnover under pressure in the 81st minute by McCutcheon allowed Mondesir to find Biyendolo going the other way. The midfielder sent Maddie Dahlien behind the Pride back line and it looked like the attacker might slip the ball past Moorhouse. However, the Pride goalkeeper did well to come off her line, blocking the shot with her left leg and keeping the clean sheet alive.

In the 85th minute, Emeri Adames played a ball to the top of the box, where Biyondolo did well to bring it down with her chest. Adames continued her run into the box and Biyondolo found her. Adames took a touch to her right before aiming for the near post. But Pickett did well to get in front and block the attempt.

The Pride tried to double their advantage in the 87th minute when Chilufya made a long run to the top of the Seattle box before the ball was knocked off her. Fortunately, it went straight to Banda, who was making a run to her right. Banda’s second touch was a shot for the near post, but the striker missed wide.

Seattle won a corner kick in the 88th minute and it resulted in a good chance for an equalizer. The set piece was sent into the box, where it found Shae Holmes. The defender tried to redirect the ball on goal, but she sent the attempt over the top.

The fourth official displayed five minutes of stoppage time and the Reign continued to push for an equalizer. But the Pride did well to clear any balls into the box, keeping the hosts from threatening. In the end, the visitors held on for the 1-0 win, moving to 4-0-0 on the season.

At full time, the Pride had the advantage in possession (61%-39%), crosses (10-9), corner kicks (4-3), and passing accuracy (83%-73%). However, a furious second half saw the Reign end up with more shots (13-7) and shots on target (5-4). Fortunately, the Pride’s bend-but-not-break defense stood tall and kept the hosts from equalizing, securing all three points.

“Really pleased, really happy. You know, the league and the parity within the league, it’s so difficult to come away with three points away from home. So, I’m super proud of the players,” Hines said. “They showed their character today. I thought we did a really good job of dictating play, looking after the ball in moments. And the goal was phenomenal. I thought Summer Yates, unfortunately got injured, but I thought she was outstanding today and set the tone. And that’s just one player, but I thought there was some really good performances tonight. And then towards the end, when a team’s trying to get back into the game again, we showed character. New players coming in. Oihane making a debut today, fitted right in. Carson comes back as well is important. And so, yeah, overall, really pleased with the togetherness and to come away with three points.”

“It was a hard game. I think we took a little bit to get into the game, but after the goal, I think we did really well,” Angelina said. “We kept the ball a little bit more, so I think we got into our game.”

The Pride continue their dominant start to the 2025 NWSL regular season. In addition to their 4-0-0 record, they now have 11 goals scored and only one conceded. They’ve started this year where they left off in 2024 — with a stingy defensive unit, recording three clean sheets in their first four games.

“The whole team is doing really well. We know the great season that we had last year, and we continue to do that this year,” Angelina said about the three clean sheets in four games. “So, it makes us proud, and it makes us feel really confident, because we know the quality of this team in the front, in the back, middle. So we’re really happy with the results that we’ve been getting.”

“We just really picked up where we left off last year. Defensively, you can’t ask for better,” Lemos added. “I mean, like you said, three shutouts in four games — that’s almost unheard of. And I just think we’re not even at our top yet. And I just think if we keep doing what we’re doing, it’ll all work out. And, you know, a shutout is a dub for the defense.”

The three points keeps the Pride on top of the NWSL standings, pending the result of the Kansas City Current’s game against the Wave later tonight. Regardless, the Pride once again appear to be the team to beat in the league.

The Pride return home next Saturday looking to keep their 100% record alive. It will be a tall task as they welcome the Washington Spirit for a 5 p.m. kickoff at Inter&Co Stadium in a rematch of the 2024 NWSL final.

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

The Pride look to make it four wins in a row as they travel west to face Seattle Reign FC.

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4 days ago

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April 12, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (3-0-0, 9 points) travel west to face Seattle Reign FC (1-1-1, 4 points) at Lumen Field in Seattle. This is the first of two games the teams will play in the regular season with the return game scheduled for Nov. 1, the final game of the season.

Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.

History

The Pride and Reign have met 18 times since the Pride joined the NWSL in 2016. The Pride hold a 4-7-7 record in those meetings, with an all-time record of 1-5-3 in the Pacific Northwest. All meetings between the two teams have taken place in the regular season.

The most recent meeting was on Nov. 2, 2024 in Orlando. Ally Watt gave the Pride the lead in the ninth minute, but Jordyn Huitema equalized a minute later. Kerry Abello gave the Pride the lead before halftime, and Marta made it 3-1 in the second half. Maddie Mercado got one back late, but it wasn’t enough as the Pride came away with a 3-2 win. The win capped off a historic regular season.

On May 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Emily Sams opened the scoring early and Barbra Banda doubled the advantage minutes later. However, the Reign scored on either side of halftime through Angharad James-Turner and Bethany Balcer before Banda netted the deciding goal, lifting her team to a 3-2 win.

The first game between the teams in 2023 occurred on July 7 at Exploria Stadium and featured one of the best performances of the year for the Pride. Julie Doyle beat her defenders and found the head of Messiah Bright in the 16th minute for the game’s lone goal as the Pride won 1-0 for their second all-time win over the Reign. On Sept. 3 in Seattle, the Pride got off to a terrible start when goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was sent off in the third minute. Carly Nelson came in and did well in relief, but Huitema scored in the 49th minute as the Reign won 1-0. 

The teams played for the first time in 2022 on Aug. 26 in Orlando. Meggie Dougherty Howard gave the hosts the lead, and the Pride tried to hold onto that one-goal advantage, but Megan Rapinoe found Balcer for an equalizing header. The visitors pushed for a win and Rapinoe got a goal for herself two minutes into second half injury time, lifting the Reign to a 2-1 win, snapping Orlando’s seven-match unbeaten run.

The return game was on Oct. 1, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Pride had already been eliminated from playoff contention and it looked like it, as OL Reign dominated the game. Rapinoe opened the scoring just eight minutes in, Huitema doubled the hosts’ lead soon after, and Balcer made it 3-0 just past the half-hour mark. The Pride held the Reign scoreless in the second half, but fell 3-0.

The teams played twice during the 2021 season and the first game was July 24 in Orlando. The Reign scored a goal in each half, with Jess Fishlock scoring early and Tziarra King doubling the lead just after the break in a 2-0 win. On Sept. 26 in Tacoma, WA, Balcer opened the scoring early and Eugenie Le Sommer scored a brace, giving the Reign a 3-0 lead at halftime, ultimately beating the Pride by that score.

COVID canceled the teams’ meetings in 2020, but they played three times in 2019. On April 21 in Tacoma, Alanna Kennedy gave the Pride an early lead. But Balcer equalized and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in the same location. This time, the Reign took the early lead as Darian Jenkins scored twice inside the first 12 minutes. Beverly Yanez made it 3-0 soon after, effectively putting the game away early. Camila converted a late penalty, but the Reign won 3-1. The final meeting that year came on Oct. 12 in Orlando. The Pride scored first through Rachel Hill, but Jenkins and Jodie Taylor gave the visitors a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Marta equalized late and the teams drew 2-2.

The first meeting in 2018 came on April 28 in Orlando. Allie Long gave the Reign a first-half lead, but Marta equalized, resulting in a 1-1 draw. On June 3, the teams met in Seattle but neither team could find the back of the net as they ended in a scoreless draw. The final meeting that year was on July 21 in Orlando. Toni Pressley gave the Pride a first-half lead but Taylor equalized with 20 minutes remaining and the teams drew for the third time that year.

The 2017 season saw the Pride and Reign play twice, first meeting on May 21 in Seattle. Yanez gave the hosts the lead just before halftime but Marta scored just after the break and the teams drew 1-1. They met again on Sept. 7 in Orlando in a game that looked to be ending scoreless but took a surprising turn. Alex Morgan gave the Pride the late lead in second-half injury time, but Fishlock equalized two minutes later and they drew 1-1.

The first-ever meeting between the two teams occurred on May 8, 2016 in Orlando. Sarah Hagen gave the Pride an early lead and Lianne Sanderson made it 2-0 late, which was the final score. The return game in Seattle was on July 23 and was the highest-scoring game between the two teams. Kim Little and Fishlock made it 2-0 Reign at halftime. Manon Melis scored a third for the hosts. Jasmyne Spencer scored, but Kendall Fletcher made it 4-1 four minutes later. A Pressley own goal and late strike by Kristen Edmonds added one more goal to each team’s tally in a 5-2 Reign win.

Overview

The Pride are off to a flying start this season, taking all nine points from the first three games. They started the season by tying a club-record 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars before defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-0 away. They conceded their first goal on March 29 in their most recent game, but still defeated San Diego Wave FC 2-1.

The Pride expected to see Brazilian international Rafaelle back this season and she was increasing game time before departing at halftime in New Jersey. She was out against San Diego and is out again tonight.

While Rafaelle is out, it doesn’t hurt the Pride too much. The back line of Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke were the best in the league a year ago. That’s the back line the Pride are expected to play for the second consecutive game.

So far this season, the Pride lead the league in goals scored (10) and fewest conceded (1). The Kansas City Current — who have scored eight and conceded once — is the closest.

Three players lead the team with three goals this year. Two you would expect — Barbra Banda and Marta — but the third is a bit of a surprise. Defensive midfielder Haley McCutcheon has been one of the team’s leading goal scorers dating back to last year’s playoffs and has two goals this year.

Tonight, the Pride look to make it four out of four against a Seattle team that’s started 1-1-1. The Reign drew 1-1 with Gotham before defeating the North Carolina Courage 2-1 and falling 2-1 to Angel City on Mar. 30.

Seattle has split its four goals among four players. Ji So-Yun, Fishlock, Jordyn Bugg, and Emeri Adames have all netted one goal in the first three games. The lone assist for the Reign this season came from Mercado.

This game will likely see a former Pride player in the Reign lineup, as Phoebe McClernon partners Bugg on the back line. McClernon was shipped to Seattle during the Pride’s rebuild with Leah Pruitt, Celia, and a pair of draft picks coming the other way. Those picks were used on Caitlin Cosme and Bright.

Another former Pride player likely to play is James-Turner. The team and midfielder mutually agreed to part ways during the time Amanda Cromwell was put on leave and later fired. After a brief stint in Europe, she returned to the NWSL, joining Seattle.

The defense has been the Reign’s strength so far this season. The Reign been outshot in each game, but Claudia Dickey has only conceded multiple goals in one game. They’ll have their work cut out for them tonight as they face a Pride team that’s been terrific on both sides through three games.

“Leading up to this game against Seattle, we had a little reflection period of what we’ve done so far and areas that we can continue to improve upon. The players have done phenomenal, three games, three wins, ten goals, one conceded. We’ve built really good momentum,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s game. “We talked about having our home games and making that our fortress. We’ve continued from where we left off last year, which has been really important. Looking forward to Seattle, a difficult place to go play and a different type of team as well, compared to what it has been in the past. A lot of young players came in and they’ve done really well to start the year. So, it should set out to be an exciting game.” 

There aren’t any surprises on the availability report for the Pride tonight. They’ll be without Simone Charley (ankle), Luana (illness), Amanda Allen (shoulder), Aryssa Mahrt (knee), Julie Doyle (knee), and Rafaelle (thigh).

Seattle will play without Ryanne Brown (knee), Fishlock (leg), So-Yun (leg), and Veronica Latsko (lower leg).

Official Lineups

Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.

Defenders: Kerry Abello, Kylie Nadaner, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.

Defensive Midfielders: Ally Lemos, Haley McCutcheon.

Midfielders: Summer Yates, Marta, Ally Watt.

Forward: Barbra Banda.

Bench: McKinley Crone, Carson Pickett, Oihane, Brianna Martinez, Zara Chavoshi, Morgan Gautrat, Viviana Villacorta, Angelina, Prisca Chilufya.

Seattle Reign FC (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey.

Defenders: Madison Curry, Phoebe McClernon, Jordyn Bugg, Lauren Barnes.

Midfielders: Samantha Meza, Maddie Mercado, Ainsley McCammon.

Forwards: Maddie Dahlien, Jordyn Huitema, Nerilia Mondesir.

Bench: Cassie Miller, Shae Holmes, Angharad James-Turner, Olivia Van der Jagt, Emily Mason, Sally Menti, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, Emeri Adames, Lynn Biyenoldo.

Referees

REF: Greg Dopka.
AR1: Seth Martin.
AR2: Peter Hanson.
4TH: Kelsey Harms.
VAR: Danielle Chesky.
AVAR: Melissa Beck.

How To Watch

Match Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Lumen Field — Seattle, WA.

TV: Ion.

Streaming: None.

Social Media: For live updates and rapid reaction, follow @themaneland.bsky.social on Bluesky and the Orlando Pride’s official Twitter feed (@ORLPride).

Enjoy the game. Go Pride!

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