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Orlando Pride vs. Angel City FC: Final Score 1-0 as Pride Claim Huge Win On the Road

Adriana’s 22nd-minute goal was enough to lift the Pride over Angel City for a crucial three points.

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2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride (9-10-1, 28 points) found an early goal and held on for 68 minutes to beat Angel City FC (6-7-7, 25 points) 1-0 in Los Angeles. Adriana’s 22nd-minute goal was the difference as the Pride defended for their lives in the second half. The win brings them even on points with OL Reign for the final playoff spot with two games remaining.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made one change from the team that beat the North Carolina Courage 2-1 on Sept. 17. Anna Moorhouse returned from her one-game suspension, replacing Carly Nelson in goal. The back line in front of the English shot stopper was Kylie Strom, Rafaelle, Emily Madril, and Haley McCutcheon. Jordyn Listro and Mikayla Cluff were in the defensive midfield behind Julie Doyle, Marta, and Adriana with Ally Watt up top.

The start was Marta’s 100th appearance in all competitions. She became the first player in Pride history to reach that mark.

This was a pretty sloppy game by both teams, with several bad turnovers that created opportunities for the opposition. The first half was close, but Angel City completely dominated the second 45 minutes. The Pride barely held on, desperately clearing the ball away inside their own box. The hosts claimed handballs twice on McCutcheon, but neither resulted in a penalty, enabling the visitors to escape with all three points.

Angel City created the first opportunities four minutes into the game. A good run from the left by M.A. Vignola saw the defender send a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, but the Pride were able to clear. Seconds later, a poor pass out of the back resulted in Clarisse Le Bihan finding the head of Claire Emslie in front of goal. However, the header was over the target and the assistant’s flag went up for offside.

In the 10th minute, Cluff received a pass from Strom near midfield, but gave it up under pressure. Savannah McCaskill took possession and charged towards the Pride box. Before she reached the 18, the midfielder attempted a long-distance effort that went straight into the arms of Moorhouse.

An Angel City cross into the box in the 18th minute was headed out, but only to Alyssa Thompson near the top of the box. The teenage attacker quickly put a shot towards goal, but Strom was there to block the attempt.

While the hosts dominated the chances in the first 20 minutes, it was the Pride that took the surprising lead. A give-and-go between Adriana and Marta enabled the latter to shoot from the top of the box. Sarah Gorden blocked the shot, but it went to the foot of Adriana, who volleyed the ball towards goal. The ball went off the arm of Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, who started in place of regular starter DiDi Haracic, and in to give the Pride a 1-0 lead.

“We were really dangerous on the transition. We knew their fullbacks really like to get, to join in their attacks. So that was a big emphasis for us was finding Adri in that space,” Strom said about the goal. “We’ll give her the ball all day and what a goal that was. I think we actually did create a few other moments that we didn’t capitalize on. But that goal was massive. And I’ve never heard that stadium, it was so loud and it went so quiet.”

“The goal is remarkable,” Hines added about Adriana’s strike. “The ball’s hanging in the air so long and then to connect the way she did and get it on frame, it was brilliant.”

Angel City nearly found an equalizer in the 31st minute when Vignola was sent behind McCutcheon by Emslie. The left back shot from a tight angle and the ball was blocked by Moorhouse. It bounced around the six-yard box, hitting Thompson in front of the goal, but eventually ended up with McCutcheon, who sent it out of play.

In the 34th minute, Cluff sent Adriana down the right. Watt was making a run into the box, but Adriana took on her defender on her own and shot from outside of the 18. The shot was too hard for Anderson to catch, so she blocked it away instead. The decision by Anderson enabled the Pride to create a second chance when Doyle sent a cross into the box. Watt was there to redirect it on goal, but Anderson was able to catch it.

The Pride should’ve doubled their lead in the 39th minute when Adriana made a long run from midfield into the Angel City box. She cut back to lose her defender and found Marta with plenty of space near the penalty spot. The Pride captain’s first touch was towards the far post, but she opened up a little too early and sent the attempt wide.

A minute later, Angel City should’ve scored an equalizer when a McCutcheon foul on Emslie gave the hosts a free kick. Le Bihan took the set piece, sending it to the top of the Pride’s six-yard box. Paige Nielsen got behind the back line and should’ve connected with it, but the center back couldn’t get her foot on the ball, enabling the Pride to survive the threat with the lead.

At halftime, Angel City had more possession (57.8%-42.2%), shots (8-5), corners (2-0), and crosses (11-5), and passed more accurately (78.5%-71.3%). Meanwhile, both teams put three shots on target. The Pride probably should’ve had a two-goal lead at halftime, but Adriana’s 22nd-minute goal was the difference at the break.

“We needed to take care of the ball a lot better. We’re causing ourselves our own problems,” Strom said about the halftime message. “Seb said at half, you know, don’t make this a tennis match. Don’t make this back and forth and turn it into transition. So we needed to find, you know, in defending we were gritty and had a high tempo and then we need to find a way to calm down and possess.”

Angel City had a positive start to the second half and nearly found a quick equalizer. Madril blocked the ball out of play in the 48th minute, giving the hosts a corner kick. The set piece found the head of Vignola near the penalty spot, but her attempt hit the body of McCaskill, enabling the Pride to clear.

Two minutes later, Nielsen sent a cross into the box that found the head of Emslie. The midfielder got her head to the ball, but it was blocked wide. The Pride quickly sprinted the other way with Marta playing Adriana in the middle of the field. The Brazilian’s second touch was a pass forward for Watt, who shot from the top of the box. Unfortunately, her attempt sailed over the target.

In the 55th minute, Amandine Henry sent a long ball for McCaskill in the box. The midfielder headed the ball down and it went off McCutcheon. The Angel City players immediately raised their arms claiming a handball, but the flag was up for offside.

Two minutes later, it looked like McCutcheon would control a long ball into the Pride box. But the right back was nonchalant, allowing Emslie to beat her to it. The midfielder tapped the ball past Moorhouse, but into the side netting, enabling the Pride to escape the lapse of concentration.

Hines made his first change in the 60th minute, bringing Kerry Abello on for Doyle. It was a difficult night for Doyle, who turned the ball over multiple times in the first half and wasn’t able to get involved in the attack.

In the 64th minute, Strom and McCaskill collided over a Vignola cross. The ball bounced to Le Bihan near the penalty spot, giving the forward an attempt with space. However, she couldn’t get much on it and the shot went to Moorhouse.

The onslaught by Angel City continued in the 67th minute when McCaskill found Morgan Reid in the box. The center back’s shot was on target, but Madril did well to get in front and block it away.

Hines made his second substitution of the game in the 70th minute. It was a change up top with Messiah Bright coming on for Watt.

Second-half substitute Jasmyne Spencer created a chance in the 74th minute, sending a shot towards goal. Fellow substitute Sydney Leroux was in front of Moorhouse, but Rafaelle did well to get in front of the shot and blocked it away.

In the 77th minute, the Pride had one of their few second half chances. Adriana dribbled down the right and had Bright with some space, but continued forward. By the time she sent a cross into the box, the striker was covered. The ball was too far in front of Bright anyway, going all the way through the box.

Angel City players felt they should’ve had a penalty in the 82nd minute when a ball into the box appeared to hit the arm of McCutcheon. Several players’ arms went up claiming a handball and Video Assistant Referee Shawn Tehini took a lengthy look at the play. But they decided it wasn’t enough for a clear and obvious error.

Jun Endo sent a low cross into the box in the 85th minute that found the foot of McCaskill, who was continuing her run. The midfielder was the only one to reach the ball, redirecting it towards goal, but sent it over the crossbar.

An Angel City corner kick in the 86th minute was headed back across the box where it found Leroux. The forward headed the ball on target, but Moorhouse tipped it over. The ensuing corner kick was caught by the goalkeeper, enabling the Pride to clear.

The fourth official showed eight minutes of second-half injury time, a number much higher than the Pride wanted to see. Hines made his final three changes all defensive ones as the game entered the final stage. Megan Montefusco, Brianna Martinez, and Celia came on for Marta, Adriana, and Cluff.

The Pride put all 11 players behind the ball and Angel City struggled to find a chance in the dying minutes. The closest they came was eight minutes into injury time when Gorden lifted a ball that was too close to Moorhouse. It was a nervy second half as Angel City continued to push, but the Pride held on for the 1-0 win.

Angel City ended the game with more possession (63.7%-36.3%), shots (21-8), shots on target (7-4), corners (11-0), and crosses (35-10), and passed more accurately (77.9%-64.4%). However, the Pride were able to clear away the many attempts and hold onto the one-goal lead for 68 minutes.

“It’s a monumental result today. I think we showed a different side to us,” Hines said about the game. “You know, it wasn’t pretty from our side but Adri takes a shot and, you know, it’s a great finish. And, you know, you’re 1-0 up. We weathered a lot of their attacks. They played well, Angel City, they put us under a lot of pressure. They made us defend, and the players stood up to the challenge. It wasn’t an easy environment to (overcome), but most importantly, we come away with three points and keep moving on that table.”

The win pulls the Pride even on points with OL Reign for the sixth and final playoff spot, but they sit seventh because the Reign have a better goal differential. They’re also only one point behind the Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage. Since the Reign play the Spirit and the Spirit end the season against the Courage, the Pride will qualify for the postseason if they win their final two games, regardless of results elsewhere.

This is only the second season that the Pride have traveled to California and they’ve found those trips prosperous. The team is now 4-0-0 away to San Diego Wave FC and Angel City FC, outscoring their opponents 6-1.

The Pride won’t be able to celebrate this big win very long as they have another game Friday night against Racing Louisville. The next opponent is four points under the playoff line and desperately needs to win.

“I think recovery is key right now,” Madril said about preparing for the quick turnaround. “I mean, I’m gonna live in the training room and we all have everything that we possibly need for recovery. So I think that’s going to be the next focus for the next 48 hours and then back to training to get ready for Louisville. I think we are entering into this new mentality where we know that it’s do or die right now. And so I think everyone’s kind of stepped it up a notch and in all realms. I think on the field during training, you know, recovery, all those things. And I think that continues this week to get ready for Louisville.”

“I think leading up to this game, we take one game at a time,” Hines added. “You can’t look too far ahead. So looking towards Angel City, we prepared, we put a lineup out there, get a game plan to ultimately get three points. We’ve now got that three points, recovery’s going to be involved now. So yeah, we set off to Louisville tomorrow. Make sure the players are all rested. They gotta obviously adapt to the time zones as well. So we’ll see what bodies are fit and ready to go against Louisville, which is going to again be a difficult environment to play in. But it always helps after a win and getting three points. So I’m sure the players will be hungry to go out there and get another three points out in Louisville.”

As Hines said, the Pride will rest tonight in Los Angeles and head to Louisville tomorrow in preparation for the upcoming match. They face Racing Louisville in Kentucky on Friday night — their penultimate game of the regular season.

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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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2 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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3 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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Orlando Pride

Orlando Pride Focus On Scoring Early And Off Set Pieces

The Pride have found some early success this season because of when and how they’re scoring their goals.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

March 31, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

The Orlando Pride won their third straight game to start the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 win over San Diego Wave FC. But what was important wasn’t just the fact that they won again, it’s how and when they scored.

Pride Head Coach Seb Hines places an emphasis on set pieces. It makes sense for the former center back. After all, we’re talking about someone who once scored four headers in a friendly when he played for Orlando City. That focus is showing itself in his team this season and has contributed greatly to the team’s success.

The Pride’s success on set pieces started early this season. In the 41st minute of the Challenge Cup against the Washington Spirit, Marta sent a free kick off the wall. The ball went straight to Rafaelle, who put it in to give her team the lead in her first game back since July 6, 2024.

The following week, in the season opener against Chicago, one of the team’s club-record-tying six goals came off another set piece. This time it was a corner kick. Marta’s cross into the box met the head of Ally Watt, who knocked it in to make it 2-0.

In New Jersey against NJ/NY Gotham FC, it was Marta’s set piece for a third straight game setting up a goal for the Pride. Her free kick from near the top of the Gotham box was flicked on by Barbra Banda. Lilly Reale tried to clear the ball but put it in her own net. In addition to the third straight game Orlando had scored on a set piece, it was the second consecutive game the Pride were the recipient of an opponent’s own goal — the Pride’s co-leading scorer.

The Pride scored off a set piece for the fourth straight game Saturday afternoon. It was Marta from a corner kick again. Her cross to the back post was met by Banda. While Banda couldn’t put the ball on target, it went straight to Haley McCutcheon, who scored her second goal of the season.

“It’s so important. It’s a moment and we really train it,” Hines said about scoring on another set piece. “We are really focused on it. And that can determine an outcome of a game. So, you know, both sides of the game, both boxes can dictate your win or loss. And yeah, it’s great that we’re getting the results, getting the opportunities, but capitalizing on those opportunities as well.”

In addition to scoring off set pieces, the Pride have also been the more attacking team early in games and scoring early in halves. The Pride scored inside the first 10 minutes of the game in each of the first two matches this season. While they didn’t score early Saturday afternoon, they had two early shots and scored within the first 10 minutes of the second half to take the lead.

Putting the opposition on their heels early and scoring first is something Hines said is essential for the success of the team this season.

“We talk about it all the time, how we get that first goal in the game,” Hines said after the win over Gotham. “So, we always want to start fast, whether we’re at home or away. Regardless of the opponent we’re playing against, that first goal is really important to us.”

The focus on scoring early showed in the first two games. McCutcheon scored in just the seventh minute against Chicago in the season opener and the Reale own goal occurred in the second minute in New Jersey. On Saturday afternoon, Banda was sent deep into the San Diego half and took two shots inside the first four minutes of the game.

While the striker didn’t convert on either of those attempts, the Pride came out flying again in the second half. This time they converted early with McCutcheon’s goal coming in the 50th minute.

Saturday afternoon was the second time this year the Pride have scored inside the first 10 minutes of the second half. They scored through an own goal against Chicago to take a 3-0 lead, something Hines pointed out after the game.

“We talked about that at halftime. And then with the team that we have to continue our momentum, our aggressive nature,” Hines said about the goal on March 14. “And getting that third goal so early into the second half really kind of put the game to rest.”

The Pride’s focus on scoring early and from set pieces has been vital to the team’s early success. They’ve gotten games off to a strong start by creating chances, getting players forward, and converting on those opportunities. If the trend continues, they could put together another long run of results, similar to what they did last year when they started with 23 unbeaten.

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