Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville FC: Final Score 1-1 as Pride Wrap Up the Summer Cup with Another Draw
The Pride ended their Summer Cup with a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC.
The Orlando Pride (0-0-3, 4 points) drew 1-1 with Racing Louisville FC (1-0-2, 6 points) at Inter&Co Stadium tonight in their final game of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Evelina Duljan gave the Pride the lead in the 38th minute and Reilyn Turner equalized in the 67th minute. The visitors then won 4-3 on penalties to take the extra point as both teams were eliminated, with North Carolina winning the group.
Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made five changes from the team’s 2-2 draw with CF Monterrey Femenil Saturday night. Anna Moorhouse, Kerry Abello, Haley McCutcheon, Summer Yates, and Julie Doyle replaced Sofia Manner, Carrie Lawrence, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Watt, and Mariana Larroquette. While Lawrence was away with an excused absence, the other four starters from the Monterrey game were on the bench.
The back four in front of Moorhouse in goal was Cori Dyke, Kylie Strom, Abello, and Celia. McCutcheon and Ally Lemos were the defensive midfielders behind Doyle, Duljan, and Yates with rookie Alex Kerr starting up top for the second straight game.
The Pride were the better team in the first 45 minutes, creating most of the chances and taking a 1-0 lead into the break. Louisville came out the better side in the second half, immediately putting the Pride under pressure. Hines made some changes as the Pride looked to flip the momentum back to their side, but it was the visitors that caused the most trouble. Both teams had chances for a winner as time wound down, but neither could convert and the game ended in a draw.
The Pride had the first chance of the game in the sixth minute when Ellie Jean couldn’t control a square pass in the back. Kerr intercepted it and went the other way, attempting a cross just before the ball crossed the end line. However, Lauren Milliet got back just in time to block it out for a corner kick.
The ensuing set piece by Yates was cleared to the top of the box where Dyke ran onto it. The defender attempted a first-touch shot that was deflected out by Jordan Baggett for a second corner. Yates’ second corner was cleared, ending the threat.
The visitors had their first chance of the game in the seventh minute when Baggett lifted the ball behind the Pride defense for Parker Goins. The attacker had space, but took a quick shot after briefly bringing the ball down. As a result, she was unable to get over the ball, sending it sailing well wide of the target.
It looked like Doyle might have a chance in the 18th minute when Jean couldn’t control the ball in the box. Doyle took possession and tried to create some space. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to lose Milliet, who blocked the right-footed shot.
Three minutes later, Abello sent a cross into the box that found Duljan. Rather than attempting to shoot through multiple defenders, the midfielder laid it off for Celia. The right back took the shot instead, but it was deflected by Arin Wright and into the arms of Louisville goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer.
In the 27th minute, Jean sent a great ball into the Pride box for Goins. Dyke did well to defend the attacker, knocking the ball free and enabling Lemos to send it out of play.
The Pride were unable to clear the ensuing throw-in, enabling Louisville to take possession. Wright played the ball to the left for Elexa Bahr, who sent a cross towards the back post. Ary Borges got a glancing head to it, but sent the attempt wide.
The hosts quickly went the other way and created a chance of their own. Abello played a nice ball for Kerr with the outside of her left foot and the striker took a first-touch shot. It was a solid attempt but was right at Bloomer who made the easy catch.
Kerr used a nice individual effort in the 38th minute to lose Milliet and create a shot. She was aiming to beat Bloomer to her near post, but the Louisville goalkeeper did well to get down and block it away.
The Pride maintained possession, resulting in Abello with the ball on the left. The left back used some nice moves to beat Bahr and send a cross into the box. Duljan beat her defender to the cross in the six, heading it in to give the Pride a 1-0 lead.
“I knew, kind of right when I received that ball, I knew that I was in one-v-one position,” Abello said about the play. “I love to go one-v-one and I don’t get to do that as much at left back. So, I knew I wanted to take that opportunity and get a service off, and I kind of slowed it down for a sec, but I saw that we had runners in the box. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I gotta get this service off.’ I can’t go back now because we had good numbers. So sent it in and Ev made a great run, great header.”
“Could she build on what she did last week? I thought she was tremendous last week, so I think going into the next game, it’s always the most challenging game for yourself individually,” Hines said about Duljan. “Because you set such a high bar in that first game, you don’t want to just to be a one-off, and I think as the game went on to build that confidence. She took the ball in difficult areas. She’s another one that we had to move into the midfield, which is a position she’s not too comfortable with. But again, she took the ball under pressure. She managed to find outlets.”
Kerr was on the attack again in the 42nd minute after receiving a ball from Abello in the box. The forward dribbled across, looking for space to shoot, but was well defended. Instead, she laid the ball off for Doyle, who had space. The midfielder shot on goal but it was pushed away by Bloomer. That was the last chance for either team as the Pride took a 1-0 lead into the break.
At halftime, Louisville had more possession (55.9%-44.1%), but the Pride had more shots (7-5), shots on target (4-0), and corner kicks (2-0). Additionally, both teams had four crosses and Louisville had better passing accuracy (88.3%-84.3%).
The Pride made one halftime change as Watt entered the game for Yates.
Louisville got the first chance of the second half when Borges sent a cross across the face of the goal to Turner. After not getting any shots in the first 45 minutes, Turner’s second touch was on target. Fortunately for the Pride, the attempt was at the near post where Moorhouse made the easy catch.
The visitors had a decent chance in the 60th minute when Celia pulled Turner down from behind just outside of the Pride box, earning herself a yellow card. Halftime substitute Marisa DiGrande took the set piece and was aiming towards the back post for Taylor Flint. However, it was a bit too high for the tall midfielder.
On the other end, the Pride created their first shot of the second half when Watt played the ball to the top of the box for Doyle. The attacker took a couple of touches to her right to separate from Milliet before firing off target.
Immediately after the chance, the Pride made two more changes. Claire Winter and Amanda Allen came into the game for Abello and Kerr.
The Pride nearly doubled their lead in the 66th minute when Louisville was unable to clear the ball after a pair of blocked shots. Duljan took control and dribbled to the right, eventually laying it off for Celia. The right back shot but the attempt was just over the bar.
A minute later, Louisville got its equalizer. Receiving the ball down the right, Emma Sears got a cross off to the back post before Strom could reach her. Turner was wide open as Celia was late getting back, enabling the attacker to easily head the ball in and even the game at 1-1.
The Pride nearly retook the lead two minutes later when McCutcheon sent Watt behind the Louisville defense. The forward was looking for Allen making a run into the box, but her cross through traffic was cleared before it reached the second-half substitute.
Hines made his fourth substitution and used his second window in the 72nd minute to bring Larroquette into the game for McCutcheon.
The visitors continued to be the more dangerous team and created another chance in the 74th minute. Wright sent a long cross to the back post where Flint outjumped her defender, trying to send it back in front of the goal. However, her header curled around the back post and out of play.
In the 80th minute, Louisville nearly scored the go-ahead goal when Maddie Pokorny received the ball on the left side of the box and sent a low ball to the back post. Sears beat Winter to the ball, but couldn’t put the attempt on frame.
Larroquette played Watt down the right in the 84th minute and the speedster beat her defender to the ball. She sent a dangerous cross into the six-yard box that Allen was attempting to run onto, but the forward couldn’t reach it.
Shortly after the chance, Hines made his final change of the game. Gautrat entered in the place of first-half goal scorer Duljan.
In the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, Winter lost the ball to Pokorny who sprinted the other way. The Pride were forward, so only Strom was back. As Gautrat tried to catch up to Pokorny, Strom slid over to cover the attacker. Meanwhile, Kayla Fischer was wide open in the middle. Fortunately, Dyke got back and intercepted the pass to Fischer, saving an almost sure goal.
Dyke went down injured on the play and had to come off for further treatment. The Pride had backup goalkeeper Kenna Caldwell warming up but never brought her on, deciding to end the game with 10 players. Despite being down a player, they held on for the 1-1 draw.
After 90 minutes, Louisville had more possession (57.5%-42.5%) but the Pride had more shots (16-13) and shots on target (4-3). The Pride also had more corner kicks (3-1) while the visitors had more crosses (12-9) and better passing accuracy (85.4%-81.6%).
“I’ll give the players the benefit of doubt. It’s a new team really coming together,” Hines said. “You know, that chemistry wasn’t quite there. But their attitude’s first class and towards the end of the game, when you’ve got, you know, 10 players on the field and still managed to see our team to penalties, that’s really pleasing for me and the rest of the staff.”
“Honestly, I think we could have performed better, but I was really proud of the team and the fight and we remain undefeated. And I think that was a really important goal for us,” Abello added. “You know, we have a lot of new players sliding into new positions, and overall, I’m just really proud of the fight of our team to see out that draw. And yeah, I think we developed a lot over the Summer Cup and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Despite the Pride having been eliminated prior to the game and Louisville having been eliminated with the draw, the teams had to take part in a penalty shootout to see who got a second point from the game.
The Pride got the shootout off to a good start when Jaelin Howell knocked the opening kick off of the right post. The following six shooters converted, giving the Pride a 3-2 lead heading into the fourth round. But a poor penalty by Gautrat enabled Bloomer to block the ball away, keeping her team alive. After Flint gave Louisville the lead, it was up to Watt to keep the Pride in it. However, she went straight down the middle, allowing Bloomer to block the shot away and give Louisville the extra point.
“We’ve had a lot of practice with penalties. So, yeah, that puts us in a good position moving forward. I think, looking back, it’s been a really good test for us, especially with so many players away on international duty,” Hines said about the Pride’s Summer Cup campaign. “It’s allowed us to give all the players an opportunity to go out there and perform and still stay at a high standard. You know, see where players are at. It’s very difficult trying to replicate real games, competitive games, and this tournament allowed us to do that. So I think we’re in a really good position going into the regular season now and where everyone is, and still continue to have that high standard that we set early on in the season.”
The Pride end the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup with three draws and claim four points, winning one of their three shootouts. While they were unable to find a win in the three games and were eliminated in the group stage, they extended their season-long unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions.
“It makes me really excited and confident going into the rest of the season,” Abello said about claiming points in all three games. “I was so happy to see our whole bench get a lot of minutes and everyone did so well. And so, I think that just goes to show the depth that we do have and I think we’ll definitely use that depth throughout the remainder of the season. So, I’m excited. I’m excited for those players.”
Since they didn’t advance to the semifinals next weekend, the Pride have an extended break before they restart the NWSL regular season. They’ll take the field next on Aug. 23 when they travel to Texas to face the Houston Dash.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride Re-Sign Brazilian International Midfielder Luana through 2026
The Brazilian international returned from cancer treatment late this season and has earned a new contract through 2026 with an option for 2027.
The Orlando Pride announced today that the club and Brazilian international midfielder Luana have agreed on a new contract through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027. The deal solidifies Orlando’s midfield for the near future and caps a difficult two seasons for the central midfielder, who underwent treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2024.
Prior to her diagnosis, Luana had started twice and played in all three of the Pride’s 2024 matches, but her treatment sidelined her for Orlando’s historic double.
“Luana has been and will continue to be an integral part of our club as we prepare for another championship run this year and beyond,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Her versatility, steady presence, and leadership helps solidify our midfield in both the attack and defense. But more than that, Luana’s resilience and strength this past year and a half has inspired us all. She embodies what it means to be a Pride player both on and off the pitch and her performance and character has earned her this new contract.”
The now-32-year-old midfielder transferred to the Pride on Dec. 14, 2023 from Brazilian giants Corinthians to a two-year deal through 2025 with an option for 2026. This new deal guarantees her stay for one more year and pushes that option to the end of 2027, which is in keeping with the club’s standard approach to players nearing the end of their deals.
Her first season in Orlando had hardly gotten underway when she was diagnosed and placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list for treatment. She missed almost all of last season and did not return to the pitch until Sept. 2, when she came off the bench to replace Ally Lemos in a 3-0 home win over Alajuelense in Concacaf W Champions Cup play.
In her first season with Orlando, Luana played 192 of the available 270 minutes before ending her season to get treatment. Luana did not have a goal contribution, attempting one shot (off target). She was effective in helping control the middle of the pitch, winning two of four tackle attempts (50%), tallying three interceptions, and winning four headed duels. She completed 80% of her 75 pass attempts across the three games, including a successful long ball and a cross. Her bite in the midfield showed in her five fouls conceded, six fouls drawn, and two yellow cards. In the two games after her debut in Louisville — in which Orlando rallied from two goals down inside of 19 minutes and got a road result, despite Kylie Strom being sent off in the 62nd minute — the Pride conceded only once in the run of play.
Luana has played just 45 minutes of NWSL action in five appearances (regular season plus playoffs) in 2025 — all off the bench. She scored her first goal with Orlando in the Pride’s most recent match — Friday’s NWSL playoff quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign. Her goal from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time sealed Orlando’s 2-0 playoff victory. She has yet to register an NWSL assist. Luana appeared in four Concacaf W Champions Cup matches with the Pride this year, starting three and playing 171 minutes. She did not register a goal contribution in the tournament and neither of her two shots were on target. Luana completed 74.1% of her 85 passes, contributed three tackles, and committed eight fouls without drawing one on an opponent. She was booked once, receiving a yellow card against Club America.
The veteran midfielder began her career with the Sao Paulo, Brazil-based club Centro Olimpico in 2011 before moving to Europe in 2015. She played for Avaldsnes IL in Norway until 2018, South Korean club Hwacheon KSPO in 2019, and French giants Paris Saint-Germain from 2020-2022, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 21 appearances and helping the French giants finish at the top of the league. The Sao Bernardo do Campo native returned to her home country in 2022, signing with Corinthians, where she appeared in 42 matches across all competitions and helped the club win five titles.
She made her international debut in 2010 with Brazil’s under-17 national team, taking part in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. She was in the squad for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan before making her senior team debut in December 2012. She’s made 38 national team appearances for the senior side, scoring two goals.
Luana initially wasn’t on Brazil’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster, but was added to the squad after new Pride teammate Adriana suffered an injury. The midfielder appeared twice in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in group games against Australia and Italy. She made her way into the starting lineup for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all three group stage games where Brazil was surprisingly eliminated.
What It Means for Orlando
There was an option year to be considered for 2026 remaining on Luana’s initial Pride contract, however, the club — as it so often does — prioritized locking the player up for another year and kicking the can on having to consider an option until after next season. If she can stay healthy and regain her previous form, Luana will be a key player, either as a starter or a regular depth option in central midfield. She is good with the ball at her feet, anticipates the play well, and can be a gritty player in 1-v-1 duels.
The Pride central midfield is in good shape for 2026. With Luana in the fold, Angelina under contract through 2026, and Haley McCutcheon locked up through at least next year, the Pride have three solid veterans who can play in the middle of the pitch. Additionally, Viviana Villacorta is signed through 2026, and Ally Lemos is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, although the latter has been used in the attacking line a lot this season. The Pride have no outstanding option years on which to decide, however, there are five players on expiring contracts according to The Mane Land’s records — Amanda Allen, Simone Charley, Mariana Larroquette, Brianna Martinez, and Carson Pickett.
With a full (and healthy) training camp ahead of next season, Luana may be able to snatch a starting role, but even if she doesn’t, she’ll be a valuable depth asset.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Final Score 2-0 as Pride Advance to NWSL Playoff Semifinals
The Pride defeated the Reign at home to advance to the NWSL playoff semifinals for the second consecutive season.
The Orlando Pride took another step towards defending their NWSL crown tonight, defeating Seattle Reign FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute and Luana converted from the spot in the dying moments giving Orlando its fourth consecutive playoff victory over the last two seasons.
Pride Head Coach Seb Hines didn’t make any changes to the lineup that drew 1-1 with the Reign Sunday evening. Anna Moorhouse was in goal behind a back line of Kerry Abello, Rafaelle, Emily Sams, and Cori Dyke. McCutcheon and Angelina were the defensive midfielders behind Jacquie Ovalle, Ally Lemos, and Marta. Ally Watt was still out with an injury suffered during warmups of the previous game, so Julie Doyle started up top again.
The Pride came out strong, creating several quality chances. While Seattle held more possession and created more shots, the bend-but-don’t-break defense kept the visitors off the board. When the Reign did find a good opportunity, Moorhouse came up big, with a little help from the crossbar. In the end, McCutcheon’s goal held up, and Luana’s penalty conversion sealed the win.
While the Reign got into the Pride third multiple times in the opening minutes, it was the hosts that created the better chances. Angelina took the game’s first shot in the fifth minute. Receiving the ball near the top of the Seattle box, the midfielder took a couple of touches to create space before firing a shot right at Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey.
Five minutes later, Ovalle dribbled down the left and sent a cross into the box. The ball was headed towards McCutcheon, but Jordyn Bugg got to it first, sending her clearance over the crossbar. The Pride couldn’t create anything from the ensuing corner kick, and the game remained scoreless. Ovalle tried to do it herself in the 12th minute when the Mexican international dribbled into the Seattle box and fired. However, she couldn’t get around the ball, sending it wide of the near post.
The visitors finally got their first chance in the 14th minute when Nerilia Mondesir sent a low cross into the box, where Jordyn Huitema did well to shield her defender. The ball fell nicely for Sofia Huerta, but the defender’s shot was right at Moorhouse.
The Pride had a great chance to open the scoring in the 17th minute when Dyke found Doyle open in the box. However, the forward lost her balance as she shot, scuffing the ball towards goal and allowing Dickey to make the easy stop.
In the 21st minute, the Pride scored a much-deserved goal. Doyle and Marta combined with a give-and-go, with the captain sending a great through ball to free Doyle down the right. Doyle then sent a low cross to McCutcheon near the penalty spot. It wasn’t a pretty strike, but the defensive midfielder tucked it inside the far post to give her team the 1-0 lead.
“Just being opportunistic in the box, honestly,” McCutcheon said about her goal. “And after we played them last, we talked about taking more risks. And so just shoot it on first-time bounce and good things happen.”
“The goal was everything that we talk about. Moving the ball from one side of the field to the other, some really good interchange, really good execution of the cross,” Hines added. “And a really good finish from Haley, who keeps scoring in the playoffs or towards the end of the season.”
It was McCutcheon’s third goal in her fourth NWSL playoff appearance for the Pride. She’s now scored three of her seven goals for the Pride in the postseason.
“I think I just take an extra moment to realize my role on this team,” McCutcheon said about her playoff success. “I think that we all stepped up tonight, and we all step up in the big moments. But especially for me, I’ve just tried to take on that responsibility. And I think playoff McCutchen is back and in full effect.”
The visitors tried to get back into the game, creating a chance in the 31st minute. Maddie Mercado did well to chest down a long ball into the box and lay it off for Mondesir. The attacker had time and space but didn’t get much on the shot, allowing Moorhouse to make an easy stop.
Moorhouse went down on the play, requiring treatment. When play resumed, Seattle created another chance. In the 35th minute, the Pride were unable to clear, resulting in Mercado being sent down the left. She sent a cross into the box for Huitema, but it was just beyond the striker’s reach and off Abello for a corner kick. Huitema headed down the ensuing set piece, but Mondesir was unable to control it. It fell to Huitema, who got a shot herself, but she couldn’t get much on it and Moorhouse collected.
After 45 minutes of action, Seattle had the advantage in possession (55%-45%), shots (6-4), shots on target (3-2), and passing accuracy (84%-78%). Meanwhile, both teams attempted seven crosses and won one corner kick.
The Pride looked to start the second half strong, creating a chance inside the first minute after the restart. Ovalle received a throw-in and dribbled inside before finding Lemos approaching the top of the box. The young midfielder shot from distance, forcing Dickey to dive to her right to make the stop.
It appeared as though the Reign might find an equalizer in the 54th minute when Ainsley McCammon sent Jess Fishlock behind the Pride back line. The halftime substitute had a breakaway, sending her shot wide. It wouldn’t have counted anyway as the flag went up for offside.
Angelina fouled Fishlock in the Pride third in the 59th minute, giving the visitors a free kick. It was taken short, eventually ending up back with Fishock, who shot from the top of the box. However, Rafaelle got a piece of the ball, sending it wide. The Reign were unable to create anything from the ensuing corner kick, ending the threat.
Two minutes later, Fishlock laid the ball back for Mercado and the attacker was fouled by Lemos. The stoppage saw Sally Menti come on for McCammon and it was nearly a genius change by Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey. Menti stepped up and sent her free kick off the crossbar, inches from tying the game.
Hines made his first change of the game in the 65th minute. It was a defensive change as right back Oihane came on for Doyle.
In the 73rd minute, Fishlock played a beautiful diagonal ball across the field for Maddie Dahlien making a run down the left. The second-half substitute got into the box, taking a shot that was blocked by Dyke. It went right back to the attacker, who shot again, but this one didn’t cause much trouble for Moorhouse.
Moorhouse was called into action in the 76th minute when Mercado received a long diagonal ball as she entered the Pride box. The attacker turned Dyke to create a shot on goal, but Moorhouse got her left foot to the ball, blocking the attempt.
Rafaelle’s clearance was right back to the Reign, who mounted another attack. Huerta found Mercado in the Pride box, and the attacker turned Dyke again. This time the shot was right at Moorhouse, ending the attack.
Hines made his second change of the game during the next stoppage, replacing Dyke with Carson Pickett.
Marta intercepted a pass in the 82nd minute and dribbled towards the end line. Jordyn Bugg caught up with the Pride captain, putting her arms around Marta’s waist. The attacker went down and wanted a penalty, but referee Abdou Ndiaye disagreed.
Hines made his final two changes immediately after the no-call, replacing Lemos and Ovalle with Luana and Simone Charley.
Charley had a chance to put the game away in the 86th minute when Marta brought down a ball and was knocked forward by a defender. Charley was behind the back line, but Menti did well to catch up and send the ball over the end line for a corner kick. Luana lost the ensuing short corner out of play, ending the attack.
Charley had another chance in the 88th minute when Angelina sent her down the right. The forward cut back when she reached the end line, creating enough space for a shot. However, the attempt was wide of the near post.
Dahlien sent a cross into the box for Menti in the 90th minute, but as the attacker wound up for a volley, Abello stepped in front. Menti’s leg slammed into Abello as the left back cleared the ball, ending the attack.
The fourth official showed five minutes of second-half stoppage time, and Seattle stayed on the attack, desperately looking for an equalizer. Late substitute Emeri Adames took a chance in the fourth minute, releasing a shot from distance. It didn’t cause much concern for Moorhouse, who made the easy stop.
A long ball into the Pride box in the sixth minute of stoppage time was headed out by Pickett, falling to Marta’s feet. The Brazilian sprinted the other way, apparently looking to run the clock out. But it was more than that as she fought through traffic to maintain possession.
She darted towards the other end of the field, tapping the ball past former Pride defender Phoebe McClernon to get behind the back line. As she entered the box, shielding the ball from McClernon, Samantha Meza tripped her. Ndiaye pointed to the spot immediately, awarding the Pride a very late penalty.
“I hate to kick the ball to nobody, so I like to have the ball with me,” Marta said. “I prefer to hold the ball. And, sometimes, you just need to make a way, or find a way, to keep the ball and be strong. At that time, it was more mental than physical, and I did this stuff many times in my career. So there was nothing that I never did before. And it’s nice to show that I can still can do that. Because I don’t know if people believe or think that I can still do stuff like that. So maybe they’ll keep giving me space and let me stay in situations like that. And then I’m gonna keep improving and try to help my team.”
“It’s crazy. Like, that was crazy,” McCutcheon added. “If that’s not on all of the highlights and the top 10 whatever, she is unbelievable. And I think that at that moment in the game too, we’re just looking for any possibility to shut out the game and to have her run, I don’t even know, 80 yards and beat three defenders and win a pen. And then, not to mention, give that to Lou (Luana) and let her have that moment, just the awareness and the love that she has for her teammates, it’s everything to this group, and it drives this group.”
“Yes, she could have kicked it away and we squeeze up and then try to defend a throw-in. Or, you know, another ball that gets kicked along into our box,” Hines said. “But to carry it from the distance she did, and ultimately win a penalty as well, that’s who she is. That’s why she’s arguably the greatest player in the world. And to do that in the 95th minute, when we were hanging on towards the end. She wants to show that she’s still got it. She’s still trying to show that she is the player that she was years ago. So, to have that player that can carry the ball and lead — those sorts of actions are really impressive. And I’ve said this multiple times, we’re just pleased that she’s here representing the club.”
Marta initially picked up the ball as the Pride’s primary penalty taker, but immediately handed it to Luana. Handing the ball to her club and country teammate was something she was happy to do.
“I was looking to do something for Luana, not only in this game, but before too. So I had the opportunity to give the ball to her and let her take the penalty,” Marta said. “Also, I know she’s an amazing penalty taker. She does well. She did tonight. You guys saw it. And I just come to her and told her take and finish this f***ing game. And I’m so happy that she converted the penalty, and we ended the game this way. She deserves it. We deserve it.”
“Handing the ball over to Lou epitomizes Marta as an individual,” Hines said. “You know, not putting herself above the team and giving the ball to Lou to have her moment. So, it’s a really inspiring moment for the team and everyone associated with the club.”
The Brazilian stepped up and put her attempt into the left corner of the goal, sealing the victory and scoring her first career NWSL goal.
At full time, Seattle had the advantage in possession (54.7%-45.3%), shots (17-9), shots on target (8-4), crosses (14-10), and passing accuracy (80.1%-76.7%). The Pride ended the game with more corner kicks (3-1) and, most importantly, more goals.
“Really good performance from start to finish,” Hines said. “It was a very unique situation, playing a team that we only just played last week, trying to figure out if Seattle would change anything, whether it’s system or personnel. But I thought we managed it really well in all phases of play. Credit to the players, because they’ve worked so hard to get to this point. They’ve faced so many challenges along this journey to get to the postseason. A big objective of ours was to host a playoff game, finish in that top-four spot, and take value in that top-four spot. So, everyone plays a part, from the players, the staff. The crowd was phenomenal tonight and really got behind the team. And it took everyone, it took a village to get three points tonight.”
“What a performance from the whole group from start to finish,” McCutcheon added. “I think we were just locked in and to have that late penalty and have Luana have that moment, it’s just a dream come true for us. So we’re excited.”
With the quarterfinals behind them, the Pride will now wait to see who, when, and where they’ll play next. If NJ/NY Gotham FC knocks out the top-seeded Kansas City Current, the Pride would host Gotham in the semifinal. If the Current win, the Pride travel to Missouri to face Supporters’ Shield-winning Kansas City.
Regardless, the Pride season extends to next weekend, when they’ll play for an opportunity to compete in their second consecutive NWSL Championship Game.
Orlando Pride
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More
The Pride begin the 2025 NWSL playoffs with a quarterfinal matchup against Seattle Reign FC.
Welcome to your match thread as the Orlando Pride (11-8-7, 40 points) host Seattle Reign FC (10-7-9, 39) in the quarterfinals of the 2025 NWSL playoffs. This is the third time the teams will face off this year and the second time this week.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s game.
History
The Pride and Reign have met 20 times since the Pride joined the NWSL in 2016. The Pride hold a 5-7-8 record in those meetings, with an all-time record of 3-2-5 in Orlando. All meetings between the two teams have taken place in the regular season.
The most recent meeting took place on Sunday in Orlando with the two teams finishing the 2025 NWSL regular season against each other. They were playing to host a quarterfinal game and the Pride were the better team in the first 45 minutes. Substitute Carson Pickett gave the Pride the lead just eight minutes after coming on, but Jordyn Bugg equalized three minutes later. The 1-1 draw was enough for Pride to finish fourth, pushing Seattle down to fifth and setting up a rematch five days later.
The other meeting this year took place April 12 in Seattle. Barbra Banda was the hero of that game, netting the game’s only goal in the 41st minute. It extended the team’s season-opening winning streak to four games.
The first meeting of 2024 occurred on May 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Emily Sams opened the scoring early and 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.
On Nov. 2, 2024 in Orlando, Ally Watt gave the Pride the lead early, 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.
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 Messiah Bright, who scored the game’s lone goal early in the match 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 early in the second half 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 took place Oct. 1, 2022 at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Pride had already been eliminated from playoff contention and it looked like it, as the team then known as OL Reign dominated the game. Rapinoe opened the scoring early, 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 the game ended in a scoreless draw. The final meeting that year took place July 21 in Orlando. Toni Pressley gave the Pride a first-half lead but Taylor equalized late 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 added a second in a 2-0 Pride win. The return game in Seattle took place 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 responded for Orlando, 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 and Reign met Sunday evening in Orlando with a playoff hosting spot on the line. While the Pride probably deserved all three points, Seattle stayed close and was able to pull out a draw. But that was enough for the Pride to finish in fourth, allowing them to remain home.
Seattle decided to stay in Central Florida this week rather than flying across the country twice. There’s even more on the line tonight than at the beginning of the week, with the loser seeing their 2025 season end in disappointing fashion.
The Pride were the better team for most of the game Sunday, holding more possession (53%-47%) and creating more shots (13-7). However, putting shots on frame was a determining factor, as the Pride only put two of their 13 shots on target. Meanwhile, Seattle put two of their seven shots on goal. That ratio will have to change for the Pride to advance to the semifinals for the second consecutive season.
One thing that can help tonight is a better 90 minutes from Marta. The team captain was an offensive threat in the first half, but disappeared in the second. Eventually, she was replaced by Simone Jackson in the 80th minute.
Hines has made some smart changes in recent games and that happened again Sunday. Pickett received some starts after moving to the midfield and coul have started there against Seattle. But Hines went with Ally Lemos instead, bringing Pickett off the bench. It was an inspired change, as she scored just eight minutes later.
On an even more positive side, the Pride continue to play well defensively. They kept Mia Fishel and Jess Fishlock from creating chances and did the same to Huitema when she replaced Fishel at halftime. However, the Pride were able play for a draw Sunday evening, something they won’t have the luxury of doing tonight — a draw would necessitate penalties.
“It’s a big deal. Reason why the cameras are here,” Pride Head Coach Seb Hines said about tonight’s game. “It’s postseason, tournament football, must-win games. We want to make the most out of the home-field advantage in front of our own fans. We hope that a lot of fans come out and turn up and support the team, so we’re all excited about the prospect ahead of us.”
The Pride will take the field tonight without Banda (hip), Kylie Nadaner (excused absence), Ally Watt (knee), and Summer Yates (lower leg). Seattle will be without Lynn Biyendolo (maternity leave), Veronica Latsko (lower leg), Cassie Miller (leg), and Olivia Van der Jagt (excused absence).
Official Lineups
Orlando Pride (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse.
Defenders: Kerry Abello, Rafaelle, Emily Sams, Cori Dyke.
Defensive Midfielders: Haley McCutcheon, Angelina.
Midfielders: Jacquie Ovalle, Ally Lemos, Marta.
Forward: Julie Doyle.
Bench: McKinley Crone, Oihane, Zara Chavoshi, Simone Jackson, Viviana Villacorta, Luana, Grace Chanda, Carson Pickett, Simone Charley.
Seattle Reign FC (5-3-2)
Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey.
Defenders: Sofia Huerta, Lauren Barnes, Jordyn Bugg, Phoebe McClernon, Madison Curry.
Midfielders: Nerilia Mondesir, Samantha Meza, Ainsley McCammon.
Forwards: Jordyn Huitema, Maddie Mercado.
Bench: Maddie Prohaska, Maddie Dahlien, Angharad James-Turner, Jess Fishlock, Emily Mason, Sally Menti, Mia Fishel, Shae Holmes, Emeri Adames.
Referees
REF: Abdou Ndiaye.
AR1: Tom Felice.
AR2: Brian Marshall.
4TH: Jaclyn Metz.
VAR: Danielle Chesky.
AVAR: Melissa Beck.
How to Watch
Match Time: 8 p.m.
Venue: Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando.
TV: None.
Streaming: Prime Video.
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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