Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns: Photo Gallery

The Orlando Pride might be sputtering to life at just the right time in the season, defeating the Portland Thorns at home 1-0 on an own goal in second-half stoppage time. The win pushed the Pride into the top four with two games to play and, pending today’s results, may clinch Orlando a second-straight playoff berth. More importantly, the win starts to build some confidence, putting the Pride on a three-game unbeaten run in league play.

The game felt evenly played. Initially, Portland controlled the tempo, but Orlando grew into game and started creating chances as the first half progressed. Ally Watt was clearly raring to go for this game, racking up three offside calls in the first half (two of which nullified well-finished goals). Orlando’s defense held firmly at the edge of the defensive third, allowing Portland mostly low-probability chances that the Thorns were unable to put on target.

The second half continued with much of the same — organized defense from Orlando with quick attacks, and deliberate build-out from Portland. Then Orlando started making subs in the 68th minute, and the fresh legs (and Marta, who came on with the first sub window) started to shift things in the Pride’s favor. Orlando sustained more pressure over the final stages of the game, and that pressure was finally rewarded with some Marta magic and a little luck in the second minute of stoppage time.

Orlando won a corner, and Marta laid it perfectly at the front post to ricochet off the back of Portland defender Mallie McKenzie and into the net for an own goal. Orlando fended off the late Portland charge to claim all three points.

The Pride have another busy week this week; they host Pachuca in a must-win game on Wednesday in Concacaf W Champions Cup group play, followed by a day game at the Washington Spirit on Saturday.

We hope you enjoy these pictures from a much-needed Pride victory.