For Orlando, Friday night was a busy one. The night featured three significant events. The first event was the EDC, followed by the Orlando Magic game and the NWSL playoffs between Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign. Coach Seb Hines lined up the same starting XI as their last game of the season against the same opponent.
During the first 15 minutes of the game, both teams exchanged possession evenly, but the clearest scoring opportunity fell to Julie Doyle. In the 17th minute, Cory Dyke passed through the Reign’s defenders and beautifully crossed the ball looking for Julie Doyle, but the striker missed terribly. The Orlando Pride was creating plenty of attacking opportunities but without any substance or clear threat. The only clear threat Orlando posed was through Dyke’s cross to Doyle. It wasn’t until the 21st minute that Haley McCutcheon scored the first goal for the Pride. Julie Doyle provided the assist. Her goal meant a giant boost of momentum for the Pride.
After Orlando’s goal, the game remained back and forth, with the Pride creating the most clear chances, but again, no substance or real danger came from Seb Hine’s side. Orlando’s defense performed flawlessly in the first half, effectively blocking most counterattacks from the Seattle Reign. Rafaelle, Cory Dyke, and Kerry Abello excelled at the task.
The halftime whistle was heard, and the Seattle Reign dominated possession 54 to 46% compared to the Orlando Pride. Furthermore, the Reign had 6 shots at goal, and the Pride only 4. It was a very choppy first half since both teams had 6 fouls each and a horrible shot-on-target ratio with 2 and 3, respectively. Seb Hines’ side needs to quickly score a second goal at the beginning of the second half so they are able to dictate momentum; otherwise, Seattle is capable of defending well and also causing some danger when going on the counter.
The second half started, and Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign went back to the game being choppy. Fishlock was subbed in and was able to cause some danger for the Pride’s midfield. In the 54th minute, Fishlock was caught offside but missed her chance in a 1 v 1 vs. Moorhouse. Defensively, the Orlando Pride was impeccable. Lemos once again played a solid game, accurately clearing the ball and dissipating danger. As Orlando gained momentum, the referee began calling nonexistent fouls that could have allowed Seattle to equalize the game. Time passed, and Seattle began to gain momentum after a free kick struck the crossbar.
Fishlock was the one player who brought danger into Seattle’s attack. Therefore, in the 76th minute, Maddie Mercado (Seattle Reign) made a left-footed shot from the center of the box, which was saved in the center of the goal by Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride). Madison Curry provided the assist. Thereafter, it seemed that Seattle controlled most of the chances, while Orlando Pride struggled to manage the pace of the game and score a second goal.
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