The Orlando Pride hosted Portland Thorns FC on Saturday in the NWSL Game of the Week. The match was tightly contested and ended at stalemate, as the Pride picked up a valuable point to bolster their chances of clinching a playoff spot.
At this stage of the season, Seattle Reign FC is the only club that could challenge Orlando for a top four position. It is a tall task for Seattle, though, as the Reign are now six points behind the Pride with two matches left in the season. Reign FC would need to win out and overcome a 7-goal difference to surpass the Pride for a playoff spot.
“I’d much rather be in our position now than Seattle’s position,” Pride head coach Tom Sermanni said. He also explained the importance of not losing the match against Thorns FC, a result which could have opened the door further for Seattle to make a late-season run.
That said, the Pride are still in control of their own destiny. Orlando has one match remaining in the regular season next week against the North Carolina Courage, the current league-leaders. With a win or draw on the road at North Carolina, the Pride clinch their first ever playoff berth.
The Seattle Reign play on Sunday night at 9:00pm with their playoff hopes on the line. You can catch that match on NWSLsoccer.com
