SANFORD, Fla. -- As the Orlando Pride head into their final three matches of the season, tonight's match against Angel City FC could be a defining moment in the team's playoff push, with a result tonight keeping them in the hunt for the postseason.
"Every game from now to the end is a big game." Head coach Seb Hines said at Orlando Health Training Ground at Sylvan Park this week. "We're in a really good position, and we all want the same outcome; we want to get three points away from home. It's a difficult environment to go to Angel City, they're on a really good, run but it should be a good game. It's a good challenge for all of us; it'll be a good environment, and we're all excited for the game coming up."
As it stands, only three points separate the Pride from tying OL Reign for the sixth and final playoff spot. However, just behind Orlando are their next two opponents: Angel City and Racing Louisville. The Pride are tied on points with the Los Angeles side at 25, while the team out of Kentucky is just one behind at 24.
The mentality surrounding the Pride has been strong over the last few weeks heading into this crucial stretch. Veteran defender Kylie Strom, who has been a part of the team since 2021, has experienced all the ups and downs that the past two seasons have brought. For her personally, this playoff push has been one that she relishes.
"It's been a long time coming for this team," she said. "We're right there. We can taste it. We're hungry ... I've said it since the beginning of the season, I think we truly do have something special here this year. There is a different vibe within the team. We're really, really strong together, and I think we're going to do big things here."
The Pride's opponent, Angel City, tonight has been on a good run of form the past few matches, going undefeated in its last eight league matches, including a 2-2 draw in its last outing against the Chicago Red Stars.
"I think since Becki [Tweed] came in, she's done a terrific job with that group of players," Hines said. "They're organized, she plays to everyone's strengths, they've rotated a lot of their personnel, giving players opportunities ... But yet, we're in a better position than they are, and they'll be looking to beat us as much as we'll be looking to beat them. So, it should set out to be a really competitive game. It should be exciting for the fans. We just want to put out a performance that the fans are proud of us and going out and giving absolutely everything away from home."
With the Pride knowing that winning out the rest of their matches could put them in the postseason is an exciting thought for the players and coaching staff, but for Hines, making sure his team focuses on the game at hand has been the most important message heading into this week.
"Our message has been pretty consistent throughout the season: one game at a time," he said. "You can only control the controllables; it doesn't matter what anyone else does, we still hold our own destiny. So, we have to make sure that we have the right game plan, put the right players out there to perform to the best of our ability and walk away with three points. And then, we'll look ahead once we achieve that goal; we look towards Louisville after that."
