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Orlando Pride Beat Reign 2-0 to Open Title Defense, Advance to NWSL Semifinals

The defending champions will meet Kansas City or Gotham in next weekend’s semifinals, with home field only if Gotham advances.

Overview

  • Haley McCutcheon put Orlando ahead in the 21st minute and Luana sealed it with a stoppage-time penalty drawn by Marta.
  • Luana’s spot kick was her first NWSL goal since returning this fall after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse preserved the clean sheet with eight saves, including a pivotal 76th-minute kick stop on Maddie Mercado.
  • The No. 4 seed Pride will travel if top-seeded Kansas City defeats No. 8 Gotham; Orlando would host only if Gotham pulls the upset.
  • Orlando continues its repeat bid without injured star Barbra Banda, while record-setting Shield winners Kansas City enter the postseason as the favorite.