With only two games remaining in the NWSL regular season, the Orlando Pride sit just below the playoff line on goal differential. One final road trip could nudge this young squad into the postseason.
The Pride take on Racing Louisville on Friday at Lynn Family Stadium (Paramonut+, 7:30).
The two sides last met in May, with Orlando coming out on top 1-0. Louisville enters on a three-game losing streak while the Pride have won both of their last two games and three of five.
Fresh off a two-year contract, goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse knows that Louisville is still a tough opponent to play on the road coming off the Pride’s 1-0 victory against Angel City on Monday.
“They’re a good footballing side, they like to possess the ball, so it’s going to be tough,” Moorhouse said. “We need to be disciplined in our shape just like we were on Monday night and we should win the game.”
Orlando’s defense has been shaky at points but coach Seb Hines credits his team’s work ethic and consistency in fighting for the playoffs. A star such as Brazillian forward Marta is contributing as expected, but unsung heroes such as rookie defender Emily Madril have helped cement a determined culture.
That attitude has been vital for the Pride and is what has them in the position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“Even the games that we lost early on we had great attitude, great desire, just fell short with the results,” Hines said. “I would say that’s probably been the most consistent, the players’ attitude and wanting to win, wanting to put the work in to go out there and get three points. As long as you do that you’ve always got a chance of winning the game.”
Orlando will be without midfielder Viviana Villacorta (knee), who has been ruled out for the rest of the season, as well as midfielder Erika Tymrak (excused absence). Forward Adriana (knee) is questionable.
Louisville forward Uchenna Kanu will miss the match after the league announced her one-game suspension stemming from an incident in the 99th minute of a Sept. 30 match against the Chicago Red Stars.
