The end of the regular season is here for the Orlando Pride, and they must win in order to guarantee a home game to kick off the postseason.
The Pride (11-8-6, 39 points) take on Seattle Reign FC (10-7-8, 38 points) at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
“I think there’s still a lot to play for, both teams will be wanting to reach those top four spots that get home-field advantage going into playoffs,” Orlando head coach Seb Hines said. “Obviously, coming off the back of an international break is never easy as well. But I think the advantage is that we’re playing at home, in front of our own fans, and we’re ready to get going now.”
Orlando has won three of its last five games, and a win clinches third place in the standings. The Pride beat Seattle 1-0 on the road in April, but have an all-time record of 5-7-7 against their West Coast foes. Orlando does control its own destiny, and Hines is not focused on anything other than his squad securing a result.
“You go back a couple of years ago, we were relying on other teams, and we don’t want to be put in that position again,” Hines added. “So we have to start on the front foot. We have to continue that momentum that we had in the last three or four games, which is important for the postseason.”
The Pride will rely heavily on captain Marta to help deliver. She has scored in each of her past two appearances, and the 39-year-old Brazilian has started to look like her old self in recent weeks. If she can play at the high level she has been known for throughout her career, Orlando will be difficult to stop.
On the other hand, Orlando’s defense will have its hands full with Jess Fishlock (6G, 2A), who is capable of changing games either as a late substitute or starter. Rookie Maddie Dahlien (4G, 4A) is another key player to watch. She has been one of the most consistent players for the Reign, having played over 1,800 minutes this season.
Orlando Pride forward Marta (10), shown here on Sept. 13, 2025, has scored in each of her past two appearances, . (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)