Orlando Pride hosts Seattle Reign in high-stakes season finale showdown

The match between Seattle Reign and Orlando Pride closes the 2024 NWSL season, capturing the story of challenges for each team. On one side, Seattle Reign will want to round off the year with pride after a season of narrow draws and close losses. On one hand, Racing Louisville FC want to earn their first-ever playoff berth, while Orlando Pride, already crowned with the NWSL Shield under the command of the talent of Barbra Banda, intend to affirm themselves and keep the pace as one of the league's top forces.

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With the Reign having missed the playoffs, the team is fighting to end the season with heads held high. On the other hand, Pride comes into this final home game with Banda in top form and a solid defense ready to cement its status as the favorite heading into the playoffs.

Pride and Offensive Power: Orlando Pride Proves Its Spot Among the Best

Orlando Pride has built a journey that demands respect. But with 17 wins against only two losses this season, this team has left no doubt about its potential and leadership in the NWSL. One player who represents that offensive power is none other than Barbra Banda. With 13 goals, she tied the club's single-season scoring record, making Pride one of the most feared teams in this league. Pride will take to the field with impressive stats-43 scored, 18 conceded-to show just why they are favourites for the title.

Success for Pride is ensuring they press early. Out of the 25, 13 led into half-time; this can set up in the game a position that is hard for their opponents to recover. This aggressive-score-early approach will be very serious for the Reign, who must be prepared for an intense match.

Reign Takes the Field Seeking Resilience and Recognition

In that sense, this game against Pride gives Seattle Reign an opportunity to be resilient after missing playoffs for the first time since 2017. Games this year have seen a total of 21 end in draws or decided by a single goal, and even though Reign has failed to find stability on the pitch, they have always fought hard. Their latest win, 2-1 over Houston Dash, brought fresh impetus and the milestone that Nérilia Mondésir became the first Haitian to score in the NWSL.

The fact that she scored on both sides of the break gives a highlight to Mondésir and the whole team, targeting the end of the year in front of a strong opponent. This match is one good opportunity to prove that, despite the year's difficulties, it is possible to stand at least with strength against the league's top team.

Stats on the Line: Pride's Attack vs. Reign's Defense

The statistics between the two teams show clear contrast, pitting Pride-who have one of the best campaigns this season-against Reign, who have had a mixed year. In head-to-head history, the statistics favor Reign with 7 wins to Pride's 3, along with 7 draws. Orlando has already defeated Seattle 3-2 in a tight May match this season. That win showed how Pride can adapt and work out any weaknesses in opponents-something Reign need to keep a close eye on.

The match would need Seattle to have a well-organized, consistent defense and a midfield that resists the Pride's attacks with the power of Banda up front. Meanwhile, Orlando has won 9 home matches this season and will strive to take the maximum benefit of home-field advantage as it puts Seattle under an extreme amount of pressure right from the get-go.