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Orlando Pride’s unbeaten streak on the line against playoff-hungry Chicago Red Stars

Pride try to maintain historic streak, while Red Stars seek win to secure playoffs

By Izabelle Franca

Orlando Pride forward Adriana Leal da Silva (9) dribbles the ball against the Chicago Red Stars during the second half at Inter&Co Stadium
Orlando Pride forward Adriana Leal da Silva (9) dribbles the ball against the Chicago Red Stars during the second half at Inter&Co Stadium / Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
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Orlando Pride heads into this weekend's match with their unbeaten streak intact and oozing with confidence. The team has an impressive run of 19 unbeaten games with 13 wins and 5 draws on record-a performance that has already secured them a spot in the NWSL playoffs. But despite the great form, their next challenge will not be easy: the Chicago Red Stars, who are desperately fighting for a spot in the top 8, will do everything in their power to take down this giant.

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For Orlando, it is another match to keep their grip on the NWSL standings and make steady processes toward the NWSL Shield, awarded to the best regular season record. Chicago, on the other hand, have Mallory Swanson in excellent form and know they need all three points to keep their playoff hopes alive. Between the rivalry between these two clubs and the high-stakes scenario, this Sunday's matchup promises to be one of the most salivating matches of the weekend.

Pride: Flat Out Dominance and an Impressive Stat Line

The most impressive thing about Orlando Pride's campaign isn't just the unbeaten streak but the team's consistency in defense and offense. With 13 wins, the Pride has broken some important records of the NWSL, such as the most victories in one season, and with 44 points, it already has eight clean sheets. Quite simply, this team is unstoppable.

But like any good team looking at a championship, Orlando Pride is not resting on their laurels. While a playoff spot is confirmed, the Pride still needs more-the NWSL Shield in their sights, which then guarantees them a home playoff game. Thus, maintenance of the unbeaten streak and accumulation of points become important.

One of the keys to Pride's success this season has been their defensive consistency: with only eight goals conceded, they boast one of the most solid backlines in the league that shall form an important factor when facing Chicago's attack, spearheaded by Mallory Swanson, one of the top players in the league with a good record against Orlando.

Chicago Red Stars: In Search of Redemption

On the other side, Chicago Red Stars come into this meeting. The pressure keeps rising, yet their hopes are high. The team is at a very tough spot without victories in their last two games and now desperately needs a win if they want to stay in the playoff hunt. With 23 points, Chicago sits outside the top 6, with any slip-up in this final stretch of the season potentially fatal.

If there is anyone to change that fortune in Chicago, it is Mallory Swanson. A star and standout forward for the team, she has managed to record seven goals against Orlando during the course of her NWSL career. Her knack to be able to deliver when it matters most is just what the Red Stars need if they hope to get an upset against undefeated Orlando Pride.

Meanwhile, Chicago have the backing of the crowd at SeatGeek Stadium, celebrating the return of their Olympic medalists in Swanson herself and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, iconic members of the squad. The festive air can prove to give the spark needed to end Orlando's undefeated streak.

Historic Rivalry

The rivalry between Orlando Pride and Chicago Red Stars has already created many exciting chapters, and this game should be no exception. In their last meeting, Pride managed to defeat the host 1-0, but recent history gives credence to Chicago when playing at home. The Red Stars have won their last three home games against Orlando at SeatGeek Stadium and will look to extend that streak.

Besides, Chicago was responsible for the record attendance in the NWSL with the event "Red Stars Take Over Wrigley Field", gathering thousands of fans in June. That goes to show how the team can round up a strong support whenever they play in front of their home crowd.

Now, Pride enters this game not only in the quest of keeping this unbeaten run alive but also to break the home dominance of Chicago. Will Orlando see this through, or will the Chicago Red Stars break this streak and revive their playoff hopes?

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