The Orlando Pride had no trouble getting past Seattle Reign FC last weekend, winning 2-0 in the quarterfinal and moving one step closer to repeating as NWSL champion.
Now, Orlando welcomes Gotham FC for a semifinal matchup on Sunday at 3 p.m., with the winner heading to San Jose for a shot at silverware.
“Obviously, a lot to play for. We’re pleased that we’re able to host another semifinal in front of our own fans, hoping that we get a good crowd there to support the team,” Pride coach Seb Hines said. “But, you know, with any game against Gotham, it’s always competitive. It’s always a fun contest. Again, it’s a good team with good players, so we have to be our best to get the win.”
The two sides last faced off on August 29, with Gotham visiting Inter&Co Stadium and winning 2-0. Esther Gonzalez was one of the goal scorers, but her availability for Sunday’s matchup is in question after she missed out on Gotham’s recent 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.
Regardless of Gonzalez’s status, Orlando will have plenty to watch out for. Jaedyn Shaw has been a threat since joining Gotham from North Carolina in September. Her goal against the Current gave Gotham the initial lead, and veteran Katie Stengel scored the winner in stoppage time, showing that Gotham has depth capable of winning games.
“They’re a good team, and Juan [Carlos Amoros] is a good coach as well. That goes without saying. He makes sure his teams are well organized and puts his players in the best positions to be successful,” Hines added.
“You look around the league: teams are beating teams away from home. Teams are winning at home. So it really does depend on the game, and that’s the most important part—that you play your best game in front of you, and that’s what we’ll be doing.
“We’ll give it absolutely everything on that field on Sunday.”
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/15/nwsl-defending-champ-pride-aim-to-keep-going/
