NWSL Update: Seattle Reign ties Orlando Pride 1-1

SANTA MONICA – With only a few games left in the season, this was an important week in the NWSL. On Sunday, The Chicago Red Stars beat North Carolina 2-1, putting the Red Stars in 4th place. Also on Sunday, FC Kansas City smashed Sky Blue, 4-1, and Shea Groom was named NWSL Player of the Week. Lastly, Seattle Reign, currently one spot away from qualifying for the playoffs in fifth place, took on Houston Dash on Sunday, defeating them 1-0. Then, just a few days later Seattle was back at it again, playing Orlando Pride. After a scoreless 90 minutes, both Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign scored a goal in the last 5 minutes of the game, tying 1-1 on Thursday.

The game started off pretty slow, and didn’t really pick up until the last five minutes of the match. Despite a few solid attempts, neither team managed to find the goal in the first 90 minutes of the match. The game really started in minute 92 when Alex Morgan received the ball, dribbled down the field and kicked the ball into the far right corner of the net, putting Orlando Pride up 1-0 with two minutes to go.

Two minutes, however, was all Seattle Reign needed equalize the game. On a corner kick, Fishlock headed the ball just below the crossbar and into the back of the net, tying the match up once again, 1-1.

This match was extremely important for both teams. Orlando Pride, currently sitting in third place, desperately wanted a win to guarantee their place in the top four and in the playoffs. Seattle Reign, currently in fifth place, are just one spot away from making the playoffs. There are still two games to go in the season, and both these teams will fighting for a place in the playoffs. Additionally, many NWSL players will be prepping the the USWNT friendly against New Zealand on Friday, the 19th at 7:00.

Next, Orlando Pride will be playing the number two ranked Portland Thorns on the 23rd at 12:30, and Seattle Reign will face FC Kansas City on the 24th at 6:00.