Match Preview & Discussion Thread: Portland Thorns at Orlando Pride

After a miraculous come from behind win last weekend at home against Bay FC, the Portland Thorns look to rally on the road tonight against the Orlando Pride.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm PST, with streaming available on Prime Video. With just three games left in the regular season, can the Thorns inch their way closer to the post season tonight?

Below you'll find your match preview, along with a place to stop and chat throughout the game!

Preview

Vibe check

The last time these two teams met was in the City of Roses back in May, when the Thorns stumped the Pride with a 1-0 victory at home.

Other than a goal from Reyna Reyes in the 16th minute, it was a quiet night offensively for both clubs. However, the two teams kicking off against one another tonight are drastically different versions of the ones we saw in May.

The Thorns face an Orlando team who, despite winning an NWSL Championship and Shield in 2024, has struggled down the stretch this season, and now faces possible elimination from a spot in this year's playoffs.

And despite a season full of bumps in the road, the team from Portland has continued to take the adversity in stride, and shown up when it matters most.

Most recently with a come from behind 2-1 victory at home last weekend against Bay FC. It was a match highlighted by the two goals from Olivia Moultrie, and a confidence that has pushed them into week 24 of the NWSL season.

"It's been high energy, very positive coming off last week's win," said Thorns captain and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. "We know how important this game is going to be, we know how good Orlando can be, we know it's going to be a tough game – but it's very positive heading into it."

Rob Gale's Keys to the Match

Arguably Portland's biggest challenge this season has opponents with fast, pacy forwards.

What does Orlando's style of play consist of? Fast, pacy forwards with a direct style of play that can catch a team in transition...

Still, what the Thorns haven't had this season until recently, is M.A. Vignola.

She's a fast and physical left back who adds an element that's been missing from this team's defense, and a player that could provide another level to the game tonight.

Availability Report

For the opposition, Barbara Banda is listed on the NWSL availability report as unavailable with a season ending hip injury. Joining Banda is Kylie Nadaner with an excused absence, and Elyse Bennett listed as questionable with a lower leg ailment.

It's a short list in comparison to Portland's lengthy, yet predictable one – with no other players listed than those previously known.

When asked about his team's status heading into tonight, Rob Gale said that at this point in the season it's less about who's available and more about managing his players – especially considering the shortened week (having last played on Saturday) combined with a cross country trip to Orlando.

"There's no getting away from it at this stage in the year – people are banged up, people are tired," said Gale. "It's not so much availability now, fortunately, but we've got to try to manage how we can and to grind it out at this stage in the season."

Playoff Implications

And grind it out they must because sitting in 4th place heading into tonight, the Thorns are in a position to clinch a playoff spot this weekend (with help from others in the league).

Yet, so is Orlando – who may be sitting in 6th place behind the Thorns, but with only 2 points separating the teams.

Three games left to make your move.

Clinch or collapse — Week 24 is a big one. 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/M8u1GpFtPq
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 10, 2025

In short, another weekend, and another diligent performance required from the Thorns tonight. According to Rob Gale, it is only up to them to play their best and take care of business in Orlando with their backs against the wall, yet again.