NWSL: Orlando improves playoff chances

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Oct 3, 2023

Orlando is very much alive in its bid to make the NWSL playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Pride beat Angel City 1-0 on a first-half goal by Brazilian Adriana, who has scored or assisted on its last five goals.

The match was originally scheduled to be played on Sept. 21 during FIFA International window.

The win was the Pride's ninth win of the season, the most since the 2017 season, its second season in the NWSL when it went 11-6-7.

The loss ended Angel City's unbeaten streak at 11 games in all competitions under interim coach Becki Tweed.

Only first-place San Diego has clinched a playoff berth. The last-place Kansas City Current was eliminated from playoff contention with Monday's result.

Results:
Monday, October 2
Angel City FC 0 Orlando 1. (Goal: Adriana 22. Att.: 18,102.)

Standings:
1. *San Diego 33; 2. Portland 32; 3. Gotham FC 30; 4. NC Courage 29; 5. Washington 29; 6. OL Reign 28 //  7. Orlando 28; 8. Houston 26;  9. Angel City FC 25; 10. Racing Louisville 24; 11. Chicago 24; 12. e-KC Current 22.
*Clinched playoff berth. e-eliminated from playoffs.
Note: All teams have played 22 games.

Schedule:
Friday, October 6
Racing Louisville vs. Orlando
OL Reign vs. Washington
Saturday, October 7
KC Current vs. Chicago
Portland vs. Gotham FC
NC Courage vs. San Diego  
Sunday, October 8
Houston vs. Angel City FC
Sunday, October 15
San Diego vs. Racing Louisville
Angel City FC vs. Portland
Chicago vs. OL Reign
Orlando vs. Houston
Washington vs. NC Courage   
Gotham FC vs. KC Current