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Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 10:10 GMT by reuters.com
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Orlando held the potent Kansas City offense in check, with the host Current stuck with its first draw of the season.

NWSL Roundup: Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current Settle for Hard-Fought Draw

In a thrilling clash that highlighted the intensity of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season, the Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night, maintaining their positions near the top of the standings. The match, held at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, showcased defensive resilience and moments of attacking brilliance from both sides, underscoring why these teams are considered title contenders.

The Pride, who entered the game with an impressive unbeaten streak, struck first in the 25th minute. Forward Barbra Banda, the Zambian international known for her speed and finishing prowess, capitalized on a well-timed through ball from midfielder Marta. Banda outpaced the Current's backline and slotted a low shot past goalkeeper AD Franch into the bottom corner, giving Orlando a deserved lead. The goal was Banda's 12th of the season, further solidifying her status as one of the league's top scorers. Orlando dominated possession in the first half, with Marta pulling the strings in midfield and creating several opportunities, including a near-miss header from defender Kylie Strom off a corner kick.

However, Kansas City, undeterred by the early deficit, ramped up their pressure after the break. The Current, led by the dynamic play of Temwa Chawinga, equalized in the 58th minute. Chawinga, the Malawian star who has been a revelation this season with her goal-scoring form, received a precise pass from midfielder Debinha and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that beat Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. The goal not only leveled the score but also shifted momentum, as Kansas City pushed for a winner in the latter stages. Franch made crucial saves late in the game, including denying a close-range effort from Orlando's Adriana, ensuring the visitors left with a point.

Both coaches expressed satisfaction with the result, though acknowledging areas for improvement. Orlando's Seb Hines praised his team's attacking intent but noted the need for better finishing, while Kansas City's Vlatko Andonovski highlighted the resilience shown in coming back from behind. The draw keeps Orlando in second place, just behind the league-leading Washington Spirit, while Kansas City remains in contention for a top-four spot as the playoffs approach.

Elsewhere in the NWSL, the Washington Spirit continued their dominant run with a convincing 3-1 victory over the Houston Dash at Audi Field. Trinity Rodman was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting once in a performance that underlined her importance to the Spirit's attack. Rodman's first goal came in the 15th minute, a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area after a quick one-two with Ashley Hatch. She added her second in the 62nd minute, heading in a cross from Ouleymata Sarr. Hatch sealed the win with a late strike, while Houston's lone goal came from a penalty converted by Yuki Nagasato in the 75th minute. The result extends Washington's winning streak to five games, bolstering their lead at the top of the table.

In another key matchup, the Portland Thorns FC edged out the North Carolina Courage 2-1 in a tightly contested affair at Providence Park. Sophia Smith opened the scoring for Portland in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish following a counterattack initiated by Christine Sinclair. The Courage responded early in the second half through Kerolin, who equalized with a deft chip over goalkeeper Bella Bixby. However, Portland regained the lead in the 78th minute when Morgan Weaver converted a penalty after a foul on Smith in the box. The Thorns held on despite late pressure from North Carolina, securing three vital points that keep them in the playoff hunt.

The Chicago Red Stars and San Diego Wave FC also provided fireworks, ending in a 2-2 draw at SeatGeek Stadium. Chicago took an early lead through Mallory Pugh's opportunistic goal in the 10th minute, but San Diego fought back with strikes from Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw before halftime. Pugh equalized again in the 70th minute with a stunning long-range effort, ensuring both teams shared the spoils. The result leaves Chicago mid-table, while San Diego continues to chase a postseason berth.

Meanwhile, NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a narrow 1-0 win against the Utah Royals at Red Bull Arena. Ella Stevens scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, finishing off a flowing team move involving Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams. Gotham's defense, anchored by Ali Krieger in her veteran role, repelled Utah's attacks in the second half, earning a clean sheet and three points that propel them up the standings.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Reign FC dismantled Racing Louisville FC 4-0 at Lumen Field. Bethany Balcer led the charge with a hat-trick, scoring in the 20th, 55th, and 80th minutes, while Veronica Latsko added a fourth in stoppage time. Seattle's comprehensive performance highlighted their attacking depth and defensive solidity, moving them closer to playoff qualification.

Finally, Angel City FC and Bay FC played out a goalless draw in Los Angeles, with both teams creating chances but lacking the finishing touch. Goalkeepers Angelina Anderson for Angel City and Katelyn Rowland for Bay FC were standout performers, each making several key saves to preserve the shutout.

These results reflect the competitive nature of the NWSL, where every point matters in the race for playoffs. As the season progresses, teams like Orlando and Kansas City will look to build on such resilient displays, while leaders Washington aim to maintain their momentum. Fans can expect more drama in the coming weeks as the battle for supremacy intensifies.

Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/nwsl-roundup-pride-current-settle-draw-2025-08-17/ ]

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