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So, let's talk about the weird, beautiful chaos that is Angel City vs Orlando Pride. If you've been watching the NWSL lately, you know these two teams are basically the physical embodiment of "vibes versus clinical efficiency." One is a star-studded Hollywood project that sometimes forgets how to finish, and the other is a Florida powerhouse that has spent the last year proving that Marta is actually ageless.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a fever dream for both fanbases. We saw everything from heartbreaking own goals in stoppage time to Alyssa Thompson proving she's the future of American soccer. But if you’re trying to figure out who actually owns this matchup, the answer is kind of complicated.
The August Heartbreak at BMO Stadium
The last time these two stepped on the pitch in late 2025, it was a total slugfest. Angel City was sitting in 11th place—roughly where nobody wanted them to be—and the Pride were cruising in the top four. On paper? Orlando should have walked it.
Football isn't played on paper, though.
In front of a massive crowd of over 15,000 in Los Angeles, Alyssa Thompson decided she’d had enough of the "struggling ACFC" narrative. In the 86th minute, she hit a shot that took a nasty deflection and rattled the back of the net. BMO Stadium went absolutely nuclear.
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It was a 1-0 win for Angel City, but man, Orlando was unlucky. Ally Watt hit the crossbar earlier in that game, and Haley McCutcheon was basically robbed by some insane kick saves. If those go in, we’re talking about a very different 2025 standings story. This is the thing about Angel City vs Orlando Pride—it doesn't matter how far apart they are in the table; the games always feel like a cup final.
Why the Pride Are Still the Gold Standard
You can't talk about Orlando without talking about the 3-2 comeback they pulled off earlier that same year.
Imagine being an Angel City fan in April. You’re up 2-0. Riley Tiernan and Katie Zelem have both scored. You're feeling good. Then, the 70th minute hits, and the Orlando Pride decide to stop being polite.
- Marta (71st minute): A vintage strike that reminded everyone why she's the GOAT.
- Barbra Banda (76th minute): A clinical header off a Carson Pickett cross.
- The 93rd minute: A total disaster for LA. A Pickett cross deflected off M.A. Vignola for an own goal.
That game basically summed up the Pride’s season. They led the league in goals scored after the 75th minute. They never, ever quit. While Angel City was going through a massive transition—firing Head Coach Becki Tweed and GM Angela Hucles Mangano—Orlando was a well-oiled machine under Seb Hines.
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The Stat Sheet (It’s Getting Lopsided)
If you look at the historical head-to-head, the Pride have the upper hand. In their last eight meetings leading into 2026, Orlando has snagged four wins to Angel City’s one, with two draws mixed in.
But look at the 2025 rosters. Angel City brought in Julie Dufour from Paris FC and Katie Zelem from Manchester United. They were building something. On the other side, Orlando had Barbra Banda, who was arguably the most dangerous striker in the world last year, averaging nearly three shots on target per game.
The contrast in styles is what makes Angel City vs Orlando Pride so fun to watch. ACFC plays this high-press, chaotic style that relies on the Thompson sisters (Alyssa and Gisele) being faster than everyone else. Orlando is more about the surgical pass from the midfield.
Retirement of Legends and the 2026 Reset
We’re entering a weird new era now. USWNT legend Christen Press and Angel City's first captain Ali Riley both retired at the end of 2025. That’s a massive loss of leadership for the LA side.
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Meanwhile, Orlando has turned into a destination. They’ve locked down Barbra Banda through 2027 and kept the core of their defense, including Emily Sams and Anna Moorhouse, intact.
The 2026 schedule just dropped, and with the league expanding to 30 games with the addition of Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy, the stakes for these coastal matchups are higher than ever. Angel City is moving into a brand new performance facility at Cal Lutheran, trying to professionalize every aspect of the club to match the "Hollywood" hype with actual trophies.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following these two teams this year, here is what you actually need to keep an eye on to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Late Subs: Orlando Pride scored more goals in the final 15 minutes than almost anyone else in 2025. If the game is tied at 75 minutes, bet on the Pride.
- The Thompson Factor: Alyssa Thompson is no longer a "rookie to watch." She is the engine. When she gets more than 50 touches in a game, Angel City’s win percentage jumps significantly.
- Home Field Humidity: When the match is in Orlando, the "purple wall" and the Florida heat tend to drain West Coast teams by the 60th minute.
- New Faces: Keep an eye on the 2026 draft picks. Both teams are looking for midfield depth after losing veterans like Madison Hammond and Megan Reid to free agency.
The rivalry is still young, but the bitterness is real. Orlando feels like the established power, and Angel City is the disruptor that keeps punching above its weight. Whether it's a Marta masterclass or a Thompson breakaway, this is the fixture that defines the modern NWSL.