Orlando Pride Edge Thorns on Dramatic Own Goal

A heartbreaking own goal in stoppage time handed the Orlando Pride a 1-0 victory over the Portland Thorns on Friday night in a tense NWSL showdown.

In the 92nd minute, Marta curled in a corner kick that deflected off Portland defender Mallie McKenzie’s head and slipped past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who was left helpless on the play. The late strike sealed Orlando’s second win in three matches and catapulted the Pride (10-8-6, 36 points) into third place in the standings as the playoff race intensifies.

Arnold was otherwise brilliant, notching five saves, including a highlight stop on Ally Watt’s right-footed drive in the 61st minute. Watt had two potential goals ruled offside late in the first half — the second of which was razor-close after multiple video angles. Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse countered with four saves of her own to preserve the clean sheet.

For Portland (9-8-7, 34 points), the setback was a frustrating one after a hard-fought defensive display. The Thorns now sit level on points with the Seattle Reign, pending their late match against Bay FC.

While bettors often focus on goal scorers and offensive metrics, Friday’s clash was a reminder of how defensive pressure and small mistakes can define outcomes — a key principle outlined in sports betting bankroll management for handling unpredictable finishes like this one.

Racing Louisville Salvage Draw vs. Chicago

Bethany Balcer saved Racing Louisville FC from defeat with a clutch equalizer deep into stoppage time, securing a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Stars.

Balcer’s left-footed strike in the 93rd minute came off a precise cross from Janine Sonis, finding the top corner to extend Louisville’s unbeaten streak to three matches (2-0-1). The late goal also kept Louisville (9-9-6, 33 points) firmly in the playoff conversation heading into the final stretch of the season.

For last-place Chicago (2-11-11, 17 points), Jameese Joseph provided a bright moment, scoring in the 85th minute with a composed right-footed finish off Ivonne Chacon’s assist from the left flank. However, the Stars’ inability to close out matches continued, extending their winless run to five (0-2-3).

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher turned in another strong performance with eight saves, including an early diving stop on Ella Hase in the fourth minute. Louisville’s Jordyn Bloomer made just one save, but it proved vital — denying Ally Schlegel’s dangerous header in the 54th minute.

For bettors tracking late-game tendencies, Louisville’s resiliency and Chicago’s late collapses underscore the value of studying line movement and in-play odds to capture potential comeback scenarios during live betting action.