ORLANDO, Fla. – Seattle Reign FC visits Central Florida in a pivotal moment for the Orlando Pride.

The Pride (1-2-1, 4 points) have returned all of their national-team players and most recently won their first game of the season. Whereas goal-scoring has been a weakness for the Pride, who have scored just three goals in four matches, this season, that’s an aspect of their game that could significantly improve against the Reign.

Orlando brought back its Australians and Brazilians this week and, with them, a total of 22 goals and nine assists. Leading the way is forward Marta Vieira da Silva, who led the Pride in goals (13) and assists (six) in 2017.

But fourth-place Seattle (2-1-0, 6 points) appears to also have the mettle to withstand Orlando’s reclaimed firepower.

Historically, the matchup has been even in almost every regard: Both teams hold a 1-1-2 record against the other, and Seattle is narrowly out-scoring the Pride 7-6.

Here’s what to expect when the Pride host the Reign on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Orlando City Stadium. The game will be broadcast on go90.com.

Seattle Among NWSL’s Best Defensive Teams

In the early-season going, the Reign have proven to be one of the National Women’s Soccer League’s best defensive teams. Through three games, Seattle has allowed only two goals, the fewest in the league, but the Reign have also played the fewest games, so far.

Goalkeeper Michelle Betos has been a stalwart between the posts. She has posted the second-most saves (13) and only trails former Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe–now with the Washington Spirit–and her 26 saves.

The Reign’s best defensive performance came in a narrow, 1-0 defeat of Sky Blue FC on April 15 wherein the New Jersey side only managed four shots (one on-goal). Seattle also fended off six corners.

“[Seattle manager Vlatko Andonovski], when he was with [FC] Kansas City, did an excellent job in that area, as well,” Pride boss Tom Sermanni said after training on April 24. “So one thing that they will be is very well-organized defensively.

“But I think, again, it’s about the quality of our playing and decision-making… And I think if we do that well, we’ve got enough players that can cause problems to any defense.”

Unlike Orlando, Seattle Beat the Spirit

Of Seattle’s three games, there is one common foe that both the Pride and the Reign have faced: the Spirit.

Orlando lost to Washington in its road opener and second game of the season, a 2-0 defeat in which the Pride gave up Washington’s only two goals in the 80th and 88th minutes.

The Reign fared better, jumping on Washington early with seventh- and 35th-minute goals in a 2-1 victory in Seattle. Forward Megan Rapinoe scored first and then assisted on fellow forward Jodie Taylor’s first goal of 2018.

“I think a new coach coming in obviously rejuvenates a team, and I’ve seen a team that’s gone out there, played with a lot of energy,” Sermanni said of Seattle. “And, in amongst that energy, you have a team that’s experienced and have some high-quality players and a coach that organizes teams very well.”

When the Pride played the Spirit, the shots were even at 13-13, as Orlando held a narrow edge in on-goal attempts (4-3). Seattle, on the other hand, created far more chances, out-shooting Washington 23-16 (13-9 on-goal).

In possession, Washington held the ball 52 percent of the time in its matchup with Seattle. Orlando held more possession against the Spirit, owning 51.9 percent of possession.

Megan Rapinoe Hamstrung by Hamstring

Seattle will most likely be without its most potent offensive threat on Saturday.

After Rapinoe suffered a left-hamstring strain, according to a report by ProSoccerUSA.com’s Iliana Limón Romero, she missed Seattle’s most recent game against the North Carolina Courage.

The Reign did not do well without her in their 1-0 loss.

Seattle averaged just a little more than 15 shots per game in its first two bouts with Rapinoe but mustered a season-low five shots in its first loss of the season. The Reign also produced fewer crosses and fewer corners against North Carolina, as their defense held strong against the Courage’s 22 shots (five on-goal) and 25 crosses.

Even after missing the road loss to North Carolina, Rapinoe is still among the statistically best players in the NWSL. She is tied for second in goals (two), is third in shots (13) and second in on-target shots (seven).

“Hopefully injured. I believe she’s pulled a hamstring, so, you know, I hope she’s missing from the game,” Sermanni said jokingly. “If she’s not, then we need to make sure that she doesn’t get this sort of run of the game. But, you know, she’s kind of a player that can dictate a lot that happens in the game, particularly from an attacking perspective.

“So, if she’s playing, we need to make sure that one of our players full backs is very much on their toes.”

For more on the Pride, as they look to break a dead-even series with Seattle, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.

To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.