The Orlando Pride became the fourth and final team to clinch a spot in the 2017 NWSL Playoffs on Sunday night. After their 0-0 draw with Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, they needed a loss or draw from the Reign on Sunday. FC Kansas City beat the Reign 1-0, securing Orlando the final spot in […]

The Orlando Pride became the fourth and final team to clinch a spot in the 2017 NWSL Playoffs on Sunday night.After their 0-0 draw with Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, they needed a loss or draw from the Reign on Sunday. FC Kansas City beat the Reign 1-0, securing Orlando the final spot in the playoffs. It’s the first playoff berth for the Pride, who also became the first NWSL expansion team to make the playoffs. They finished in ninth place last year, their first season in the NWSL, with a 6-13-1 record. This year, they are 10-6-7 and in fourth place with one game left to play. The Pride join the Red Stars, who locked up their spot on Saturday, as the two road teams in the playoffs. The Courage and Thorns will each host a semifinal game. [Empty Body] The battle for seeding continues. North Carolina and Portland are both still in contention for the NWSL Shield. And, while Chicago is in third place and Orlando is in fourth, that could change pending next weekend’s games. * * *

2017 NWSL Playoffs Schedule

Saturday, October 7

Portland Thorns FC vs. TBD Providence Park 3:30 p.m. ET Lifetime * * *

Sunday, October 8

North Carolina Courage vs. TBD Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park 3:30 p.m. ET Lifetime * * *

Saturday, October 14

NWSL Championship Orlando City Stadium 4:30 p.m. ET Lifetime