Orlando Pride Stun Angel City with Dramatic Comeback Victory

In a pulsating contest packed with drama and late heroics, Orlando Pride staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Angel City FC 3–2 in one of the most eventful matches of the NWSL season so far. A stoppage-time own goal from M.A. Vignola handed Orlando a dramatic victory after they had trailed by two goals in the first half.

First Half: Angel City Fly Out of the Gates

Angel City looked dominant early on and stunned the home crowd by opening the scoring just eight minutes into the match. Forward Riley Tiernan converted a clinical chance, capitalizing on a high press and loose marking from Orlando's defense to make it 1–0.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Katie Zelem found the net with a precise strike from outside the box following a sustained spell of pressure. Her performance throughout the first half underlined her leadership in midfield.

Orlando Pride struggled to settle into the match, with fouls and yellow cards—most notably one for A. Lemos in the 28th minute—disrupting their rhythm. Angel City’s sharp transitions and organized backline stifled any attacking momentum the hosts tried to generate before the break.

Second Half: Marta Inspires the Comeback

Orlando emerged from the tunnel with renewed energy and urgency. The change in tone was immediate, with veteran icon Marta pulling the strings. In the 71st minute, she reduced the deficit with a composed finish inside the box, revitalizing the home crowd and team alike.

Only four minutes later, Barbra Banda—who had been a physical presence all game despite several fouls—found her moment of brilliance. With a powerful run and a fierce strike, she brought Orlando level at 2–2 in the 75th minute, igniting hopes of a full turnaround.

Angel City responded by making multiple substitutions, including introducing Casey Phair and Megan Reid, but the tide had turned.

Stoppage-Time Chaos: Vignola's Heartbreak

As the match crept into the eighth minute of added time, chaos unfolded. In a desperate attempt to defend a late Orlando surge, Angel City’s M.A. Vignola inadvertently turned the ball into her own net—an own goal that gave Orlando Pride a stunning 3–2 lead.

It was a cruel moment for Vignola, who had been solid throughout the match, but the pressure applied by Aline Lemos and Banda in the box created the kind of confusion that leads to such heartbreaking mistakes.

Key Moments & Stats

• Goals:

  • Angel City: R. Tiernan (8'), K. Zelem (43')

  • Orlando Pride: Marta (71'), B. Banda (75'), Own Goal (90’+2, Vignola)

• Saves:

  • A. Anderson (Angel City) – several key stops in the second half

  • A. Moorhouse (Orlando Pride) – kept her side in it during the first half

• Disciplinary:

  • Yellow cards: B. Banda (Orlando), A. Lemos (Orlando), R. Tiernan (Angel City)

  • Total fouls: Numerous from both sides as the match turned scrappy

• Substitutions:

  • Orlando made critical changes around the 58th minute, bringing on A. Watt, H. McCutcheon, and Oihane Hernández, all of whom helped swing momentum.

Conclusion

This was a match that encapsulated everything great about the NWSL—passion, unpredictability, and late-game drama. Orlando Pride showed resilience and heart to mount a comeback from two goals down, while Angel City will be left to rue missed chances and a devastating own goal that sealed their fate.

Final Score: Orlando Pride 3 – 2 Angel City FC