On Saturday afternoon, Seattle Reign FC faces off against the Orlando Pride. With just a month and a half remaining in the season, today’s game is a critical road battle for Seattle’s push for the playoffs. Reign FC currently sits in second in the league standings, while Orlando is just one point behind — although Seattle has a game in hand. The match kicks off at 12:50 PM PT and is the Lifetime Game of the Week, meaning it will be available on Lifetime and streaming on MyLifetime.com.

Unfortunately, neither side will be at full strength, as U.S. Soccer called up national team players early to prep for the Tournament of Nations — a friendly tournament that falls outside of a FIFA window. The other teams in the tournament — Australia, Brazil, and Japan — have opted to wait until Monday to bring in their players. Sigh.

That means Seattle will once again face off against former Reign FC goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer, and will fortunately have Australian players Steph Catley and Lydia Williams and Japanese stars Rumi Utsugi and Naho Kawasumi — all players called up for the Tournament of Nations. Utsugi is still listed as questionable, but she did travel with the team.

Both teams rely on possession and ball movement rather than direct balls sent over the top. The last four meetings between the two teams have resulted in draws. Orlando and Seattle are both physical teams as well, which means this should be a battle in the midfield. Hopefully, it’s a match that the ref keeps in check.

With just seven games remaining for Reign FC, every point matters at this stage. Getting three points on Saturday would be a huge boost for Seattle’s push to the playoffs.

Injury Report

Orlando

OUT: None | QUESTIONABLE: Rachel Hill (right groin strain) | INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Ashlyn Harris (USA), Alex Morgan (USA)

Seattle

OUT: Elizabeth Addo (right knee strain), Yael Averbuch (illness) | QUESTIONABLE: Rumi Utsugi (left calf strain) | INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Allie Long (USA), Megan Rapinoe (USA)

Keys to the Match

• Don’t fall asleep on set pieces
• Be patient
• Find pockets behind the centerbacks
• Score goals without Pinoe

Lineups

First Half Highlights

21' Bugger. Reign concede first

25' Morgan Andrews comes on for an injured Bev Yanez.

26' Kristen McNabb comes on for an injured Rumi Utsugi.

Second Half Highlights

70' Jodie Taylor equalizes!

How to Watch

Date/Time: Saturday, July 21 @ 12:30 PM PT (pregame starts); 12:50 PM PT kickoff

Location: Orlando City Stadium — Orlando, FL

TV: Lifetime

Streaming: MyLifetime.com, nwslsoccer.com (international)

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