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Can last year's NWSL winners unseat the reigning champions?

Can last year's NWSL winners unseat the reigning champions?

First will face Third in the NWSL on Sunday, October 20, while Orlando Pride travel to NJ/NY Gotham FC for the penultimate round of the league's regular season.

Both teams have already secured a spot in the playoffs, with the Pride lifting the NWSL Shield and securing the title earlier this month.

The game is set to be a festival, with some of the best in the competition taking part. The Pride is home to Barbra Banda, the NWSL's second-leading scorer this season. Gotham, meanwhile, boasts the presence of USWNT star and Olympic gold medalist Rose Lavelle.

Gotham and Pride face each other

Historically, the showdown between the two teams has been a tough battle. Of their 24 meetings, Gotham has won nine, the Pride have won eight and the two have drawn seven times. What does that tell us? The upcoming tie could ultimately go either way.

Barbra Banda celebrates a goal scored for Orlando Pride

This is especially true as Seb Hines' colossal unbeaten run at the hands of the Portland Thorns finally came to an end. The Pride may have dominated the season, but they're not entirely untouchable.

Before his team's final away day of the regular season, head coach Hines said: “It's amazing what these players have accomplished. To win the Shield with three games to go in the most competitive league in the world is an amazing achievement.”

Juan Carlos Amoros' side were beaten 2-0 by the Pride in September but have lost a game since then and will be looking to bounce back this time around. Amoros has the best win percentage in NWSL history and is particularly eager to add another win to his name on this occasion.

Gotham honoring the legend Kelley O'Hara

At the blockbuster meeting of the 25th round, Gotham will say goodbye to a legend and a former world champion.

Kelley O'Hara announced she would retire from professional football at the end of this season before an issue with her knee landed the defender on the season-ending injured list.

Kelley O'Hara plays for Gotham in the NWSL

Where to watch Gotham FC vs Orlando Pride

While the Pride can't be caught, Gotham will look to secure the second spot held by the Washington Spirit based on goal difference alone heading into this weekend. Kansas City Current isn't far behind in fourth place.

Every point counts as the eight teams that qualify for the playoffs all want to head into the postseason tournament with pride.

The highly anticipated game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Red Bull Arena in Gotham and can be watched live on ESPN.

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