ORLANDO, Fla. — The biggest moment in the final game of the Orlando Pride’s season didn’t come from either of the team’s two goals against Reign FC on Saturday.
Instead, it came during an otherwise ordinary substitution in the 72nd minute. As defender Toni Pressley took the pitch, she earned a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 8,103 that joined in celebrating the defender’s first minutes since she was diagnosed with breast cancer three months ago.
The moment reflected the unity of the Pride (4-16-5, 17 points) and the NWSL in supporting Pressley since she announced her diagnosis.