Orlando Pride are out of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup despite finishing the group stage level on points with Pachuca, with whom they drew 1-1 on Wednesday night.
Marta’s 25th-minute free kick was cancelled out early in the second half by a deflected own goal, leaving the Pride down on goal difference.
It meant Pachuca progress to the semi-finals early next year, along with Group A winners America, also from Mexico.
Orlando Pride head coach Hines: It wasn’t meant to be
“Obviously, I’m disappointed we didn’t come away with this win tonight,” said Pride head coach Seb Hines. “I felt we did enough and created enough chances. They had a few opportunities in the first half, and I think we took away those moments in the second half.
“We’re obviously disappointed with the goal they scored. But it’s a good reminder for us when it’s a game like this, a must-win situation, it should lead into play-off football as well.
“Of course, we are disappointed to be out of this competition because it was something that we set out to qualify for at the start of the year. But it wasn’t meant to be.”
The night was memorable for Marta, though, who became the first Pride player to make 150 appearances for the club.
Washington Spirit through to the semi-finals
The Washington Spirit, however, did manage to secure a place in the semi-finals as they beat CF Monterrey Femenil 4-0 to win Group B.
They got the goalscoring started early with Croix Bethune’s sixth-minute effort, but Monterrey shut them out for the rest of the first half.
Knowing they needed a win, Monterrey changed things around with some attacking substitutions at half-time, leaving the door open for Spirit to capitalise.
Rosemonde Kouassi doubled Washington’s lead with a powerful finish in the 54th minute, with Gift Monday adding a tap-in three minutes later.
Brittany Ratcliffe finished things off with a deflected goal, and goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and her backline was pleased to see out their fourth clean sheet in a row.
The Spirit go through as table-toppers, with fellow NWSL side Gotham FC taking the other qualification place.
Gotham are the tournament’s defending champions, having beaten Tigres of Mexico 1-0 in the final in May 2025 for the inaugural trophy.
