Back to the Orlando City SC Newsfeed

Orlando Pride defender Toni Pressley finds strength on pitch after battling breast cancer

In the hours following the phone call that delivered her breast cancer diagnosis, Toni Pressley sought comfort on the soccer pitch.

It was a Friday, the day before the Pride were hosted the Washington Spirit. For Pressley, the game served as the perfect escape. For 24 hours, she focused on soccer — warming up at Exploria Stadium, directing the backline to a 4-3 victory.

It was the team’s first home win of the season, a moment meant to be filled with joy. But sitting on the field after the final whistle, Pressley could barely hold back tears.