On a momentous Sunday, the Orlando Pride etched their name in the annals of National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history by clinching their first-ever NWSL Shield with a 2-0 victory against the Washington Spirit at their home ground, Inter&Co Stadium. This achievement marked a significant departure from the team’s previous struggles and underlined the resilience and skill of a squad that has notoriously faced challenges over the years. Pride playmaker and captain Marta became the hero of the day, scoring from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, showcasing her crucial role as a leader on and off the pitch.
In addition to Marta’s penalty, the second goal that further solidified the Pride’s victory came from an unexpected source: a deflected shot resulting in an own goal by the Spirit in the 73rd minute. This moment not only broke the spirit of the opposition but also highlighted how crucial every player’s contribution can be in a team sport like soccer. Orlando’s performance was characterized by a strong defensive structure that contained the Spirit’s attacks, particularly critical given that the opponents were without key players such as Trinity Rodman and Ouleye Sarr, both of whom had been instrumental in Washington’s scoring efforts throughout the season.
With this victory, the Orland Pride solidified an impressive unbeaten streak, having not lost in any of their 23 games this season. Historically, no team in the NWSL has concluded the season without a loss, setting the stage for a historic accomplishment if they can maintain their form through the final games of the regular season. As they prepare to face teams like the Portland Thorns and reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Pride will need to uphold their level of consistency and intensity in what remains a critical juncture of the season.
Reflecting on the team’s journey thus far, defender Kylie Strom encapsulated the emotions surrounding this significant achievement, stating, “We’ve gone through so much, this team, and to have Marta score the goal — I mean, you can’t write it.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the context of Orlando’s past struggles, where they finished in the bottom tier of the standings in five out of seven seasons prior to this remarkable campaign. The Pride’s history has been marred by challenges, such as a last-place finish in 2019 and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic that excluded them from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
As the Pride look to clinch playoff berths with five teams already securing their spots, the road to the NWSL playoffs seems promising yet demanding. The expansion of playoff berths this season from six to eight teams provides an opportunity that Orlando has been yearning for, particularly given their solitary postseason appearance in 2017. The upcoming matches not only provide a chance to secure their place in the playoffs but also the exhilarating prospect of hosting their first playoff game in early November.
The significance of the Pride’s journey cannot be overstated. With the right leadership in place and talented players coming together, they now embody a sense of hope and potential that has been absent in previous years. As Strom noted, “It wasn’t always easy, but I think we’ve got the right people in the right places, and we have something really special here.” This newfound confidence and strength present an exciting pathway not only for the immediate future but also for the sustainable growth of the franchise in the NWSL.
The Orlando Pride’s triumph is a narrative of resilience, overcoming adversity, and marking a new chapter in their storied history. As they forge ahead, the NWSL Shield is not just a trophy but a testament to their determination and teamwork, serving as an inspiritment to many within the league and beyond.