The Orlando Pride created history as they defeated the Washington Spirit 1-0 in the final of the 2024 NWSL Championship at CPKC Stadium to win their first-ever league title. Not only did the team lift the championship trophy, but they also completed the rare double by winning the NWSL Shield, a feat that had been achieved last in 2019. If that was not enough, the Pride became the very first professional team from Orlando to win a major league trophy.
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A Season of Records and Dominance
The 2024 season will be etched in history as a dream come true for the Pride. Breaking records on all fronts, the team earned 60 points on aggregate, garnered 18 wins, and kept 13 clean sheets-each a new benchmark in NWSL history. If that wasn't enough, they went unbeaten at home, with 10 wins and 3 draws, and claimed some convincing wins at Inter&Co Stadium during the playoffs.
Besides this collective triumph, there was much individual recognition for the exceptional season of the team. Seb Hines, the genius behind the campaign, went on to win the NWSL Coach of the Year. The defensive stalwart Emily Sams was crowned Defender of the Year, with five players making it into the Best XI: Marta, Barbra Banda, Anna Moorhouse, Kerry Abello, and Sams herself. A parade of excellence that only served to underline the Pride's total dominance this season.
Barbra Banda: The Decisive Name
If the title needed a face, it would, of course, be Barbra Banda's. While scoring the only goal of the game in the first half, Banda sealed the win to become the all-time top scorer in a single NWSL playoff campaign, scoring four goals. In addition, her contribution on Saturday sealed her as MVP of the playoffs, something well-deserved for one who was pivotal throughout the process.
The game-winning play was a snapshot of what Banda had done all season: strength, skill, and precision. In the 37th minute, she muscled past Esme Morgan with a brilliant move and fired an unstoppable shot past Aubrey Kingsbury, putting the Pride ahead. It was the goal that kept them in control until the final whistle, sealing the team's destiny.
An Impenetrable Defense and an Inspired Goalkeeper
While Banda dazzled up front, the Pride's defense showed why it's one of the most formidable in the league. A backline composed of Cori Dyke, Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, and Emily Sams delivered the team's 14th clean sheet of the season. The goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse stood tall with five spectacular saves that denied every attempt by the Washington Spirit.
Marta: The Leadership Behind the Glory
In one of those fully charged emotional moments, the legendary captain Marta lifted the trophy. For her, this title carried even more significance: eight years after she'd last led a Pride team to the playoffs, she took this one to two pieces of hardware in a historic season. To add a touch of magic to the events, for the first time ever, Marta's mother was in the stands watching her daughter play for the Pride.
History in Orlando
Orlando is already celebrating. Mayor Buddy Dyer extended an invitation to the community to a parade in downtown this coming Monday, November 25, to celebrate with the team. The celebration will be mega as it promises to be in recognition of the players, coaching staff, and fans who supported the team during this unforgettable campaign.