Orlando Pride’s unbeaten streak faces ultimate test against Chicago Red Stars

This quarterfinal between Orlando Pride and Chicago Red Stars at NWSL 2024 will be an edge-of-the-seat match, literally leaving no moments to blink. On one side, Orlando Pride has not lost a game at home for 17 continuous matches; on the other side, Chicago Red Stars have accumulated lots of playoff history and pulled surprises even with strong teams.

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Orlando Pride: Unstoppable Force and Historic Records

The comeback story for Orlando Pride, the 2024 season has been one to remember. Through highs and lows during all these years, the club finally reached its peak this season when it made new records and won the NWSL Shield with a league-leading 60 points. Adding to that dominance, Pride has continued to show an unbeaten streak at home, guarding the Inter&Co Stadium turf with their teeth and nails. In a season of deadly skill combined with important tactical approaches, Pride finished off the regular season with 18 wins, 2 draws, and just 6 losses.

Star forward Barbra Banda shone across the season, equalling all of the club's records for goals and assists. And Orlando Pride without the legendary Marta? The Brazilian not only reached the 40-goal milestone but was also vital in their 3-2 win over Seattle Reign, sealing the end of the regular season in style. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, meanwhile, proved to be a wall, becoming the first "ironwoman" for the club due to playing every minute of the season and setting an NWSL record with 13 shutouts.

Chicago Red Stars: Young Talent and Resilience

Chicago Red Stars are never the type of team that will back down. Though the regular season saw them finish in eighth place on 32 points-28 behind Orlando-their strengths should by no means be underestimated. Chicago actually leads in some key stats, such as chance conversion rate, with 17.22% to Pride's 15.54%, with efficiencies in tackles and duels that throw doubt on Orlando being listed as the favorite.

Star forward Mallory Swanson, one goal away from the 30-goal milestone with the Red Stars, will be hungry for goals once again. The team is a mix of veterans and young talent; another name that comes to mind is young forward Ally Schlegel, who also shares the top-scorer title for the team with seven goals thus far alongside Swanson. A sure thing within the team is Chicago's young talent, complemented by Schlegel, one of the promising players-players making up the future of the team-who have shown this season that they are up for the challenge.

Records and Rivalry: A Look at the Teams' Recent History

Recently, there has been a very intense rivalry between Orlando Pride and Chicago Red Stars. Pride won once and there were two draws over three games in 2024. The lone goal by Marta in Chicago accounted for one Pride victory. This track gives them some advantage, but it is no guarantee of winning. Still, in the playoff tournaments, where every game has to be won, Red Stars can pull an upset and create a 'Cinderella story'.

Do or Die in the Playoffs

There is no room for ties in the playoffs of the NWSL. Literally, every game is a fight to the finish. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match advances to two 15-minute overtime periods, then to penalties if required. With eight teams qualifying for the 2024 playoffs, every quarterfinal team has to fight relentlessly to the final whistle. The surprises from last season, like Gotham FC's title win, show that anything is possible.

Game Expectations and Key Matchups

This Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars tie is expected to reach new heights. Playing at home, unbeaten, and lifted by record-breaking performances, they have every reason to go all out for the title. But playoff history from Chicago, coupled with its clutch performances, has shown time and again that favorites mean little when whistle blows. Pride will look to bank on their solid backline marshaled by Anna Moorhouse, while Chicago will rely on its efficiency and speed in an attempt to break down Pride's backline.

Marta and Barbra Banda: An Unstoppable Force

Thus, the brilliance of Marta and Banda has rounded into something essential for Orlando Pride in 2024, and neither will be different in the quarterfinals. Mixing Marta's experience with Banda's explosive talent propels Pride to another dimension. The two stars defined the season, giving it an aggressive style that, with their skill, could be the difference maker against Chicago. Any slip-up by the Red Stars' defense can swiftly be punished by this duo.

Mallory Swanson and the Young Blood of Chicago

While the on-site threats from the Chicago Red Stars include Swanson and Schlegel. With such star-studded rosters, the team does not depend on a particular star; rather, young players coming of age have risen to take control and influence the outcome of every match. Eager for pride, Chicago will make sure that the game remains under pressure, with players such as Hannah Anderson and Bea Franklin injecting life into their lineup.