Orlando Pride etched their name into NWSL history, defeating Washington Spirit 2-0 and winning the 2024 NWSL Shield with three games still in hand. The victory finished an epic, undefeated season where Pride equaled league records and was the first ever to win the Shield without one loss of the season taken. At 57 points and 17 wins, Orlando joined the ranks of the league's legends.
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Now, with the maiden trophy in hand, one can't but help reflect on the road that brought them there: a road of ups and downs, persistence, and most importantly, unbelievable consistency.
A Season for the History Books
Since that first whistle in 2024, Orlando Pride showed they would be one difficult team to stop. With a tight defense marshaled by the keeping of Anna Moorhouse and an incisive attack, game after game, they showed themselves ready to play at the next level. The result? An undefeated streak now at 23 matches, extending to 24 games when counting the previous season. This level of defensive and offensive consistency wasn't a fluke but rather the product of impeccable teamwork.
Pride didn't just tie the NWSL records for wins (17) and points (57) in a single season-they did so while playing high-level soccer that engaged every player on the roster. With stars like Marta and Adriana leading the charge, each match represented another opportunity for the team to solidify itself as one of the league's best.
This cannot be downplayed; it is Pride's first trophy-that one moment that has been in waiting for the fans who have followed the team since it was founded. To them, this is no ordinary trophy; it is that culmination of a journey which reached its pinnacle.
Marta: The Queen Who Never Gives Up
Not to mention, of course, the queen herself, Marta. The already-legendary Brazilian was once again decisive for the win, opening the scoring from the penalty spot, her eighth this season and the 39th in a Pride jersey, with records continuing to fall at Marta's feet; with this goal she moved into third place for most penalties converted in NWSL history.
After the game, an emotional Marta broke into tears during her interview with ESPN: "It means so much. We worked hard, and I've been waiting such a long time for this moment." And just how emotional Marta was during the discussion about the team and the fans spoke volumes as to how big this victory was for her and the club in question.
But Marta's influence goes way beyond the goals. She's the heartbeat of the Pride, the on-field and off-field leader that inspires not just the younger players but the veterans too. And now, with the NWSL Shield in hand, Marta can look at this season as one of the most important chapters of her glittering career.
Seb Hines and Pride of a Team
This historical feat is in great measure thanks to its coach Seb Hines. He set up the team tactically, but he also managed to keep the motivation high after past disappointments. Hines was clear about what this team represents: "They've been incredible. Last year was a bitter disappointment, but they used that as fuel for this season," Hines said.
That is the spirit of Pride, epitomized in 2024: never getting down by setbacks, learning something from each. That's the mentality of being resilient mixed with consistency on the field that actually brought this undefeated campaign.
He also made it a point to stress how vital the fans were, attending every match and advancing the team. He made sure to declare this win for the fans, who were the reason behind such success. "I'm so happy we were able to do this in front of our own fans," Hines said following a 1-0 game against Washington Spirit.
Challenges and Expectations for the Playoffs
The NWSL Shield conquered, with records broken, the real challenge now for Orlando Pride is trying to keep all this momentum in the playoffs. The team comes into this stage as one of the big favorites to take the NWSL Cup, with the challenge of not losing that unbeaten condition in the final matches.
Such an undefeated streak somehow gives them extra confidence but increases the level of pressure. Consistency, especially in the knockout stages, would play a major key, as every small mistake may cost them dearly. However, if there's one thing Pride has shown so far, it is that they are more than ready for anyone that comes their way.
With Marta leading the attack, a strong defense, and unwavering support from their fans, Orlando Pride go into these playoffs in great shape. And Coach Seb Hines has already shown he knows how to keep this team focused; at this pace, there is every reason to believe they will be lifting another trophy this season.