Orlando Pride makes history with unbeaten streak, breaking records toward NWSL Shield

The Orlando Pride defeated the Houston Dash 3-1 before a franchise-record crowd of 17,087 at Inter&Co Stadium to move to 16-0-6 on the season and 54 points. In extending Pride's unbeaten streak to 23 games, this furthered their dominance in the 2024 NWSL season, keeping them atop the standings as the lone undefeated team.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Another harbinger of the moment's magnitude was the atmosphere in the stadium. Now, the Orlando Pride is a step away from securing the NWSL Shield, something they could seal a week later as they host Washington Spirit. 

In form, Orlando Pride Breaks Records and Achievements

Orlando Pride has built a season that surely will be part of the history books of the NWSL. With 54 points, the team has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, comfortably leading the league and stretching their unbeaten run to 23 games, including one from last season. This was not only an impressive feat in terms of games played, but the strong defense has them at 554 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal-a new league record. That record was beaten in the 47th minute of this game, but most certainly pride in that fact.

As if that wasn't enough, Pride created a new record for home wins. With this win over Dash, the side got their eighth home win this season at Inter&Co Stadium and beat the previous record of seven wins in 2023.

Seb Hines and the Power of the Crowd

The gaffer, Seb Hines, pointed to the strength of the fans' support in Pride's great campaign this season. According to him, the atmosphere in the stadium has been one of the most key driving forces of this team's performance. "One of the goals at the beginning of the season was to get more fans to come and watch us play at home. I can just imagine that the front office is doing an amazing job, with the team, to get us fans to show up and support us. It's our job to put in the performances because the players are giving it their all out there," the emotional coach said of the growing fanbase.

That support was reflected in the 17,087 fans packed into Inter&Co Stadium. A record for the stadium and the second-largest in the team's history, it proved women's soccer is gaining more space and importance in Orlando.

Victory Flow

The victory against Houston Dash started to become reality during the 29th minute of the first half, as Carson Pickett scored. The entire play started with Marta providing an assist in an interception in the Houston defensive zone toward Cori Dyke. Then, Dyke sent a cross towards the perfect point for Pickett, who headed it into her first goal with the Pride, starting the celebration in the stadium.

In the second half, Angelina doubled Pride's lead with a beautiful shot from outside of the box in the 51st minute. After a great play by Barbra Banda, Angelina recovered the ball and did not hesitate to strike, slotting into the corner of the goal for her second score of the season.

That was quickly responded to by Houston Dash just two minutes later through a goal from Yuki Nagasato after a well-built play from Elin Rubensson. The goal, however, did not shake Pride's confidence as they kept control of the game up until stoppage time when Marta, ever the game changer, scored the third to seal the win.

Marta: A Living Legend

Speaking of Marta, it is impossible not to point out the influence of the Brazilian star on the season of Orlando Pride. This goal, scored in stoppage time, meant that the soccer queen reached her seventh goal this season, managing to consolidate her position of the team's second-best scorer in 2024. On top of that, this goal brought her total count for Pride to 38 goals.

Marta, with 100 regular-season starts in the NWSL, remains extremely important for her side's success, not only for technical reasons but also for leadership on the pitch. Her combination with Barbra Banda has been one of the joys of the season, and an assist by Banda for Marta's goal was just another example of how great they click.

Next Challenge: The NWSL Shield in View

The win over Houston Dash leaves Orlando Pride in the best position going into the finish, with a shot at the NWSL Shield awarded to the best team by regular-season record. Up next is the game against Washington Spirit on Sunday, October 6, and one expects Inter&Co Stadium to witness another full house as the team fights this lofty battle.

Should Pride continue at the level at which they have performed so far, little doubt would remain that they would indeed lift the NWSL Shield come season's end. More than that, the team has all the credentials to fight for the NWSL title, which would be icing on the cake of this already historic season.