Orlando Pride wins 2024 NWSL Shield, remains undefeated: Marta leads historic season

Orlando Pride won against Washington Spirit 2-0 to make history as they claimed the 2024 NWSL Shield. With that victory, the team matched two league records: 57 points and 17 wins in a single season. That win not only marked the club's first piece of silverware but saw them move into an exclusive group of teams that have won the Shield. Here is the catch: It means that on their way to the Shield, they have pulled off an unprecedented feat-they have not lost a single game.

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A Historic Trophy for Orlando Pride

Admittedly, the NWSL Shield is a milestone trophy for any team. For Orlando Pride, however, it is even more special, as it happens to be the first-ever trophy of the club. Even more impressively, this was secured with three games left in the regular season-a fete few teams can boast of.

Since the start of the season, Pride showed they would be hard to beat. Rock-solid defense, captained by keeper Anna Moorhouse with a record equaled at 13 shutouts in one season, was complemented by an efficient attack. They have maintained a certain consistency, game after game, showing how much they focused on making history. And the Shield is a sign of such collective effort.

Pride head coach Seb Hines highlighted the effort his players had put in: "What they did was incredible. Last year was a bitter disappointment, but they used that as fuel for this season. There's no doubting what this team can do." And he was right. The team that came so close to greatness in 2023 returned in 2024 even stronger, determined not to let this opportunity slip away.

Key Roles of Marta and Adriana

There were two clear standouts in what was a pulsating match to secure Orlando Pride's win. First, legendary Pride captain Marta got the scoring opened early in the second half off a penalty for her eighth goal of the season. It was not about technique at this moment: Marta was incredibly composed to convert the penalty that put Pride ahead in such an important period of the game.

In the next play, Adriana took advantage of a miscalculation by the Washington Spirit defense when she intercepted the ball and released a shot to goal. The deflection went off defender Tara McKeown for an own goal, doubling Pride's lead and sealing the 2-0 win.

Both players not only scored but personified and epitomized the fighting spirit characteristic of Orlando Pride-pressing hard, creating chances, and ensuring the team's unbeaten streak remained intact.

Unbeaten Streak and Impact on the Future

The unbeaten run this season is not merely a footnote; it is central to everything Pride are doing. Orlando managed to set a new bar for consistency with 23 matches without a loss both defensively and in terms of taking the control of the game where needed. An unbeaten streak such as this-24 matches dating back to last season-painted Pride far from an ordinary team.

But let's not forget that Orlando didn't just win the Shield, they did it as the first club to ever hoist that trophy without a single loss. An achievement like this puts Pride in a category all their own, not just inside the NWSL, but across all of women's soccer.

Logically, the next step from there, with the NWSL Shield in the bag, would be to continue that momentum into the playoffs. Of course, it will be a much harder ask to remain undefeated in those critical matches and win the NWSL Cup, but no doubt Seb Hines is working on just that moment. And judging by their performance so far, opponents will find it hard to knock Pride off their feet.

The Connection with the Fans

Hand in hand with performances from key players has been the support Orlando Pride get from their fans. It has been the difference it has made playing at home to an exhilarated crowd that has brought the turning point for the team. This was pointed out by Seb Hines, after the win over Washington Spirit: "I'm so happy we were able to do this in front of our own fans."

The boost that is given by the invariable support of the crowd has helped the players. That is something connected with every match the team played, starting to strengthen more and more with the fans. It is one of the most important factors that helped Pride go on their unbeaten run till now. With the NWSL Shield in hand, it goes without saying that the fans are going to be crucial, and so it will be in the final stretch of the season.