In a significant achievement for the Orlando Pride, the team secured its first-ever National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Shield during a commanding 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at their home ground, Inter&Co Stadium, this past Sunday. This monumental win was more than just three points; it marked the culmination of a hard-fought season, where the Pride showcased resilience and spirit throughout. Marta, the team’s renowned captain and playmaker, opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the 56th minute, followed by a fortunate deflection that resulted in an own goal by the Spirit in the 73rd minute, courtesy of Orlando midfielder Adriana.
The Pride’s achievement of remaining unbeaten over 23 matches places them in a league of their own as no team in the NWSL history has managed to complete a season without a loss. The Shield symbolizes not merely the best performance of the season but signifies a club’s turning point, especially for a franchise that has faced struggles in past seasons.
The path to this victory wasn’t devoid of obstacles. The Washington Spirit came into this crucial match missing some key players, such as U.S. international Trinity Rodman and French forward Ouleye Sarr — both of whom were tied as the team’s leading scorers with eight goals each. Injuries also sidelined defenders like Casey Krueger and midfielder Leicy Santos. Nonetheless, the Pride’s accomplishments must be viewed through the lens of their historical struggles. Having missed the playoffs six out of eight prior seasons and finishing in the bottom tier multiple times, the team’s progression this season stands out as a narrative of transformation.
“It feels incredible. I’m going to get emotional,” said Orlando defender Kylie Strom, reflecting on the momentous occasion. Expressing the weight of their shared journey, she emphasized the emotional significance of Marta’s role in the team’s success. This season is not solely about victories; it encapsulates the hard work, determination, and resolve that the team exhibited amid challenges.
The NWSL Shield is merely a stepping stone for the Orlando Pride. They have broken through the barriers that once defined the team’s history, filled with moments of disappointment. The last-place finish in 2019 loomed large as a cautionary tale, highlighting the difficulties the club had endured, including a historically poor defensive record where they conceded 53 goals in just 24 matches. Moreover, the 2020 season was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the team sidelined from the NWSL Challenge Cup due to health concerns stemming from social gatherings.
Strom, who joined the Pride in 2021, poignantly remarked on the significance of their current success by highlighting the team’s resilience and the strategic changes within the organization. “I think that’s what makes this season even more special, is to kind of know what this club and this organization has been through,” she stated. Her optimism reflects a broader sentiment among fans and players alike; the Pride seem ready to embark on a successful era, having laid a sturdy foundation through trials and tribulations.
Looking forward, the upcoming challenges include critical away matches against formidable opponents, such as the Portland Thorns and reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham FC, before concluding the regular season with a home game against Seattle Reign FC. With five NWSL teams, including the Spirit, already securing playoff spots with three weeks remaining in the regular season, the stakes remain high. Notably, this year marks an expansion in playoff slots; eight teams will now vie for the championship, compared to the previous six.
For the Pride, the prospect of hosting a playoff match for the first time in early November fuels their ambition. This season’s triumphs lead fans and players to dream about what lies ahead—a departure from being perennial underdogs to contenders within the league. The newly redesigned NWSL Shield now serves as a testament to the journey of the Orlando Pride, capturing not just a win, but embodying hope, resilience, and an unwavering ambition that resonates throughout the organization.
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