Orlando Pride clinch 2024 NWSL Shield with top-of-the-table win | OneFootball

The Orlando Pride can now call themselves NWSL Shield winners after defeating the Washington Spirit 2–0 on Sunday. The club is the sixth team to claim the league’s annual award — amassing the most possible points in the 2024 season with three games left to play.

It was a rainy evening in central Florida, but that didn’t dampen the Pride’s fantastic form. The win extended Orlando’s historic unbeaten streak to 24 games — dating back to last season.

Starting XIs

Orlando Pride

Anna Moorhouse; Cori Dyke; Emily Sams; Kylie Strom; Kerry Abello; Morgan Gautrat (Summer Yates, 63′); Angelina; Marta; Adriana; Carson Pickett (Julie Doyle, 70′); Barbra Banda.

Washington Spirit

Aubrey Kingsbury; Esme Morgan; Tara McKeown; Annaïg Butel (Lena Silano, 58′); Gabrielle Carle; Paige Metayer; Heather Stainbrook (Kate Wiesner, 73′); Andi Sullivan (Jenna Butler, 90+2′); Courtney Brown (Makenna Morris, 46′); Ashley Hatch (Brittany Ratcliffe, 73′); Rosemonde Kouassi.

A goalless first half went by in a flash

The match at Inter&Co Stadium began with a noticeably sparse crowd. Heavy rain in the area likely deterred many fans, especially as Florida prepares for another major hurricane.

Both teams created quality chances early in the match. However, frequent stoppages from fouls prevented the game from opening up for either side.

The first half’s most electric passage of play came when the Spirit’s Rosemonde Kouassi launched an impressive strike from distance. Orlando’s Anna Moorhouse made an outstretching save to tip the ball out of bounds.

The resulting corner kick led to an explosive counterattack by Barbra Banda and Marta. The two charged forward, maneuvering expertly through a field of Washington Spirit players. But the play broke down when too many touches of the ball led to a late pass and an offsides call.

A few other big moments made the final 20 minutes of the half fly by. Still, the contest between the league’s top two teams remained a goalless draw at the break.

A second-half surge lands Orlando its first silverware

When play resumed, it seemed like a mirror of the first half. The rain continued to pour, and a few rough challenges added to the game’s edgy atmosphere.

That tense mood reached a boiling point in the 54th minute when defender Tara McKeown toppled over Banda in the Washington penalty box. McKeown received a yellow card, and Marta stepped up to take the spot kick. With a stutter step and a skip, Marta calmly converted the penalty — netting her eighth goal of the season.

The Pride pressed their advantage. Then, just under 15 minutes later, the team doubled its lead when Adriana picked the ball off Heather Stainbrook and took a shot from outside the box. Initially, the effort looked to be going well wide. But the ball took a sharp deflection off McKeown and slipped past Aubrey Kingsbury in goal.

After the second goal, the NWSL Shield looked inevitable for Orlando. The Pride maintained their composure, defending resolutely and effectively managing the game.

Things took an unfortunate turn when Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan had a coming together with the Pride’s Summer Yates. The medical staff eventually stretchered Sullivan off the field in extra time, and Orlando saw out their 2–0 victory.

Post-match thoughts

For those new to the NWSL, Orlando Pride’s dominance this season is truly impressive. The team debuted in 2016 and had only made the playoffs once before this year. What this group of players has accomplished, along with head coach Seb Hines and his staff, is nothing short of remarkable.

You could see the emotion in Marta’s eyes during the NWSL Shield ceremony. The 38-year-old star, who has been with Orlando since 2017, finally secured her first silverware with the team.

What’s next for the Pride?

The Orlando Pride have three games left in the regular season. While securing the NWSL Shield was a primary goal, finishing the season unbeaten would be an unprecedented achievement. But as the pressure mounts, it’ll only get more difficult with each passing game — regardless of the opponent.

Beyond the regular season, Orlando’s NWSL Shield win also means the team has the number one seed heading into the NWSL Playoffs. And nothing will look better next to that shield than the NWSL Championship trophy.

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