Orlando Pride reap more than a win against Washington Spirit

Orlando Pride supporters have become completely spoiled. It’s even affecting the players. It’s not only that they win. It’s the way they win.

Orlando Pride has clinched the 2024 NWSL Shield with their 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit. But this is more than victory.

The Pride’s outstanding goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made a key save in the 26th minute to clinch her 13th clean sheet of the season. And that save also means the Pride tied the NWSL record for most shutouts in a season.

There’s more.

The Pride now ties the league record for points in a single season with 57 and wins with 17. Yet, the team has three more matches this season.

The squad is unbeaten in 24 consecutive matches dating back to last season. This is the first NWSL team to win the Shield while remaining unbeaten – 17-0-6.

Most significantly, this is the first Orlando Pride squad to secure the NWSL Shield. That means, this is the team’s greatest season.

The Spirit played a solid game against the Pride. But the only score needed for the Orlando win was a penalty kick by Marta in the 57th minute. This is her eighth goal of the season and 39th of her career, the most for the Pride all-time. Also, her 11th penalty kick goal ties her for third-most in the regular season all-time.

Oct 6, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit defender Annaig Butel (5) attempt to head the ball in the second half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images / Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The other score was Tara McKeown’s Own Goal in the 73rd minute.

Head Coach Seb Hines said the continued record-busting performances of all the Pride players results from the team quickly adapting to what opposing strategies they face.

Marta added that the players all have a sense that they must make good on what they’ve practiced on the pitch in every match because they may not have this opportunity again. They have to win now.

No matter how many records they set or extend in the match against the Washington Spirit, they must think about the next match.

The question Marta asks is, how can they perform even better?

That is what we’re about to find out.