Marta Leads Unbeaten Orlando Pride to First NWSL Shield with 2-0 Win Over Spirit

Oct 6, 2024, 11:08 PM

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Orlando Pride clinched their first-ever National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Shield with a 2-0 victory over the second-place Washington Spirit. The win maintains the Pride's unbeaten record through 23 of 26 games, positioning them to become the first team in NWSL history to finish a season undefeated—a feat likened to the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Veteran forward Marta, 38, and a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, played a pivotal role, scoring the game-winning goal and registering 69 touches. "I waited so long for this moment," Marta expressed. Commissioner Jessica Berman was present to award the redesigned Shield after the match. The Washington Spirit competed without key players Trinity Rodman and Casey Krueger due to injuries. The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Orlando franchise after years of struggle.