In a stunning turn of events, the Orlando Pride have gone from being the laughingstock of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to shattering records and clinching the NWSL Shield. This remarkable transformation has shocked the soccer world and solidified the Pride’s place in league history.
From Bottom-Dwellers to Top Contenders
Just a few short years ago, the Orlando Pride were mired in futility. The team consistently finished at or near the bottom of the NWSL standings, enduring humiliating defeats and off-field controversies. As one anonymous source put it, “People wrote us off. People didn’t want to come to the club. People had no hope with this club.”
But in 2024, everything changed. Under the guidance of head coach Seb Hines and sporting director Haley Carter, the Pride have orchestrated a stunning turnaround. The team went on an unprecedented 23-game unbeaten streak, shattering the previous NWSL record. They also set new marks for wins in a season (18) and points (60).
Savvy Signings and Tactical Tweaks
Orlando’s success can be attributed to several key factors. The Pride made headlines by signing Zambian striker Barbra Banda for a near-record transfer fee. Banda has lived up to the hype, scoring 13 goals and setting a new club record. Veteran Brazilian star Marta has also turned back the clock, putting in her best campaign since joining the Pride.
But it’s not just the big names making an impact. Unheralded players like defender Emily Sams and midfielder Haley McCutcheon have emerged as vital cogs in Hines’ tactical setup. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse has been a revelation, setting a new NWSL record with 13 clean sheets.
“I can tell you guys, I don’t think you’re going to have [this] again, with this team or another team,” an emotional Marta said after the team clinched the NWSL Shield. “I’m sorry, but it’s so special, and the way that we did it was incredible.”
Uncharted Playoff Territory
For all their regular season success, the Pride now find themselves in unfamiliar territory: the NWSL playoffs. Orlando has only made the postseason once before, in 2017. With the playoff field expanded to eight teams, the Pride will need to win three knockout games to secure their first-ever NWSL Championship.
Hines is well aware of the challenge that awaits. “Reality is, we’ve got to win a championship,” he said ahead of the regular-season finale. But if any team is equipped to handle the pressure, it’s these record-breaking Pride.
A New Era in Orlando
Regardless of how their playoff run unfolds, the Pride have already ushered in a new era for the franchise. Off the field, the team has seen improved facilities, better player retention, and growing fan support. A club-record crowd of 17,087 watched the Pride defeat the Houston Dash in September.
As defender Carson Pickett observed, “To stay at the top and to hold the standard that we’ve created, you have to continue to move forward. And if you’re lacking, then no one’s going to want to go to your club and you’re going to suffer from that.”
The Pride’s turnaround is a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and smart decision-making. It’s a reminder that in sports, as in life, even the most downtrodden can rise from the ashes and achieve greatness. For the Orlando Pride, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright new chapter in the club’s history.
