Orlando Pride clinch NWSL Shield with 2-0 victory over Washington Spirit
- The Orlando Pride achieved their first NWSL Shield with a 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit.
- Marta scored a penalty and a Spirit defender contributed an own goal, leading to the win.
- This victory signifies a remarkable turnaround for the Pride, who have historically faced challenges in the league.
In Orlando, Florida, the Pride secured their first-ever NWSL Shield on a rainy Sunday evening with a 2-0 victory over the Washington Spirit. The match saw Marta score a penalty in the 56th minute, followed by an own goal from a Spirit defender in the 73rd minute. This win marked a historic achievement for the Pride, who had previously struggled in the league, finishing in the bottom three in five of the last seven seasons. The team has shown remarkable improvement this year, remaining unbeaten with a record of 17 wins and 6 draws, and clinching a playoff spot early in September. The Spirit, missing several key players due to injuries and suspensions, could not capitalize on their chances, despite being in second place in the standings. The NWSL Shield is awarded to the team with the best overall record, and this year, it was designed by Tiffany & Co. The Pride's success is a testament to their resilience and the effective leadership of coach Seb Hines, who took over mid-season in 2022. The team aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for the playoffs, hoping to secure their first championship title after years of challenges and setbacks.