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Orlando Pride 2024 NWSL shield celebrationsIMGAN
Celia Balf

NWSL Championship: A case for how Brazil legend Marta, Orlando Pride can beat the Washington Spirit

With everything on the line, here's ow the Pride can top the Spirit for the 2024 NWSL Championship

The Orlando Pride this season have shattered just about every meaningful record for success in NWSL. From the club earning a league-best record of 18-2-6 after scoring a club-record 46 goals, to allowing just 20 - tied for the lowest conceded goals in the league - the Pride have been unstoppable. They finished the regular season 18-2-6, going unbeaten at home.

The Pride won the 2024 NWSL Shield, the first for the club. They are now on a hunt for the club's first NWSL Championship.

INDIVISA looks at how the Pride can get the better of the Washington Spirit.

  • Reason No. 1: The backline

    The Orlando Pride have only given up 20 goals in the regular season, which is tied for best in the league. There was one stretch this season when Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse had 12-straight shutouts, a new league record.

    Moorhouse's efforts are complimented by the backline in front of her: Defender of the Year Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, Cori Dyke and Kerry Abelo. Emily Sams earned NWSL's prestigious defender award during Thursday's Championship Media Day, and thanked her teammates, particularly her backline squad, for helping her achieve this honor.

    The Washington Spirit are going to have to get creative in finding ways to break down this defensive unit. Strom is organized and a ball-playing center back, Sams is intentional and accurate both with her timing on tackles and distribution. While the Spirit have depth on the flanks, they are going to be tasked with getting past not just one of the best backlines in the league, but also Moorhouse in goal.

    If the Pride keep the Spirit off the board, and limit their chances on transitions, they will find success.

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    Reason No. 2: Marta

    When Sams was asked who the greatest player was, she said "Marta." She then followed up the question by calling the Brazilian star a "legend." Marta has never won an NWSL Championship, and by the looks of her form this season, she's particularly hungry for it.

    In the Pride's semifinal against the KC Current, Marta picked up the ball from half field and quite literally dribbled past multiple Current defenders, sending them to the ground, as well as the goalkeeper. Marta's talent is unmatched, and to have a team that wants to win for you, on top of it, she's going to be hard to stop.

    With the way she's playing right now, from her nose down defending, fearless dribbling, and movement off the ball, there's no scenario in which Marta will let the Spirit control the tone.

    What's particularly special about Marta this season is that she has players such as Barbra Banda around her to create space for her to do her Marta-magic. Banda is a force - with speed, an attacking mindset like no-other, and finds ways to create chaos for other players around her to run freely.

    Marta is the Pride's not-so-secret weapon.

  • Orlando Pride  v Angel City FCGetty Images Sport

    Reason No. 3: The Pride haven't lost to the Spirit

    The Orlando Pride defeated the Spirit in both regular-season meetings, including handing the Spirit one of their just two home losses.

    While both of the games were close, the Pride managed to outlast the Spirit. The first time the two sides met was in April. It was a high-scoring game with numerous chances, however the Spirit were able to chip in 3 goals to win 3-2. Then on Oct. 6, the Pride defeated the Spirit 2-0.

    While the Spirit have won an NWSL Championship before, they haven't found a way to beat Orlando this season. The two sides match up well, but in the second meeting, the Spirit could not find a way in behind the Pride's backline.