Orlando Pride won the first piece of silverware in their history this season when they finished top of the NWSL table, taking the NWSL shield and almost making it through the entire season unbeaten.
Now the Pride have the taste for success and on Sunday, Seb Hines’ charges face Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship game to add to their budding trophy cabinet — it’s sure to be a breathless encounter.
The Pride’s previous best performance in the NWSL came in 2017 when they finished third in the NWSL table and were knocked out in the semifinal, where they were unceremoniously hammered 4-1 by the Portland Thorns. However, this time, the Pride handed out a 4-1 drubbing in the playoffs instead of being on the receiving end of one.
Orlando Pride’s route to the 2024 NWSL Championship game
After finishing first in the NWSL regular season, Orlando Pride were paired with the side that came eighth in the NWSL table, the Chicago Red Stars. With a team featuring USWNT stars like Mallory Swanson and Alyssa Naeher, Chicago had hoped they could spring a surprise, but hope can be a fleeting feeling in soccer.
Quarterfinal — Orlando Pride 4-1 Chicago Red Stars: Barbra Banda brace puts pay to Chicago’s NWSL hopes
Orlando Pride made short work of their opponents…
