Marta is Exactly What the Orlando Pride Needed

The news of Marta’s reintroduction into the American soccer scene was welcomed with both excitement and anticipation. After spending time playing in Europe, the former FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year made the move to the Orlando Pride.

On the heels of a rough opening season, the Pride needed a playmaker in the midfield. It was an area that was lacking in the 2016 season and Marta’s introduction into the roster was a step in the right direction towards earning a playoff spot.

Thus far, the Brazilian has been nothing short of spectacular for the Pride. She leads the club in both goals and assists. Most recently, the midfielder produced two goals and two assists against the Houston Dash.

In total, Marta has five goals and three assists in eight appearances. Her impressive stat line has her tied for first in goals scored in the NWSL. Additionally, she is tied for second in assists in the league.

The Pride have yet to lose a match this season when Marta has had at least one goal or an assist. They only managed to score 20 goals as a combined unit in 2016 and already have 14 goals in nine matches in 2017. Marta has been involved in eight of those 14 goals.

With Alex Morgan returning soon, Marta will have a star striker to feed the ball to. The two could be a deadly pairing moving forward in 2017. Morgan only scored four goals in 2016, but that will likely change this season.

By far, Marta has been one of best signings during the off-season in the NWSL. No other signing has been able to match her output.