Orlando Pride

2023 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Marta

Marta returned to action after a year out injured, leading the Pride as captain.

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9 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride/Mark Thor

Marta returned to action this season after missing the 2022 campaign with a torn ACL she suffered during the preseason Challenge Cup. She signed a new two-year contract prior to this past season, ensuring the captain would be on the young team for her seventh year in Orlando. There were questions about how she would fare after such a significant injury, but she proved to be a key part of the Pride’s relatively successful campaign.

Let’s take a look at Marta’s 2023 NWSL season.

Statistical Breakdown

Marta took part in 18 of the Pride’s 22 NWSL regular season games this season, starting 17 and recording 1,445 minutes. The 37-year-old didn’t appear in the Challenge Cup, using the time to rest for the upcoming league matches. She put 15 of her 21 shots on target, scoring four goals for a conversion rate of 19%. The attacker completed 501 of her 616 pass attempts (81.3%) and 70 of her 94 long balls (74.5%), also recording 34 key passes and four assists. Defensively, Marta won 16 of her 26 tackles (61.5%), 97 of her 195 duels (49.7%), and nine of her 21 aerial duels (42.9%). She committed 18 fouls, drew 23 fouls, and was booked twice.

Best Game

Marta recorded a goal and an assist on May 20 in a 2-1 win over the Washington Spirit and during a tough 3-2 loss on Oct. 6 away to Racing Louisville. It’s tempting to call the win her best game, but she was terrific in the loss in Louisville. Her impact on the game started in the 12th minute when she drew a foul in the box from Taylor Aylmer. The Pride captain stepped up to take the spot kick herself, putting it into the corner to give the visitors an early lead.

In the 21st minute, she played the ball to Kerry Abello with some space. Abello made the most of the opportunity with a great run into the box and beat Katie Lund with a shot into the roof. While it was an excellent individual effort by Abello, Marta claimed the assist since she made the final pass to her goal-scoring teammate.

Along with those two goals, Marta was terrific in this game. She didn’t take any shots from open play, but was active throughout the game, completing 30 of her 35 pass attempts (85.7%), including a key pass in addition to her assist. The attacker also helped out defensively with a tackle, block, interception, and clearance in 78 minutes of action.

2023 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Marta a composite grade of 6 out of 10 for the 2023 season. She’s lost a step since her days as the FIFA World Player of the Year, but still played a leadership role in a young team. As shown by a few of her performances, she can have a significant impact on a game, even at 37 years of age.

2024 Outlook

Marta signed a two-year contract prior to the 2023 season, potentially keeping her in Orlando through 2024. It was unclear whether she’d return for a eighth season with the Pride, but the midfielder indicated following the season finale that she plans on returning next season. She’ll likely remain captain and provide a veteran presence to a young team. Despite not being what she was five years ago, Marta showed flashes of her former self, proving that she can still be one of the best players in the league.

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