Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: Photo Gallery

The Orlando Pride defeated the Washington Spirit 2-0 to sweep the season series and clinch the league’s best record, thereby claiming the NWSL Shield for 2024. The Pride went out and did what they’ve done all year — control the game, limit opposing chances, and manage to find a way to break through a stout defense on a rainy Sunday night in Central Florida.

Barbra Banda continued to show why she is so special even when not finding the score sheet, generally creating space, drawing multiple defenders out of position, and drawing the penalty that finally broke the deadlock. Marta similarly did Marta things, including converting the penalty, and Adriana created chaos of her own, including forcing the own goal that ensured the victory.

At the other end, solid individual and team defending, some timely saves by Anna Moorhouse (and let’s be honest, a little luck, although of the Pride’s own making) preserved the clean sheet in a historic win.

With the victory, Orlando claimed more records in this remarkable season, including:

• Extending the Pride’s NWSL unbeaten record (24 games).
• Extending Moorhouse’s individual season record for clean sheets in a season (13 games).
• Tying the single-season club record for the most clean sheets (13 games, equaling the 2021 Portland Thorns).
• Tying the NWSL single-season record for most wins and most points (17 and 57, respectively, equaling 2018 North Carolina Courage).

We hope you enjoy this extended gallery of images from the Pride’s NWSL Shield-clinching game and the subsequent well-earned celebration.

The Pride return to action Friday night on the road, facing the Portland Thorns.