Can Anyone Spoil Orlando Pride’s Perfect NWSL Season?

For the first time in franchise history, the Orlando Pride is truly celebrating. With a 2-0 win over the Washington Spirit on Sunday, the Pride secured the 2024 NWSL Shield. For a franchise that boasts just a single playoff appearance in a club history that dates back to 2016, it was a huge deal. Not only has Orlando won the Shield and secured the top seed in the playoffs with three matches left, but the Pride continued its unbeaten season, winning 17 games and drawing six in the team’s 23 games this season.

That begs the question of whether or not Orlando can remain perfect for the rest of the regular season and win the NWSL championship without a blemish on its record. An undefeated champion would be unprecedented for the NWSL. Only the 2018 North Carolina Courage came close, losing just one game during the regular season before convincingly winning the title during the playoffs. The Pride has undoubtedly been the class of the league this season. But is an undefeated season that ends with an NWSL championship in the cards? Here are the teams that could potentially spoil Orlando’s perfect season.

Gotham FC

An October 20 away match against Gotham FC is undoubtedly Orlando’s toughest remaining regular-season game. The Pride managed a 2-0 home win over Gotham in early September. However, the visitors won several statistical categories in that game despite failing to overcome two Orlando goals within the first 20 minutes. Nevertheless, the reigning NWSL champs pose the greatest threat to Orlando in the regular season and the playoffs.

Despite some hiccups earlier in the season, Gotham might have the most talented squad in the league. National Team players Emily Sonnett and Tierna Davidson anchor the backline. Rose Lavelle provides a creative force in the midfield. Gotham also has firepower up top with Lynn Williams and Esther Gonzalez . They also have Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger, adding to the abundance of talent and USWNT experience that Gotham boasts.

Keep in mind that their 2-0 loss in Orlando is Gotham’s only defeat in its last 10 matches. Gotham has four wins and a draw in NWSL action since that loss to the Pride. They are playing as well as any team in the league right now. Even if Orlando survives the October 20 match unscathed, Gotham is the biggest threat to knock them off in the playoffs and prevent the Pride from capping a magical season with the NWSL title.

Kansas City Current

If Gotham is the biggest threat to Orlando, Kansas City is a close second. Last month, the Current played Orlando to a frustrating scoreless draw, going toe to toe with the NWSL’s best team for 90 minutes. If the two teams meet again in the playoffs, Kansas City would be more than capable of pulling off the upset.

While Orlando's Barbra Banda has arguably been the NWSL’s best player, it’s actually Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga who is leading the league in goals. The supporting cast for Kansas City also includes Brazilian stars Beatriz and Debinha on the attack, a veteran midfield of Vanessa DiBernardo and Lo’eau LaBonta, and USWNT center-back Alana Cook anchoring the defense. The Current has the personnel to match up with Orlando at virtually every position.

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Kansas City is also playing some of its best soccer late in the season. Since early in September, the Current has been unbeaten in five straight matches, including that scoreless draw in Orlando. As the highest-scoring team in the league, there is no question that the Current could play the role of spoiler if they get another chance to play the Pride in the playoffs.

Orlando Pride

Last but not least, could the Pride be to blame for ruining their perfect season? With three matches left, will Orlando be able to stay motivated with the NWSL Shield and the top seed already secured? Could head coach Seb Hines choose to rest key players, most notably Banda and the aging Marta, to help them stay fresh and healthy for the playoffs? If so, it could cost Orlando its unbeaten regular-season record.

Aside from a tough game against Gotham, the Pride has to make the long journey to Portland this weekend. The Thorns have been a walking disaster during the second half of the season but are increasingly desperate with their playoff hopes slipping away. That may not be an easy victory for the Pride. It could also be easy to overlook the Seattle Reign in the regular-season finale with the postseason ahead.

With the NWSL Shield and the top seed locked up, the Pride will go more than a month without a game that has stakes beyond trying to stay unbeaten. That’s a long time to stay sharp and self-motivated. In a way, Orlando’s high level of play and consistency all season could become the Pride’s downfall. Not only are there difficult teams left in the regular season, but there are multiple teams poised to knock off Orlando during the playoffs.

It would truly be remarkable if the Pride can complete the season unbeaten and win the NWSL title. There should be no question that Orlando is capable of such an achievement. However, there are multiple teams that can spoil an otherwise perfect season. Despite already setting a high water mark for the franchise and putting together a historic season, there are still challenges left for the Orlando Pride in 2024.