Orlando Tops Seattle To Extend NWSL Title Repeat Bid
No. 4 Orlando took down No. 5 Seattle 2-0 on Friday.
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2024 NWSL champions Orlando kicked off their repeat bid in style, with the No. 4 Pride topping a tough No. 5 Seattle 2-0 on Friday to punch their semifinal ticket.
Orlando midfielder Haley McCutcheon opened scoring in the 21st minute, riding a slim lead well into the second half before captain Marta broke out into a 100-yard dash to earn the stoppage-time penalty kick that ultimately sealed the result.
“We have talked so much about this season and compared it to last season,” Marta said postgame.
“We have the same players and the same mentality. We still work so hard and still believe.”
After Marta put on the burners to earn that kick from the spot, the Brazil legend chose to cede the spotlight to a beloved teammate.
Marta gave the ball to fellow Pride and Brazil star Luana, a midfielder who recently returned to the pitch after recovering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — with Luana sinking the penalty to mark her first goal in an Orlando jersey.
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“Handing the ball over to Luana optimizes Marta as an individual,” said manager Seb Hines.
“She never puts herself above the team.”
The Pride now hosts No. 8 Gotham on Sunday at 3 PM ET, with live semifinal coverage on ABC.
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