With just six games to play, the currently unbeaten Orlando Pride could make history by becoming the first club in NWSL history to finish regular-season play without a single loss.
Having already secured an NWSL playoff spot — their first since 2017 — Orlando extended their incredible unbeaten streak to 21 matches with a 0-0 draw against third-place Kansas City on Friday. This result also marked the club’s fourth consecutive clean sheet, setting a new club record.
However, the road to NWSL glory won’t be easy: Orlando will face four top teams before the regular season concludes in early November.
Portland Thorns continue late-season NWSL losing streak
Meanwhile, on Friday, USWNT stars Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey’s Portland Thorns suffered their fourth consecutive loss — the longest regular-season losing streak in club history.
Following a slow start to the 2024 season, Portland made changes by reassigning head coach Mike Norris and promoting assistant coach Rob Gale. The team showed promise, climbing the NWSL table and challenging for the Shield, but momentum has dwindled since the Olympic break.
Despite Friday’s 1-0 loss to Chicago, Portland remains in sixth place in the standings, just two points ahead of Bay FC, who occupy the eighth and final playoff spot.
As the playoff race intensifies, the four-time league champions must rally around standout players like Smith to avoid their worst regular-season finish in club history.
Washington Spirit win books ticket to NWSL postseason
In other postseason news, the Spirit secured their playoff berth by defeating Houston 3-0 on Sunday.
Ashley Hatch led Washington’s scoring with two goals in the first half, while Trinity Rodman contributed with an assist and a goal of her own.
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