The Pride (17-6-0) have gone on a remarkable undefeated run this year, but it was a long road to earning their first postseason appearance since 2017. Some key points: Orlando began a rebuild in 2023 under coach Seb Hines and new general manager Haley Carter. They finished seventh in the standings.

Orlando convinced in a 2-0 win over second-placed Washington, clinching the NWSL Shield, making their place atop ESPN's Power Rankings unassailable.

What was already a tall task for the Spirit in this meeting of the league’s top teams grew tougher with 10 players unavailable because of injuries and a suspension. Washington adjusted well, but a couple of mistakes proved costly in a 2-0 win for Orlando, which clinched the NWSL Shield for the first time by securing the league’s best record.