Pride wins Supporter Shield; Lions in fight for home playoff advantage
2024 is a year that will be etched in Orlando City Soccer’s history books. All three teams in the organization have qualified for the playoffs, marking an outstanding achievement that has the entire city buzzing with excitement.
The Orlando Pride stands at the pinnacle of success, leading the league with an impressive 57 points. What's truly remarkable is their undefeated record – out of 23 games, they've secured 17 wins and 6 draws, winning the NWSL Supporters' Shield, which is given to the top team in the league. Led by the prolific Zambian international Barbara Banda, who has netted 13 goals in just 18 games, and Marta, the Brazilian international and former FIFA Player of the Year, the Pride boasts a formidable offensive threat.
Adding to the excitement, Orlando City B (11-8-9), the USL affiliate that trains and plays at Osceola County Stadium, has clinched a playoff berth with a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Shakur Mohammed and Alexander Freeman lead the team in goals and assists, representing the future stars of the organization. This developmental squad serves as a proving ground for up-and-coming talent, as evidenced by Yutaro Tsukada. Before signing with the first team, Tsukada impressed with 7 goals and 7 assists in 21 games for OCB. The B team has been on fire, winning all of its September games.
The crown jewel, Orlando City's first team, is making a late-season surge that has fans buzzing with excitement. With six victories in their last seven matches, the Lions are perched at 52 points, firmly holding onto the coveted 4th place position which would translate into home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Breathing down their necks are Charlotte with 48 points, followed by New York Red Bulls and NYCFC, both at 47 points. Every kick, every goal, every point could be the difference between hosting in the playoffs or hitting the road.
Leading the charge is a dynamic squad that's finally hitting its stride after a season of growth. Facundo Torres, Orlando's new all-time leading scorer, continues to dazzle with 14 goals this campaign. But this is far from a one-man show. The Lions boast a formidable attack with Ramiro Enrique, Ivan Angulo, and Luis Muriel all finding their form.
From a challenging start juggling CONCACAF Champions League responsibilities to their current impressive run, Orlando City SC has transformed into a cohesive unit capable of going toe-to-toe with the league's best. This remarkable turnaround is a testament to the 10-month journey of building and molding a true contender. Their recent form is nothing short of spectacular, boasting the MLS's best record since July 2024 with 10 wins in 13 games.
The success across all three teams is a testament to the new ownership and the coaching staff's resilience. While other organizations might have questioned or even fired head coach Oscar Pareja during tough times, Orlando City regrouped and led all teams to the playoffs – no small feat in today's competitive landscape.
From the unstoppable Pride to the promising City B and the surging first team, 2024 has become the year of the Lion.
