ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2023) — The 2023 regular seasons were historic ones for all three of Orlando’s soccer clubs, with Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride and Orlando City B all having record-setting campaigns this year.
On the Major League Soccer side, City earned the No. 2 overall seed heading into the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, earning home-field advantage through at least the first two rounds. Orlando Pride, the Club’s National Women’s Soccer League team, earned the most home wins in its nine-year history and tied for the second most wins in the league with 10. Orlando City B clinched its first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs appearance with forward Jack Lynn winning MLS NEXT Pro MVP, MLS NEXT Pro Best XI and a share of the Golden Boot.
Here's how things shaped out for Orlando Pride:
- Set a new single-season Club record in home wins with seven (7). Also set new club records for the least amount of goals conceded (28), goals against per game (1.28) and shutouts in a single season (7).
- Won 10 games on the season which is the most since 2017 and just the second time in Club history the team has recorded double-digit wins.
- The 10 wins also served as the second-highest win total in the NWSL this season, tied with Portland Thorns FC and only trailing NWSL Shield winner San Diego Wave FC by one (11 total).
- Totaled five goals in a shutout win over Chicago on Aug. 20, tying the Club record for most goals scored in a match, a feat accomplished three times in the Pride’s history, and tying the Club’s record for largest margin of victory (8/12/17 vs. Sky Blue FC).
- Marta became the first Pride player to appear in 100 matches with her start on Oct. 2 at Angel City FC. Also passed former goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris for the most regular season starts in Club history, now totaling 85 all-time.
- The forward went a perfect four-for-four from the penalty spot this season, finishing the regular season with four goals and four assists.
- Marta’s penalty kick on the final match of the season against the Dash served as her eighth career game-winner, taking her past former Pride forward Alex Morgan and setting a new all-time Club record for most game-winning goals.
- After leading all NWSL rookies in goals with seven across all competitions, Messiah Bright was named a finalist for 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year. (Winner to be announced at a later date)
- Bright became the first player to earn both Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors in the same month, which she won for the month of August, as well as being named to the August Best XI.
- Forward Adriana contributed to 10 goals this season (6G, 4A), three of her goals being game-winners, while leading the league in chances created (46). From Aug. 20-Oct. 2, the Brazilian had a hand in five straight Pride goals, totaling three goals and two assists over that span.
- In a 5-0 win against the Chicago Red Stars on August 20, Brazilians Rafaelle, Marta and Adriana all recorded a goal contribution, which served as the first time in NWSL history that three players from a country other than the U.S. contributed to at least one goal each for the team in a single match.
- Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse earned seven shutouts, breaking the Pride’s record for most clean sheets in a single season. She also broke the Club record for most saves made in a season with 72.
- Defender Emily Madril came just three minutes away from earning Iron Woman recognition, given to those who play every minute of a season. She played the most minutes this season of all the rookies in the NWSL. The Florida State University product also led all rookies in total blocks (18) and total clearances (73).
- Defender Kylie Strom led the NWSL in total tackles (80), tackles in the defensive third (50) and tackles plus interceptions (114). Strom was also named to the May & August Best XI teams.
- Forward Ally Watt scored the fastest goal in Pride history, coming just 39 seconds into the match against the North Carolina Courage on Sept. 17.
- Canadian international Amanda Allen became the youngest Pride player to make their debut at 18 years, two months and 15 days old when she came on as a second-half substitution on May 6 vs. Louisville.
