Every year, just before the NWSL playoffs begin, drama is guaranteed. With teams pressing high to finish their regular season on as good a note as possible, unexpected things are bound to transpire. This time, it seems someone has channeled their inner reigning champion energy, as Orlando Pride made it clear that they are still a force to be reckoned with despite their domestic struggles, finally breaking their much-talked-about curse.

The Florida-based club had been on a 105-day winless streak. However, in today’s Matchday 22 clash against San Diego Wave, Orlando Pride secured an emphatic 2-1 victory, breaking their long-standing curse and making it a memorable win for Seb Hines and his squad, beyond just earning the crucial three points.

The goal fiesta began just after the match kick-started, with the visitors drawing first blood. Big midseason signing, Jacquie Ovalle, decided to show why she was signed by Orlando Pride in the first place, as it took just seven minutes into her third appearance to make an impact as she netted the opening goal.

The goal came from a swift counterattack, with Oihane and Ally Watt linking up on a ball played over the defense. Watt drove forward before slipping it back to Ovalle, who controlled it on her favored left foot and curled a shot into the far corner past Didi Haracic—marking her first-ever NWSL goal.

However, her moment was quickly snatched away as San Diego responded just two minutes later. Orlando keeper Anna Moorhouse came under pressure from a high press inside the 18-yard box and attempted a safe pass, but it went astray. Dudinha pounced on the mistake, lofting the ball over the keeper to score her first NWSL goal, leveling the scoreline.

Even though both sides kept testing each other, the first half ended 1-1. As the two teams returned for the next 45 minutes of play, Orlando Pride decided to show the home side what they had planned for them during the 15-minute break, as in the 54th minute, the visitors restored their lead. Oihane again turned provider, sliding a pass behind the Wave defense for Carson Pickett, who slotted it home to make it 2-1.

That resulted in San Diego enduring significant pressure to turn things around, something which they tried to do a lot. In the 74th minute, a back-post cross reached Hanna Lundkvist, who set up Kimmi Ascanio. However, the 17-year-old’s effort was saved, sparking a scramble in the box that Moorhouse eventually smothered.

The Wave kept pressing. In the 81st minute, Dudinha whipped in a cross for Ascanio, whose header was stopped, and six minutes later, Kyra Carusa’s powerful attempt was also denied by the rival goalkeeper. Despite out-shooting Orlando 16-9 and forcing six saves, San Diego couldn’t find a second equalizer, as the Pride successfully managed to hold firm to claim all three points, as well as break its curse. Then again, the fight for Orlando Pride doesn’t end here, as they have a lot in store ahead.

Can the Orlando Pride defend their NWSL title?

This season has been quite a rollercoaster for the Purples, who aren’t exactly where many expected them to be. Sitting fourth with 32 points (9W, 5D, 8L), one might think they’re holding their ground well. But the reality is stark when compared to their rivals — especially the Kansas City Current, who lead the table with 56 points after Matchday 22, a massive 19-point cushion over second-placed Washington Spirit, and 22 clear of Orlando.

This contrast is a far cry from the Orlando Pride’s finish last season. In 2024, they lifted the Shield with 60 points, just four points ahead of the Washington Spirit. The two sides later clashed in the Championship game, where the Pride came out on top, before the Spirit got their revenge in the Challenge Cup. This year, the NWSL season’s outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Orlando Pride still have a point to prove.

Their biggest task will be showing that they’ve still got what it takes, at least in the Championship race. Do you think they have what it takes to be successful? Share your views in the comments below.