The 2024 NWSL Championship Game looks like it could be a star-studded showcase for the league. Three of the five MVP finalists are set to square off Saturday night when the Orlando Pride face the Washington Spirit. The Pride features Brazilian legend Marta and Zambian breakout star Barbra Banda, while the Spirit is led by American superstar Trinity Rodman.
Of course, just because the stars are on the field doesn’t mean they’ll be the ones to decide the game. Both sides have deep rosters and talented players who played an important but sometimes overlooked role in getting the Pride and Spirit to the championship game. Those same players will also have a chance to leave their mark on the title game.
The question is who will rise to the occasion. It’s not just about who will score the goals but also what players will provide the type of performance that could give their team an edge. Both the Pride and Spirit would be worthy champions, with Saturday’s game potentially coming down to which teams role players show up and produce. Let’s look at some of the underrated role players on both teams who could steal the spotlight and help their team win the 2024 NWSL title.
Key Orlando Pride players in 2024 NWSL Championship Game
Haley McCutcheon
McCutcheon has been Orlando’s most unheralded player all season because she isn’t the one scoring the goals or collecting assists. To be fair, that has changed during the playoffs, with McCutcheon scoring Orlando’s first goal in both playoff wins. However, she’s unlikely to be on the scoresheet in the championship game. Instead, McCutcheon is responsible for helping the Pride to move quickly from defense to offense. She helps players like Banda and Marta get chances on the counterattack, which has been a huge part of Orlando’s success this season.
Two games in a row with a goal 🔥#NWSLPlayoffs Haley McCutcheon is next level! pic.twitter.com/Byhvt9fYxe
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 17, 2024
Ally Watt
With just three goals this season, Watt is easy to overlook on Orlando’s attack compared to Banda, Marta, and Adriana Leal. However, Watt has been dangerous on the wing all season. She’s second on the team in assists behind Banda and has thrived in the playmaker role during the playoffs, assisting in three of Orlando’s seven goals. Watt’s playing time has waned at times during the season because the Pride has so many other options. But she has been at her best in November and is arguably Orlando’s best attacking player behind Banda and Marta right now.
Kylie Strom
Most people recognize Emily Sams' role in anchoring the Orlando defense, especially after getting a USWNT call-up in October. However, Strom has been playing center-back alongside Sams all season and is equally responsible for the Pride tying Gotham for the fewest goals conceded during the regular season. Strom has come a long way since she got a red card in the season opener. She and Sams form a great tandem that could help Orlando win a championship with a strong defensive effort in the title game.
Key Players for Washington Spirit in 2024 NWSL Championship Game
Hal Hershfelt
Hershfelt saved Washington’s title hopes with a late equalizer in the semifinals. But her contributions are far more than scoring the occasional goal. Hershfelt has been the enforcer in the Washington midfield. She does a lot of great defensive work while also being quick to play the ball forward and getting Washington’s attacking players involved. Against Orlando, Hershfelt will be responsible for breaking up play and keeping the Pride’s attacking threats from running at the Washington backline, which will be critical if the Spirit hopes to win.
HAL HERSHFELT WE FREAKING LOVE YOU 😍 pic.twitter.com/wfASSErNJH
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 16, 2024
Leicy Santos
Santos only joined the Spirit after the Olympics, so she didn’t play in Washington’s two games against Orlando this season. In just nine games with the Spirit, Santos has two goals and an assist. She’s also become an important playmaker in the Washington midfield. Santos figures to play a key role in helping to generate scoring chances for Rodman, Ashley Hatch, and Ouleymata Sarr, which could make her an unexpected difference-maker in the championship game.
Rosemonde Kouassi
Just like Santos, Kouassi was another midseason addition for the Spirit after playing in France last season. She typically plays on the wing opposite Rodman, providing speed and technical ability for Washington. That makes Kouassi a dangerous player, with Orlando likely to put a lot of focus on slowing down Rodman. While she’s yet to find the back of the net, Kouassi has contributed two assists for the Spirit in her last five games, providing quality depth to the Washington attack that can help them match Orlando's firepower in the NWSL title game.
