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NWSL Season Preview 2023: 1 major question for each team

By Oliver Hunt

Jan 12, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of an official game ball during the NWSL Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of an official game ball during the NWSL Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan (12) fights for possession in the first half in a NWSL Challenge Cup match at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan (12) fights for possession in the first half in a NWSL Challenge Cup match at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

For the Orlando Pride: Will Marta’s return to the pitch put the Pride ahead?

When NWSL free agency kicked off, Marta was one of the names on everyone’s mind. But the queen is staying purple as announced by the Pride back in December. And if her return to the pitch during the SheBelieves cup is any indication, she’s going to be back and better than ever for the upcoming season.

The Pride have had several players leave or retire though, and they haven’t truly looked the same since Alex Morgan departed to San Diego. They have a strong draft class this year though, with No. 3 pick Emily Madril out of FSU looking particularly strong. They’ve also added another Brazilian international, Adriana, to their attacking power. The Pride have plenty of potential, and Marta back on the field might be the spark they need to push them over the edge.

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