Marta’s Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit for their first NWSL title
Barbra Banda scored in the 37th minute to give the Orlando Pride their first Women’s National Soccer League title with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Saturday night.
Banda dribbled the ball into the right side of the penalty area, passed a defender, and then kicked the ball on the ground with his left foot and past the goalkeeper. She became the first player in the NWSL to score in every round of the playoffs.
The Pride’s Angelina was almost called for a push before passing the ball to Banda, but VAR ruled the play fair.
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The Spirit (20-7-2) took control of the game and outshot the Pride 25-9, adding two more shots on goal and possessing 58 percent of the ball. Rosemonde Kouassi gave Washington its best chance in the 47th minute with a header from 10 yards out.
Orlando’s win gave brazilian star marta Her first NWSL title. Marta, 38, considered the greatest female soccer player of all time, joined the Orlando Pride in 2017 but had never played in an NWSL championship game until this year.
“It’s a magical moment for me because I’ve been at this club for so long and been waiting for this moment, you know, so… I’m just enjoying every moment,” she told CBS News on Friday Get ahead of the game. “…This year is shaping up to be the best year of my club life.”
Top-seeded Orlando (21-6-2) is unbeaten in its first 23 games, a league record. They defeated the Kansas City Tide in the semifinals before lifting the trophy at home at CPKC Stadium.
Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the Shield and championship in the same year.
Washington has won its past five playoff games after trailing at halftime, but that streak was snapped with this loss.
