Orlando Pride, Marta win first NWSL championship thanks to a goal from Barbra Banda

In a season full of worthy contenders, it was the regular-season league leaders Orlando Pride who took home the top prize. Forward Barbra Banda, who has led the team for much of the season, scored the game’s lone goal, defeating the Washington Spirit in Kansas City on Saturday night. The final also marked Brazil great Marta’s first NWSL championship win at age 38.

“I’ve asked myself why I still play for Orlando after eight years,” Marta told CBS Sports. “I’m the only player on this club since 2017. And I’ve had so many questions, but now I have the answer.”

Orlando claimed its first NWSL championship, Zambia international striker Banda beating goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury from close proximity in the 37th minute for the only goal in an otherwise cagey affair at CPKC Stadium.

On the night, Banda’s greatness made all the difference. In a closely fought first half, Orlando stole possession in its defensive half, ultimately working up the pitch with an upfield kick from Brazil international Angelina, which Banda collected in the right halfspace and dribbled into the box. From there, the striker was able to beat her defensive mark, setting up a one-on-one with Kingsbury.

The Zambian ultimately bested the United States international, placing her shot in that uncanny space between Kingsbury’s near post and her knee, making for a touch attempt to parry away.

In the buildup, Angelina appeared to shove Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos at shoulder height or above while battling for control of the ball before heaving it forward into Banda’s stride. Ultimately, Angelina’s contact was not called for a clear and obvious foul. The non-call on the field was upheld.

The goal was Banda’s fourth of the postseason, a new NWSL record. It was also Orlando’s eighth postseason goal — another league record. Washington generated far more chances, outshooting the Pride 25-9. Despite a clear advantage in volume, they managed to put just five attempts on target, while Orlando put three of its nine on frame including Banda’s goal.

The win is a breakthrough for the Pride, who has never lacked for star power but has struggled to turn that talent into on-field excellence. Despite carrying Marta on its roster for eight years, since the second season in club history, as well as fellow greats Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger and Sydney Leroux at times, the Pride had only made the postseason one other year before this one — 2017.

The team appointed Seb Hines as coach in late 2022. The man who has been voted 2024 NWSL coach of the year appeared to be a needed catalyst for a sleeping giant. Under Hines — who played for sibling club Orlando City in MLS from 2015 to 2017 — the Pride began to build an identity out of possession that was difficult to beat; one that limited an opponent’s chances and provided a bedrock upon which Marta could build attacks.

Ultimately, Banda was the missing piece on the field that raised the collective above the rest. The 24-year-old joined the Pride this offseason for a reported $740,000, providing Marta with the kind of world-class striker partner the Brazilian icon has long needed. Orlando won the NWSL Shield as the league’s best regular-season team, earning home-field advantage in the quarterfinal and semifinal en route to the final in Kansas City — a neutral site picked during the season.

Tonight’s win caps what’s been among the most competitive seasons in NWSL history, with four teams staying close to each other in the league table. The title is also the first for either Orlando club in the first division of American soccer, as Orlando City (the men’s team) last won its league during the 2013 USL season.

Saturday also marked a milestone in Marta’s career, the first time her mother was in the stadium to watch her daughter play an NWSL match. Immediately after the whistle, she reflected on what it meant to win her first domestic league title since 2015 with her mom in the house.

“So much,” Marta told CBS Sports. “I didn’t expect to have her in this moment here, but I believe so much that God knows what the right time is for things to happen. I just figured out her visa at the last minute for the final. It meant so much, playing with these players, it’s something really special that I’ve never had before at any club. I’m so happy.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, Soccer, NWSL

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