Pride and joy: Orlando storm to their first NWSL Championship, as Marta claims title in victory over Washington Spirit

Celia BalfNov 24, 2024NWSLOrlando Pride vs Washington SpiritOrlando PrideWashington SpiritWOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit, winning the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship in the same historic season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In front of a sold out crowd at CPKC Stadium, in historic fashion, the Orlando Pride defeated the Washington Spirit 1-0 to win the 2024 NWSL Championship. Barbra Banda's goal just before halftime made all the difference, as the Pride concluded their near-perfect season and lifted Brazil legend Marta to a league title.

This was expected to be a chippy, electric, and high-stakes final, and all of that was true, and more, on Saturday night. It was a battle of the two best teams in the 2024 NWSL season, with storylines such as Marta playing for her first NWSL Championship, and the sensational rookie class on the Washington Spirit.

The victory went to the Pride, who earned their first NWSL title - after starting the season unbeaten in 23 straight games. Winning the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship in the same season is a massive accomplishment, because it's all about consistency in the regular season - and when it comes to the playoffs, truly anything can happen.

In front of Marta's mother, the Orlando Pride hoisted the 2024 NWSL Championship trophy for the first time in club history.

"I believed so much," Marta said after the match. "It’s something really special that I’ve never had in any other club. I’m so happy."

WHAT HAPPENED
Banda's goal just before halftime sealed the victory. It was the finale of all finales as the two top-seeded NWSL teams, No. 1 Orlando and No. 2 Washington, played for the title. CPKC Stadium was packed with all-stars in the stands, from U.S. women's national team legends such as Alex Morgan, Kelley O'Hara, and Megan Rapinoe, to NBA icon Magic Johnson, a recent investor in the Washington Spirit.
The teal seats were filled with fans of Kansas City, those supporting Washington, and of course the Orlando Pride. The first-half was the match-up everyone wanted, from fast transitions, to shutdown defending on both sides. Although the Spirit were knocking on the Pride's door for most of the opening half, it was none other than Banda to put her side up 1-0.
In the 47th minute, she received a ball over the top from Angelina. Banda ran onto it, using her speed to leave the Spirit tracking. She dribbled to the end line, chopping it back and striking it under Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury to put the Pride up just before halftime.
The Spirit came out crashing, with a chance just a minute after the second half started. Trinity Rodman played a one time service that found Rosemonde Kouassi right in the box. Kouassi got her head on it, directing it forcefully on goal, but Moorhouse made the save.
As the second half went on, the Spirit maintained most of the possession, however could not breakdown the Pride's backline. The game was tight until the very last whistle.
Imagn
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Pride have concluded the most historic season in the club history. From winning their first NWSL Shield, to remaining unbeaten at home, to a record-breaking number of clean sheets from Moorhouse - the Pride can check one more accomplishment off their list.
The Pride are 2024 NWSL Champions, from bottom of the table to the top.

Pride and joy: Orlando storm to their first NWSL Championship, as Marta claims title in victory over Washington Spirit

WHAT HAPPENED

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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