In a season full of worthy contenders, it was the league leader 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. The final also marked Marta’s first NWSL championship win.
“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 Saturday, narrowly besting the Washington Spirit 1-0 to earn the title. Zambia international striker Banda made the difference, beating Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury from close proximity in the 37th minute in an otherwise cagey affair at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
On the night, Banda’s individual greatness proved to make all the difference. In a closely fought first half, Orlando stole possession in its defensive half, ultimately working up the pitch by 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 her near post and her knee, making for a touch attempt to parry away.
The goal was Banda’s fourth of the postseason, a new NWSL record. It was also Orlando’s eighth postseason goal — another league record.
GO DEEPER
Barbra Banda: The softly-spoken Zambian goal scorer making noise with Orlando Pride
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 since 2017, the second season in club history, as well as fellow greats like Alex Morgan, Ali Krieger and Sydney Leroux at times, the Pride had only made the postseason one other year in 2017
The team appointed Seb Hines as head coach in late 2022. The 2024 coach of the year appeared to provide a needed catalyst for a sleeping giant. Under Hines — who played for the Pride’s sibling club, Orlando City, in MLS from 2015-2017 — 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.
Ultimately, Banda was the missing piece on the field that raised the collective above the rest. The 24-year-old striker joined the Pride this offseason for a reported $740,000, providing Marta with the kind of world-class striker partner that 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.
The 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 win 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 was also a milestone in Marta’s career, the first time that her mother was in the stadium to watch her daughter play an NWSL match. Immediately after the whistle, the Brazilian icon reflected on what it meant to win her first domestic league title since 2015 with her 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.”
(Top photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
