Barbara Banda scored in the 37th minute to give Orlando Pride their first National Women's Soccer League championship with a 1-0 win over Washington Spirit on Saturday night.
Banda dribbled on the right side of the box and beat a defender before striking the ball with his left foot and past the goalkeeper. She became the first player in the NWSL to score in each round of the playoffs.
The Pride's Angelina was called for almost a push before passing to Banda, but VAR determined that play was fair.
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The Spirit (20-7-2) took control of the game and outshot the Pride 25-9, having two more shots on goal and maintaining possession 58% of the time. Rosemonde Kouassi had Washington's best chance in the 47th minute when she headed the ball in from about 10 yards out.
gave orlando victory brazilian star marta Her first NWSL title. Marta, 38, considered arguably the greatest women's soccer player of all time, joined the Orlando Pride in 2017 but had never reached an NWSL championship game until this year.
She told CBS News Friday, “(It's) a magical moment for me because I've been at this club for a long time and I've been waiting for this moment, you know, so this is… I just love every single moment.” “…This year turned out to be the best year of my club life.”
Top-seeded Orlando (21-6-2) is undefeated in its first 23 games, a league record. They defeated Kansas City Current in the semi-finals before hoisting the trophy at their home ground, CPKC Stadium.
Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the Shield and the title in the same year.
Washington had won its last five playoff games when trailing at the half, but that streak ended with this loss.