In a pulsating National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) semi-final clash that will live long in the memory, the Orlando Pride overcame a spirited Kansas City Current side 3-2, with Brazilian superstar Marta’s sensational second-half strike proving the decisive blow. The hard-fought victory at a raucous Inter&Co Stadium catapults the Pride into Saturday’s championship game, where they will face off against the Washington Spirit for the coveted NWSL title.
A Moment of Marta Magic
With the match delicately poised at 1-1 in the 53rd minute, Marta produced a moment of sheer brilliance that underscored her enduring class. Latching onto a pinpoint long pass from defender Kylie Strong, the 37-year-old forward out-hustled her marker, deftly controlled the ball, and lashed an unstoppable shot past helpless Kansas City goalkeeper Almuth Schult.
The wonder goal, Marta’s 13th of an impressive campaign, sent the home crowd into raptures and swung the momentum firmly in Orlando’s favor. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year wasn’t done yet, though, conjuring up another magical moment in the 82nd minute to seal the victory.
Collecting the ball just inside the Kansas City half, Marta embarked on a mesmerizing run, effortlessly gliding past two defenders before rounding Schult and rolling the ball into an empty net. In a fitting celebration, the legendary Brazilian proudly gestured to her name on the back of her jersey, whipping the 14,524-strong crowd into an absolute frenzy.
Pride’s Collective Effort
While Marta’s individual brilliance undoubtedly stole the show, Orlando’s victory was built on a true team effort. Midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who had scored just once all season, popped up with a crucial equalizer in the 41st minute, angled shot canceling out Brazilian forward Debinha’s opener for the Current.
Zambian striker Barbra Banda also made her mark, notching Orlando’s second goal in the 53rd minute with a fierce strike after being expertly picked out by a lofted pass from Kylie Strong. Banda’s 13th goal of an impressive debut NWSL season further underlined her growing reputation as one of the league’s most potent attackers.
Kansas City’s Valiant Effort
Despite ultimately falling short, Kansas City Current can hold their heads high after a spirited display. NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga, who had been an injury doubt leading up to the game, showed no ill effects as she tirelessly led the line for the visitors.
Chawinga’s industry was rewarded in the 33rd minute when she teed up Debinha for the opening goal with a clever cutback from an acute angle. The Malawian forward, who racked up 20 goals in a stellar regular season, went close to adding to her tally on several occasions, only to be denied by the resolute Orlando backline.
Kansas City refused to lie down even after falling behind, with substitute Vanessa DiBernardo setting up a grandstand finish by converting a stoppage-time penalty. However, it proved to be too little, too late for the Current, who nevertheless can reflect with pride on a campaign that saw them smash the NWSL regular-season scoring record with 57 goals.
A Tantalizing Title Showdown
Saturday’s championship game at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City promises to be a mouthwatering encounter between two of the NWSL’s most exciting teams. The Orlando Pride, who lost just twice during a dominant regular season en route to lifting the NWSL Shield, will be hoping to cap a historic campaign by clinching their first-ever playoff title.
They will face a stern test, however, against a Washington Spirit side that edged out defending champions Gotham FC in a gripping semi-final penalty shootout. With U.S. national team star Trinity Rodman leading the charge, the Spirit will be determined to avenge their 4-1 defeat to the Pride in last weekend’s quarter-finals.
As the anticipation builds ahead of the NWSL’s showpiece event, one thing is for certain: with the irrepressible Marta in this kind of form, the Orlando Pride will take some stopping. If the Brazilian icon can conjure up more of the magic that saw off Kansas City, the NWSL championship trophy might just be headed to Florida for the first time.
