In a pulsating NWSL semifinal clash, the Orlando Pride made history by reaching their maiden Championship final courtesy of a magical Marta moment that will live long in the memory. The Brazilian icon’s mesmerizing second-half goal, weaving through a sea of Kansas City Current defenders, proved decisive in a 3-2 thriller at Inter&Co Stadium.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with the Current striking first blood in the 33rd minute. Michelle Cooper’s low cross found an unmarked Debinha at the back post for a simple finish. However, the lead was short-lived as Pride forward Ally Watt exploited space behind the Current defense to tee up Haley McCutcheon for the equalizer just eight minutes later.
Banda Brilliance Sparks Pride Comeback
Orlando came out firing in the second half, with Zambian striker Barbra Banda producing a moment of individual brilliance to edge her side in front. Receiving the ball from center-back Kylie Strom, Banda used her strength to outmuscle Kayla Sharples before rifling an unstoppable shot past a helpless Almuth Schult in the Current goal.
Kansas City, missing influential captain Lo’eau LaBonta through injury, struggled to cope with the Pride’s intensity. And with time ticking away, up stepped Marta to produce an iconic clincher.
Marta Magic Seals the Deal
Collecting the ball in the Current half after a turnover, the 38-year-old Brazilian legend embarked on a mazy dribble that left four Kansas City players in her wake. With a drop of the shoulder and a burst of acceleration, Marta rounded Schult before evading Hailie Mace’s desperate lunge to roll the ball into an empty net, leaving her vanquished opponents sprawled across the turf.
It was a goal that embodied Marta’s enduring class. The vision to spy the opportunity, the skill to glide past multiple defenders, and the composure to finish – even at this late stage of her glittering career, she remains a game-changer capable of producing moments of pure genius.
An Orlando Pride insider told sources
The Current threw everything forward in search of a way back, earning a penalty deep into stoppage time that Vanessa DiBernardo converted. But despite 19 added minutes and a golden late chance for Temwa Chawinga, the Pride held firm to spark jubilant scenes at the final whistle.
Pride Poised for Championship Glory?
Head coach Amanda Cromwell has transformed Orlando from also-rans to championship contenders in just her second season at the helm. With Marta pulling the strings, Banda’s goals, and a miserly defense marshaled by NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Erin McLeod, the Pride will fancy their chances against the Washington Spirit in next weekend’s final.
But the Spirit, who edged past NJ/NY Gotham FC on penalties in the other semifinal, are unlikely to be pushovers. With USWNT stars like Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez in their ranks, Washington has the firepower to test the Pride’s resolve.
We know the Spirit are a formidable opponent with game-changers all over the pitch. But this group has shown incredible resilience and belief all year – when our backs are against the wall, we find a way. With our fans behind us, anything is possible.
Pride captain Marta defiantly insisted
Whatever the outcome, the 2024 NWSL Championship final promises to be a captivating duel between two talented teams. For the Pride, just getting there is a historic achievement. But with Marta’s magic and a squad brimming with belief, they’ll be determined to finish the job and etch their name on the trophy for the very first time.
