The Orlando Pride made history by advancing to their first NWSL championship following a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over the Kansas City Current in a semifinal showdown held at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Sunday.
In a pivotal moment, Pride forward Barbra Banda found the back of the net, scoring the critical equalizer in the 53rd minute. Shortly after, the 38-year-old captain Marta displayed her brilliance by netting an unforgettable game-winning goal. With a dazzling display of skill, she dribbled past four Kansas City defenders before calmly tapping the ball into the net, showcasing her legendary status.
Editor’s Picks
1 Related
“It’s just such a Marta goal,” exclaimed Orlando defender Emily Sams. “She’s the GOAT [greatest of all-time] and she proved it tonight with that incredible play.”
The top-seeded Pride now set their sights on the No. 2-seeded Washington Spirit, who they will face in the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City this coming Saturday.
Orlando’s victory marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time since 2019 that the Shield winners advanced to the championship final.
Kansas City forward Debinha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, skillfully redirecting a low cross from Michelle Cooper at the back post. The Current’s defensive pressure seemed to wane after gaining the lead, a miscalculation that the Pride quickly capitalized on.
Orlando leveled the match eight minutes later when forward Ally Watt expertly created space against Current fullback Ellie Wheeler. Watt executed a precise low cross to an unmarked Haley McCutcheon, who finished with ease from close range.
Watt’s assist marked her third of the playoffs after contributing two assists in the Pride’s emphatic 4-1 quarterfinal win over the Chicago Red Stars. This achievement places her among the elite, alongside 2013 NWSL MVP Lauren Holiday as the only players with three assists in a single postseason, according to ESPN Research.
The Current’s captain Lo’eau LaBonta, who was considered questionable with a leg injury and donned a sleeve on her right leg, exited the match at halftime. In her place, forward Nichelle Prince took the field, moving Brazilian playmaker Debinha into the pivotal No. 10 role.
“It’s no secret that Lo’eau is the force that drives us not just tactically, but mentally, too,” lamented Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski regarding LaBonta’s departure.
“I have to be taken off in order to not finish out a game,” LaBonta reflected. “I wanted to give everything for this team, and I did. I gave my whole right leg and whatever I could do for us to win.”
Kansas City utilized a mid-block pressure strategy once again, similar to the scoreless draw between the teams in September. However, the Pride effectively shattered their defensive scheme this time.
In the 53rd minute, Orlando center back Kylie Strom had ample time on the ball, delivering a simple entry pass to Banda. Using her strength and agility, Banda spun Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples before launching the ball into the back of the net, showcasing her remarkable skill.
The Current’s goalkeeper Almuth Schult barely moved, unable to react to the ferocity of the shot.
“There’s not many players that can do that,” praised Orlando head coach Seb Hines. “She’s worked so hard this season, and it’s incredible to continue watching her show such class and quality all year long.”
As Kansas City pushed desperately for an equalizer late in the match, they were caught off guard during a transition. Banda skillfully dispossessed Sharples in Kansas City’s defensive half, allowing Marta to begin her mesmerizing solo run.
Displaying her signature flair, the Pride captain charged at Current defender Alana Cook, faking a shot that sent both Cook and Sharples tumbling to the ground inside Kansas City’s box. Marta skillfully navigated around Schult and evaded a recovering Hailie Mace to expertly slot the ball into the net, leaving a trail of defeated defenders in her wake.
In a dramatic turn of events, Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo converted a penalty kick during the 13th minute of second-half stoppage time after a VAR review determined a handball in the box. This goal trimmed the deficit to one, reigniting the Current’s hopes of forcing extra time.
In a final moment of desperation, NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga chased down a loose ball in Orlando’s box during the 16th minute of stoppage time. She managed to send a cross toward Sharples, who was poised to score with an open net but was off balance. As she reached for the ball, it eluded her grasp, and her header sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Orlando held on for a hard-fought victory after 19 minutes of additional stoppage time, marking a triumphant moment in their quest for glory.
The Pride now aim to secure their first NWSL Championship title during Saturday’s matchup, which marks the first final between the top two seeds since 2019. Their Shield victory earlier this season was the franchise’s first trophy since its inception in 2016.
Washington secured their place in the final by defeating the defending champions NJ/NY Gotham FC in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday.
“Honestly, I’m still soaking it in right now, so we’ll probably just enjoy this moment before starting to think about Washington [tomorrow],” Hines stated. “It’s the top two teams in the league, which is a rare occurrence in the championship game, and I think both teams truly deserve their spot for their consistent performances throughout the season.”
What key strategies is the Orlando Pride implementing to prepare for the championship against the Washington Spirit?
**Interview with Emily Sams, Defender for Orlando Pride**
*Interviewer:* Emily, congratulations on making history with the Orlando Pride by reaching the NWSL Championship! How does it feel to be part of this monumental moment for the club?
*Emily Sams:* Thank you! It feels absolutely incredible. We’ve worked so hard as a team all season, and to finally reach the championship is a dream come true. It’s a testament to our determination and resilience.
*Interviewer:* Let’s talk about that thrilling semifinal match against Kansas City. The game had a lot of ups and downs. Can you walk us through the emotions on the team as you fell behind and then made the comeback?
*Emily Sams:* It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. When Kansas City scored first, it was a tough moment, but we remained composed. We always believed in our ability to come back. When Barbra Banda scored the equalizer, you could feel the energy shift. And then seeing Marta score that incredible game-winner—it just brought the whole team together. It was a defining moment for us.
*Interviewer:* Marta’s goal was spectacular and displayed her legendary status in women’s soccer. What was your reaction when she made that run and scored?
*Emily Sams:* Honestly, I was just in awe. She’s the GOAT, and she showed why on that goal. Watching her dribble past those defenders like they weren’t even there was breathtaking. It’s special to play alongside someone with that kind of talent and experience. Her ability to perform in those pressure moments inspires all of us to elevate our game.
*Interviewer:* What do you think will be the biggest challenge going into the championship against the Washington Spirit?
*Emily Sams:* The Spirit have a strong team and are well-organized. We’ll need to remain disciplined defensively and stay focused on our game plan. It’s going to be crucial for us to keep our shape and capitalize on our opportunities, just like we did against Kansas City.
*Interviewer:* You’ve mentioned the team’s hard work. What kind of preparation can fans expect to see from the Pride leading up to the final?
*Emily Sams:* We’ll be reviewing game footage, working on our set pieces, and honing our strategies in training. We’ve got a great coaching staff that puts together thorough game plans, and we’ll make sure to refine our execution so we’re ready to hit the ground running on Saturday.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, what does it mean for the team and the fanbase to be playing for the championship?
*Emily Sams:* It means everything. Our fans have been behind us all season, and we want to give them a championship to celebrate. It’s not just about us—it’s about the community and the legacy we’re building together. We hope to make them proud and bring that trophy home!
*Interviewer:* Thank you so much, Emily, and best of luck in the championship!
*Emily Sams:* Thank you! We appreciate all the support!
