Barbra Banda’s goal stood up as the game-winner to lift the Orlando Pride to their first NWSL championship in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Saturday at CPKC Stadium.
— Barbra Banda’s goal stood up as the game-winner to lift the Orlando Pride to their first NWSL championship in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Saturday at CPKC Stadium.
With the win, the Pride became the first team since 2019 to follow up winning the NWSL Shield (best regular-season team) with an NWSL championship, and the third time it has ever happened.
It also meant a first NWSL championship for six-time world player of the year Marta, who had her mom in attendance to watch her for the first time in the United States.
“This means so much”, the 38-year-old Brazilian told CBS Sports. “With these players, it’s something really special that I never had before in any other club so I’m so happy.
“I’ve asked myself why I still play for Orlando.
