Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
During the long wait for Saturday’s National Women’s Soccer League Championship kickoff, Marta sought out Barbra Banda. Marta was Banda’s childhood idol, and now Banda — 14 years her junior — is in the discussion to wear the crown Marta once did as the world’s best player. In the wake of the NWSL’s biggest game of the season, Marta had a message.
“Today I talked to her and said ‘hey’, big players show up in the big games’ Marta told media after Orlando’s Championship victory. “And she did today.”
Banda’s moment came in the 37th minute on a crisp but pleasant evening at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. The opening half had been cagey, with the Spirit probably carrying whatever momentum was there to be had. Angelina delivered a long ball down the right flank that Banda and Washington’s Esme Morgan had equal rights to. Morgan had the early edge but Banda’s speed won out and she got to the ball as the pair sprinted toward the end line.
Banda spun…
