The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
Pride forward Barbra Banda scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute before 38-year-old captain Marta scored an iconic game-winning goal, making four Kansas City players fall to the ground as she dribbled through them and tapped the ball into the net.
“It’s just such a Marta goal,” Orlando defender Emily Sams said. “She’s the GOAT [greatest of all-time] and she proved it tonight.”
The top-seeded Pride will face the No. 2-seeded Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship on Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
Orlando’s victory marks the first time since 2019 the Shield winners advanced to the final.
Kansas City forward Debinha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, redirecting a low cross from Michelle Cooper at the back post. The Current appeared to drop off their defensive pressure after taking the lead — and they quickly paid for it.
Orlando equalized eight minutes later, when forward Ally Watt managed to get isolated one-on-one with Current fullback Ellie Wheeler. Watt hit a low cross toward an unmarked Haley McCutcheon for the finish at the 6-yard box.
Watt’s assist…
