KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Barbra Banda‘s goal stood up as the 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, 38, who has been with the Pride since 2017.
“I f—ing waited eight years for this moment,” the player from Brazil said during the trophy presentation. “[It’s] most special because it’s the first time my mom is in America.”
She added after the match: “Incredible moment. Playing the championship final, take this trophy home and share this moment with my mom, it’s something in my best dream, I [can’t] believe. … This moment, it’s so special for me.
“This moment gave me so many answers. I’ve been in Orlando for so long and I see players come and leave. We had ups and downs. Some seasons we were OK but not good enough.
“I always ask myself what I’m looking for because I stay in Orlando. I was not satisfied with all of the other seasons. I feel like I don’t want to leave this place without doing…
