Marta’s brilliance powers Orlando Pride to first-ever 2024 NWSL Championship showdown | OneFootball

The Orlando Pride shone last Sunday, winning 3-2 against Kansas City Current and sealing qualification for the first time to the 2024 NWSL Championship. With Marta up front, the Florida team has confirmed its position as an outstanding player in this unforgettable season. Now Pride wants to play against Washington Spirit on November 23 in Kansas City and win the first league title.

The match at Inter&Co Stadium had everything on Sunday to make a classic: outstanding goals, dramatic comebacks, and some nail-biting moments to the very end. Falling behind early, Orlando Pride showed their resilience once again in proving the depth in their roster.

A pinpoint cross from Michelle Cooper to Debinha, Kansas City's star forward, broke the deadlock at the 33rd minute with a sharp finish. That kind of early blow could unnerve most teams-but not the Pride.

Haley McCutcheon equalized the match with just eight minutes passed, in quick and clinical fashion, with the assist coming from Ally Watt. Pure harmony between the players as it marked the second consecutive game these two linked up to find the back of the net.

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) outruns the Kansas City Current defense and scores a goal in the second half in a NWSL playoff semifinal match at Inter&Co Stadium / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Barbra Banda's Commanding Performance

With renewed vigor, the Pride came back onto the pitch after the break, and then there was Barbra Banda, who promptly stole the show. Picking up a pass from deep over Kylie Strom, she spun past the backline before firing a low, relentless shot into the corner of the net. It was Banda's third of the playoffs, putting her among an exclusive class of postseason goalscorers in NWSL history.

But Banda wasn't done. In minute 82, she proved she is one of the game's biggest treasures. After recovering the ball with sheer determination, she set Marta up for what would be the decisive moment. The soccer legend, with her trademark poise, beat two defenders-the result was both crashed to the turf-before slipping past the goalkeeper to seal the game 3-1.

Drama at the End of the Game

Just when the game seemed won, a video review awarded a penalty to Kansas City-a handball committed by Kerry Abello. Vanessa DiBernardo calmly put it home to cut the deficit to 3-2 and inject suspense once again into the dying minutes. Despite the late surge by Kansas City, the Pride held strong, punching their ticket to the final.

Barbra Banda: A Rising Force

What more is there to say of a player who made history in her first NWSL season? Banda didn't just score the important goals. She also provided the assist to Marta's brilliant finish. Performances of this level have nailed down her status as one of the league's premier attacking weapons.

Marta: A Queen Still Reigns

It was Marta who once more proved age is just a number as her goal of determination added another glorious chapter to her storied career. It was her 11th goal across all competitions this season, underlining her skill and leadership as key to the team's success.

Eyes on the Prize

This victory means Orlando Pride is going into the final as favorites, backed by an historic season with a win of the NWSL Shield. A match between the Pride and the Washington Spirit, therefore, promises to be one between the big ones, in which Pride would want to put a lid on their dominance, while Spirit seems all ready to play the spoiler.

The road to this moment speaks volumes about how this team has grown. With a strategic approach on and off the pitch, the Pride has now witnessed that change from seasons of ups and downs to the highest echelons. With a well-judged squad, oozing youthful energy but combined with experience, the team is led by figures such as Marta and Banda, making it a powerhouse.

CPKC Stadium / Jamie Squire/GettyImages

Kansas City Hosts Final Showdown

This final in CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, could be a trial by fire for both sides, as each has her game face on. Playing away might seem like a disadvantage, but the Pride has been showing well in hostile territory. It will be one of those matches where every little detail might just count, and Orlando has the arsenal to claim the trophy.

Looking Forward to the Final

If there is one thing that the 2024 season has so far taught us, it is that Orlando Pride hasn't just only been winning but convincing. The team has come out to be an example of resilience, mental toughness, and teamwork-skills that make them a force to contend with in this year's title. The challenge will now be to repeat this intensity against the Washington Spirit.

With Marta in inspired form, Banda at her peak, and the rest of the team clicking, Pride fans have every reason to believe the championship is within reach.