Marta inspires Orlando Pride to US National Women’s Soccer League title
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Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt (17) battles for the ball against Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) during the second half in the 2024 NWSL Championship match.
PHOTO: REUTERS
KANSAS CITY – Orlando Pride won the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) championship for the first time, with Zambian Barbra Banda getting the goal in a 1-0 win over Washington Spirit on Nov 23.
Orlando, inspired by veteran Brazilian star and captain Marta, had already won the NWSL Shield for the best regular-season record and followed that up with victory in the play-off final in Kansas City.
For 38-year-old Marta, widely considered to be the greatest woman footballer of all time despite a large collection of silver medals with Brazil, it was an emotional occasion.
Her mother had travelled from Brazil to watch her play in the NWSL for the first time and she was able to witness Marta taste victory after seven years with the Florida club.
“I didn’t expect to have her in this moment but I believe so much that God knows what time is the right time for things to happen,” Marta told broadcaster CBS after the game. “I just figured out her visa in the last minute.
“She missed the semi-final game. We made the final, and then she’s here. This means so much.”
Banda, a former professional boxer playing her first season in the NWSL, fired Orlando ahead in the 37th minute, cutting in from the right flank, losing marker Esme Morgan and firing a left-foot shot inside the near post past Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
The performance earned Banda Championship Most Valuable Player honours, which she dedicated to her teammates.
Washington went close to an equaliser just before the break when Ashley Hatch headed against the post.
The Spirit were on top for most of the second half, with United States attacker Trinity Rodman causing plenty of problems.
Rosemonde Kouassi forced Orlando’s English goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse into a diving save after she met a Rodman cross with a firm header.
But for all of Washington’s pressure in the latter stages, they were unable to create clear-cut chances against a determined Orlando backline.
Marta retired from international football after the Paris Olympics, where Brazil picked up a third silver medal, losing to the US in the final.
The midfielder said she had found a unique bond with her teammates in Orlando.
“Playing with these players is something really special that I’ve never had before in any other club, so I’m so happy,” said the Women’s World Cup all-time leading scorer.
“I’ve been asking myself why I’m still playing for Orlando after seven years.
“I’m the only player in this club since 2017, and I have had so many questions about it.
“Now I have the answer. Because it was time for me to be champion.” AFP, REUTERS
