Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: a Historic NWSL Championship not seen since 2019 | OneFootball

Finally, the pinnacle of the NWSL Championship has arrived. This Saturday, November 23, Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit meet at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, both vying for the most prestigious trophy in U.S. women's soccer. On one hand, the Pride are making their first championship appearance and have dominated the regular season. On the other hand, the Spirit comes with tradition and experience, looking to add another title to their storied history.

Orlando Pride goes into the final with an exceptional record in 2024: mostly unbeaten this season, winners of the NWSL Shield, and an unstoppable machine in both attack and defense. The team has recorded 23 unbeaten games and a total of two defeats throughout the year, led by the iconic Brazilian star Marta and playoff sensation Barbra Banda.

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) warms up during a training session ahead of the 2024 NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium. / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Banda has scored a total of three goals in just two postseason games, a fact that shows her knack for rising to important moments. Against Kansas City Current, the Pride won 3-2, with Marta sealing the win in the final minutes. That followed a commanding 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars in the quarterfinals and established the team as the most aggressive offensive force in this playoff run.

Another plus is that Orlando has dominated their head-to-head encounters against the Spirit. Over the last two years, they have won all four regular season games-the only team to beat consistently outplay Washington in 2024. Their recent dominance adds even more confidence to the Florida side.

Washington Spirit: Resilience and Tradition

Where Orlando Pride is the breakout team of this season, the Washington Spirit is all about grit and tradition. This will be their third NWSL Championship appearance, with their path through the playoff series truly underlined by a drive to overcome a plethora of challenges. After dispatching the defending champions Gotham FC via that epic semifinal penalty shootout win, the Spirit proved they just don't bend under pressure.

Washington Spirit players warm up during a training session ahead of the 2024 NWSL Championship against the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Spirit have an enviable record in extra-time games. Of the 11 postseason matches in league history that went into overtime, six involved Washington-who won five of them. It's that kind of never-say-die spirit that's personified by players like Aubrey Kingsbury, who made history with three straight saves from the spot in the semifinals-a first in NWSL playoff history.

The other notable one is Hal Hershfelt, with a critical overtime goal against Gotham FC, showing depth and an abundance of talent across the field for the Spirit. However, they will enter the final with key absences, including captain Andi Sullivan and Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune.

Clash of Strategies

In many ways, the contest between Pride and Spirit will be a clash of styles. Orlando depends on its mighty offense, spearheaded by Marta and Banda, while Washington banks on adaptability and roster depth. Ashley Hatch, the Spirit's forward, is another critical player, with 11 playoff shots showing her ability to disrupt defenses when it matters most.

In their two regular-season matchups, Pride won both. But with key absences like Trinity Rodman in the second matchup, that makes one question how level the final will be. Orlando holds all statistical advantages, holding the best offense and one of the best defenses, but it would be a costly mistake to underestimate playoff experience by Washington .

A Historic Showdown

This final is already a landmark event for the NWSL, whatever the outcome may be. For the first time since 2019, the top two regular-season teams are facing off against each other for the championship. Orlando, with an almost flawless campaign, want to round the year in perfect style. Washington, on the other hand, seek to prove that tradition and fighting spirit still count.

With storylines going both ways, this match promises to be a closely fought one. The Pride, on the high of a maiden final, and the Spirit, hoping for a repeat of the glory of 2021, set the stage for a night of tension, talent, and unforgettable moments.