Marta, Banda guide Orlando Pride to first NWSL Championship | OneFootball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Orlando Pride became the 2024 NWSL Champions on Saturday, crowning itself with its first league title in club history, following a 1-nil win over the Washington Spirit at the CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The final pitted the two best teams of the 2024 season. Orlando Pride was the top seed with a 18W-6D-2L record. The Washington Spirit finished second overall with a 18W-2D-6L mark.

Goalkeepers Anna Moorhouse and Aubrey Kingsbury were critical in keeping the game scoreless through the opening stretch.

The persistence of the Pride came to life in the 37’ as Angelina recovered the ball in midfield to send a long ball to star sticker Barbra Banda. Banda won a defensive battle against Spirit defender Esme Morgan, shooting inside the right side of the net with a left-foot hit to score the championship-winning goal.

Ashley Hatch tried to be Washington's hero again, sending a header in the 45’ off a corner kick, but could not tie the match.

The Spirit kept pushing for the equalizer until the match's final moments. Moorhouse stopped every ball that came her way. After eight minutes of aggregate time and no change in the score, Orlando Pride became the 2024 NWSL Champions.

Alongside Orlando's first championship trophy, football legend Marta lifted her first NWSL title after seasons in the league. Her winning goal and record-breaking season in the North American league earned Banda the MVP of the Championship trophy.

With its conquest, the Orlando Pride became the seventh team to win the NWSL Championship. The club also became the first to win an NWSL double as this year’s NWSL Shield winners for finishing first place in the standings during the regular season.