Marta and Orlando Pride celebrate first NWSL championship

Brazil legend Marta and the Orlando Pride became National Women’s Soccer League champions for the first time after a 1-0 win over Washington Spirit.

Barba Banda scored the only goal after 37 minutes as the Pride celebrate glory in Kansas City.

It marks the Pride’s first league title, while it is also the first NWSL honour for 38-year-old Marta.

“I didn’t expect ever [to be] in this moment here, but I believe so much that God knows what time is the right time for things to happen,” Marta told CBS after the culmination of her eighth season in Orlando.

“This means so much. Playing with these players, it’s something really special that I never had at any other club, so I’m so happy.”

3 – Barbra Banda of the @ORLPride is the third player to score in each of her first three NWSL playoff games, joining Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez. Trio. pic.twitter.com/hUXahAOkaU

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) November 24, 2024

Match-winner Banda became only the third player to score in each of her first three NWSL playoff games after Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodiguez, while her four strikes in the playoffs is a post-season record.

Moreover, the Pride’s maiden championship-winning season saw them record 14 wins by exactly one goal (regular and post-season), four more than any other team in a single campaign.

Marta added: “Winning meant everything. We showed what we are capable of when we work together. This victory is for everyone who believes in us.”