Orlando Pride win first NWSL championship in club history
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Marta and the Orlando Pride won their first NWSL championship in club history following a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The Orlando Pride made history by clinching their first-ever NWSL championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in the 2024 final. The match, held at a sold-out CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, capped off a fairy-tale season for the Pride, who had already set records for most wins (18) and points (60) in a single season. Both of those records surpassed the previous benchmarks held by the North Carolina Courage, who set them in 2018.
The sole goal of the match came from striker Barbra Banda in the 37th minute, marking her fourth goal of the postseason. The 24-year-old Zambian international’s clinical finish earned her the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP award. Banda later dedicated the honor to her teammates, reflecting the collective effort that propelled Orlando to the top of the league.
Orlando’s victory was a culmination of years of growth and perseverance. It was their first title in club history, solidifying a remarkable journey for a team that had set high expectations and smashed records throughout the season. Head coach Seb Hines’ leadership and tactical acumen were also key in bringing the team’s vision to life, leading them to the league’s pinnacle in just their first appearance in the championship game.
In a moment of personal significance, Brazilian legend Marta Viera da Silva, who many consider one of the greatest female footballers of all time, was able to celebrate the triumph in front of her mother, Tereza, who was attending her first match in the United States after resolving a visa issue just in time for the final. The emotional moment was not lost on Marta, who expressed her gratitude during a post-match interview with CBS Sports. “Most special because it’s the first time my mother is in America,” Marta said, as her teammates cheered around her. “And I am happy to share this moment with her here. It means so much to me.”
At 38 years old, Marta has been with the Pride for eight seasons, and her journey with the club has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. She reflected on her long tenure with Orlando and why this was the season that brought the team its first NWSL title. “I’ve asked myself why I still play for Orlando,” said the six-time FIFA Player of the Year. “After eight years, I’m the only player in this club since 2017, and I have so many questions about it. Now I have the answer – it’s because it was time to be champion.” Marta’s leadership, experience, and passion for the game were evident throughout the season, and her contributions to the team’s success cannot be overstated.
Marta also took a moment to express her admiration for her teammates, whose energy and talent continue to inspire her. “Thank you so much, girls. You are incredible. You make me feel young every single day,” she added, a testament to the close-knit bond that exists within the squad.
The victory also marked an important milestone for the league, as Orlando became the fourth team in NWSL history to win a championship in its first appearance in the final. The championship matchup between the top two seeds was the first of its kind since 2019, making it a highly anticipated contest. Both teams brought intensity and passion to the pitch, but Orlando’s ability to capitalize on key moments, like Banda’s crucial goal, proved decisive.
For Washington, while the loss was a disappointment, their season was still a remarkable achievement. The Spirit fought hard throughout the match but were unable to break through Orlando’s defense, which remained steadfast despite Washington’s attacking efforts.
The Pride’s triumph also solidified their place in NWSL history as a team on the rise, having set new standards with their league-record performances. It also marked the beginning of a new era for the club, one where their dominance and ambition will likely continue to shape the future of the NWSL.
Looking ahead, the Orlando Pride will look to build on their championship success, with the team’s young talent, like Banda, and veteran leadership, like Marta, ensuring that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. As the 2024 NWSL champions, the Pride now enter a new chapter in the club’s storied history, one that is filled with promise and a growing legacy of excellence.
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