KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Orlando Pride capped off a historic season by defeating the Washington Spirit 1-0 at CPKC Stadium on Saturday night, clinching their first NWSL Championship and completing a league double as Shield winners and champions.
Barbra Banda’s 37th-minute strike proved decisive, as the Zambian star’s fourth goal of the playoffs set a new postseason record and earned her the NWSL Championship MVP honors. Banda latched onto a lofted through ball from Angelina, cut inside Spirit defender Esme Morgan, and finished with a clinical left-footed strike past Aubrey Kingsbury.
The Pride’s defense, led by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, held firm against a relentless Spirit attack that managed 26 shots but lacked precision. Moorhouse made five saves, while Emily Sams, Kerry Abello, Kylie Strom, and rookie Cori Dyke anchored a disciplined backline to secure the team’s 14th clean sheet of the year.
“This is a historic moment for our team and our city,” said head coach Seb Hines, the first Black coach to win an NWSL title. “This group has shown resilience and belief all year, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Orlando’s victory capped off a record-breaking season. The Pride set league benchmarks for points (60), wins (18), and clean sheets (13), becoming the first team since 2019 to win both the Shield and the Championship. The win also marked the first major league title for any professional sports team from Orlando.
The triumph was particularly emotional for Brazilian legend Marta, who, at age 38, played a vital role in the Pride’s success. Marta, the only player remaining from Orlando’s last playoff appearance in 2017, revealed post-match that her mother, Tereza, was in attendance, watching her play in the United States for the first time.
“This is the answer to why I’ve stayed here so long,” Marta said. “It was time to be a champion. To share this moment with my mother makes it even more special.”
Orlando fans will celebrate the title on Monday, Nov. 25, with a downtown parade starting at 4:30 p.m. on Orange Avenue, culminating at City Hall.
“It’s been a storybook year,” said Banda. “This team is family, and this city is home.”
