The Orlando Pride won its first NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on Saturday.
Barbra Banda and the Pride entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed and finished the season now finished the season with an overall record of 19-6-2. Banda scored the game-winning goal in the first half, increasing her team-leading goal total to 14. She also leads the team with six assists.
Trinity Rodman and the Spirit fell short of the team’s second league title.
The Pride has won its last two games against the Spirit, including the 2-0 victory on Oct. 6.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Marta and Orlando Pride win NWSL Championship
Marta, who continues to play at 38 years old, finally adds an NWSL championship to her legendary resume.
Rookie of the Year honored
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune was recognized as the 2024 Rookie of the Year at halftime. Bethune had five goals and 10 assists this season.
Halftime: Orlando Pride 1, Washington Spirit 0
Barbra Banda’s first-half goal was her fourth of the playoffs, setting a new NWSL record.
Pride takes an early lead against Spirit in first half
Barbra Banda scores the first goal of the game 38th minute of the first half for the Pride, after attacking the right side of the net, to take the lead against Orlando.
NWSL Championship Game: Time, TV and streaming
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+
Location: CPKC Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
Watch the NWSL Championship with Fubo
What time is the Pride vs. Spirit game?
The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will begin at 8 p.m. ET.
What channel is the NWSL Championship game?
The NWSL Championship game between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
Pride vs. Spirit: Odds and betting line for NWSL Championship Game
Odds as of Saturday on BetMGM:
Moneyline: Orlando (+110), Tie (+220), Washington (+200)
Over/under: 2.5
NWSL Predictions:
CBS: Spirit has the difference-maker
Michael Goodman writes ‘These sides both seem like teams of destiny. Orlando Pride seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate this year with Barbra Banda proving to be one of the shrewdest pickups in NWSL history and Marta rolling back the years at 38. … Ultimately though, it’ll be (Trinity) Rodman that makes the difference.’
Girls Soccer Network: Orlando will break the curse
Rohtas Wadera writes ‘Orlando has set the standard for everyone else to chase this season. Outside of the small slip-up to end the regular season, the Pride have been locked in all year with one goal in mind. They’re not going to let it slip now. The Pride will break the NWSL Shield curse and win it all.’
AllForXI: Pride’s duo provide enough for success
Amanda Westlake writes ‘The Pride will beat the Spirit. Barbra Banda and Marta are just too good – watching their respective semifinal goals leaves no doubt. Orlando has also won both of their playoff games without extra time, leaving their players with fewer minutes than Spirit’s – who went to extra time in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.’
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