Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda propelled Orlando Pride to the first National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship in their history, scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over Washington Spirit in the playoff final.
She stole the headlines in the blockbuster finale between NWSL Shield winners Orlando Pride and regular season runners-up Washington Spirit at the CPKC Stadium on Sunday morning.
Pride’s run to the final saw them register 4-1 and 3-2 wins against Chicago Red Stars and KC Current, respectively. Meanwhile, Spirit saw off Bay FC 2-1 and edged NJ/NY Gotham in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
37 minutes into the contest, Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina sent Banda on her way with a delightful aerial through ball on the right wing. The Zambian took to the heels, making an explosive dart towards the barline before hoodwinking her marker to cut inside and fire past Aubrey Kingsbury.
The Florida-based outfit survived Spirit’s intensified push for an equalizer in the second half, eventually running out 1-0 winners on the night.
Orlando Pride and Banda set records
With their triumph, Orlando Pride have become the first team since NC Courage in 2019 to win both the NWSL Shield and Championship titles in a single campaign.
Meanwhile, Banda has become the first player to score in the quarterfinal, semifinal and final of a single NWSL Championship playoffs. She is also just the third player after Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez to score in her first three NWSL playoff appearances as per OptaJack.
Banda was officially crowned as the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP after recording four goals and an assist in three matches. No player had ever scored as many as four goals in a single edition of the NWSL playoffs.
Signed for a near-world record $740,000 fee from Shanghai Shengli, Banda was the missing piece of the jigsaw for Orlando Pride, tallying 17 goals and seven assists in 25 games to help them win the lot.
“What a season it has been. We are Champions at last. NWSL Champions Baby,” wrote Banda after the victory.
She added, “What a team, so much hard work from everyone, the players, the coaches and management. This is for all our dear fans who have been amazing throughout the season.
“Happy to be named the NWSL Championship MVP.”
Now, it’s time for Banda and Orlando Pride to pop the champagne and celebrate their historic achievement as they await the NWSL Challenge Cup next year.
They will aim to become the first team in history to complete the United States women’s top-flight ‘treble’ of the Shield, Championship and Challenge Cup.
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