Orlando Pride defeat Kansas City Current to reach NWSL final

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Marta reacts to epic solo goal in NWSL playoff semifinals

Marta speaks after her goal helped Orlando Pride defeat KC Current in the NWSL playoff semifinals.

Updated: Nov 18, 2024, 04:46 am

The Orlando Pride, buoyed by the efforts of Barbra Banda and Marta, beat the Kansas City Current 3-2 at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday to advance to their first NWSL championship. Banda scored a goal and provided an assist as Orlando secured a semifinal win. 

The Pride will face the Washington Spirit in Saturday's championship game at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. 

Kansas City (5-7-4) opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with Debinha's right-footed shot from close range, assisted by Michelle Cooper. However, Orlando (6-8-2) equalized just before halftime when Haley McCutcheon found the back of the net with a left-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Ally Watt.

In the second half, Banda put Orlando ahead in the 53rd minute with a right-footed shot to the bottom-left corner after receiving a pass from Kylie Strom. Marta extended the Pride's lead to 3-1 in the 82nd minute with another goal from inside the box following an assist from Banda.

Despite trailing by two goals late into stoppage time, Kansas City fought back. Vanessa DiBernardo converted a penalty kick in added time after Kerry Abello was penalized for handballing inside her own area. But match ended shortly afterward with Orlando's lead intact. 

Anna Moorhouse made two saves for Orlando, while Almuth Schult also recorded two for Kansas City. Nichelle Prince came off as one of three substitutes used by Kansas City coach Vlatko Andonovski but couldn't change the Current's fortunes despite several attempts on target.

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