Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL title

The Orlando Pride claimed their first National Women's Soccer League title with a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit on Saturday, a victory that also saw Brazilian legend Marta lift the trophy for the first time.

Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the championship match, finishing off a solo run with a low shot from inside the penalty area in the 37th minute.

In the process, the Zambian star set a new NWSL record with four goals in a single postseason. She found the net in every playoff game en route to Orlando's title win.

Washington coach Jonatan Giraldez immediately appealed to the referee after Banda opened the scoring, asserting there was a foul in the buildup, but the goal was allowed to stand.

"This means so much," Marta, who joined Orlando in 2017, told CBS Sports after the match. "Playing with these players, it's something really special that I never had before in any other club, so I'm so happy."

The 38-year-old added: "I've asked myself why I still play for Orlando. 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 a champion."

Marta, a six-time recipient of FIFA's player of the year award, had her mother in attendance to watch her play live for the first time in the United States.

The Pride are the first team since 2019 to win both the NWSL Shield - given to the side with the best regular-season record - and the NWSL championship in the same campaign. They started the season by going unbeaten in the opening 23 games, setting a league record.

Despite having more possession and outshooting Orlando 26-9, Washington, led by American star Trinity Rodman, couldn't find an equalizer to extend Saturday's contest at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

The 2021 champions applied consistent pressure deep into stoppage time, but Orlando's backline held on to give the club its maiden title.