The Orlando Pride are heading to their first-ever NWSL Championship game after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in the semifinal on Sunday. This marks a monumental moment in the club’s history, as they secure a spot in the final following a stellar 2024 season that saw them claim the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record.

In front of a lively crowd of 14,524 at Inter&Co Stadium, the Pride delivered a performance full of resilience and quality, proving they belong among the league’s elite.

A Game of Momentum Swings

The match didn’t start in Orlando’s favor. Kansas City drew first blood in the 33rd minute when Brazilian star Debinha finished a well-placed cross from Michelle Cooper to give the Current a 1-0 lead. But the Pride have shown all season that they can respond under pressure, and they did just that just eight minutes later.

Haley McCutcheon, who has been a revelation for Orlando this season, capitalized on a superb cross from Ally Watt, finding the back of the net to bring the score level at 1-1 in the 41st minute. It was a crucial equalizer, and the momentum shifted in Orlando’s favor heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Pride wasted no time in taking control of the match. Barbra Banda, who has been in sensational form, gave Orlando the 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute. After a quick turn inside the box to shake off her defender, Banda fired a powerful shot past Kansas City goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.

But Banda’s involvement didn’t stop there. In the 82nd minute, she turned provider, assisting Marta with a brilliant pass. The veteran Brazilian midfielder took full advantage, dribbling past three Kansas City defenders and rounding the goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net, extending Orlando’s lead to 3-1.

Moments later, Banda was forced off with an injury, with Carson Pickett coming on to replace her, but the Pride were in firm control. Kansas City did manage to pull one back in the dying moments of the game. Vanessa DiBernardo scored a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. Orlando held firm, securing the 3-2 win and their place in the final.

Key Stats and Performance Breakdown

The Pride were outshot (20-13) and had less possession (48.2%) than Kansas City, but they made the most of their opportunities. Orlando registered five shots on target to Kansas City’s four and also had the advantage in crosses (11-9) and passing accuracy (78% to 75.2%).

The Pride’s ability to convert their chances efficiently was a testament to their attacking depth and clinical finishing. Despite the Current’s greater possession and shot volume, Orlando’s defense, led by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and a disciplined backline, held strong when it mattered most.

A Team Built to Win

This victory is the culmination of a historic season for the Pride. Their regular-season performance was nothing short of dominant, finishing with the best record in the league. The 2024 campaign has seen a shift in the team’s identity — from a club that often found itself fighting to stay competitive to one that now plays with confidence and authority.

For much of the season, the Pride were accustomed to playing with the lead, and it’s a rare sight to see them come from behind to win. In fact, the last time they overturned a deficit to claim all three points was in a 3-1 victory over the Portland Thorns back in June 2023. Since then, they had not been forced to mount a comeback until this semifinal. That resilience, paired with the ability to capitalize on key moments, has been a hallmark of their postseason run.

A Championship Showdown

The 2024 NWSL postseason has played out in a remarkably predictable manner — with the higher-seeded teams winning every match. This sets up a mouthwatering championship final between the top two teams in the league, with Orlando, having finished the regular season atop the standings, as the higher seed.

The Pride now head into the final with an abundance of momentum, a strong sense of belief, and the knowledge that they have already overcome one of the most difficult challenges the postseason can offer. With players like Barbra Banda, Marta, and Ally Watt in form, Orlando will be confident heading into the NWSL Championship, where they’ll look to write the final chapter in what has already been a historic season.

As the Pride prepare for their first-ever NWSL Championship appearance, Orlando soccer fans will be hoping this historic season is capped off with a league title. With the strength and determination they’ve shown all year, anything is possible.

Looking Ahead to the Final

The Pride’s remarkable journey to the final has already made history. But for Orlando, the job isn’t finished yet. Their opponents in the final, whoever they may be, will know they are facing a team capable of rising to the occasion. The Pride’s success this season has been built on teamwork, resilience, and star power — and it’s that same blend that will see them head into the biggest game of their history with one goal in mind: to bring home the NWSL Championship.