The GIST: Following an exciting weekend of semi-final matches, the stage is set for the 2024 NWSL Championship game. The No. 1 seed Orlando Pride will go head-to-head with the No. 2 seed Washington Spirit at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium this Saturday. Here’s a recap of how it all unfolded.
Spirit advances on penalty shootout after late equalizer: The defending champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, who were the No. 3 seed, initially took the lead in the second half. However, Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt scored a goal in the 93rd minute to level the score at 1-1, leading to extra time. Despite being down to 10 players after a red card to defender Bruninha, Gotham kept Washington from scoring, resulting in a penalty shootout.
Orlando advances to their first NWSL title game: In a matchup between two strong attacking teams, the Pride secured a 3-2 victory over the No. 4 seed, Kansas City Current. The game was tied 1-1 at halftime, but Orlando came out strong in the second half. Goals from Barbra Banda and Marta sealed the win for the Pride, who remain unbeaten at home this season. Marta, a veteran player at 38 years old, will be playing in her first NWSL Championship, facing off against the youthful Spirit squad. It promises to be a magical encounter.
