Barbra Banda scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half and the Orlando Pride went on to defeat the visiting Kansas City Current 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in the NWSL semifinals and advance to the championship match.
Haley McCutcheon and Marta had the other goals for Orlando. Banda assisted on Marta’s goal, which proved key after Kansas City potted a late penalty kick goal.
The Pride, who had the best record in the league during regular-season play, will meet the Washington Spirit in the championship match next Saturday on neutral turf in Kansas City to conclude the eight-team playoffs. The Spirit defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC on penalty kicks in Saturday’s semifinal.
Debinha scored first for the Current, who were hoping to be playing in the title game at home. Trailing 3-1, Vanessa DiBernardo added the final goal on a penalty kick 13 minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse made two saves for the Pride. Almuth Schult saved two for the Current.
Debinha struck first in the 33rd minute as the Current completed a swift transition sequence. Debinha converted by chipping in Michelle Cooper’s cross that went across the crease.
McCutcheon got the Pride even by scoring in the 41st minute, cutting to the middle of the box to receive a pass from Ally Watt.
In the 53rd, Banda shielded a defender to gain possession in the box and drilled a straight-on shot past Schult. Kylie Strom provided the assist.
Marta’s goal came on a solo move as she was contending with three Kansas City defenders plus Schult in the box.
Kerry Abello’s hand ball provided the Current with the late-match penalty kick.
Kansas City finished with a 20-13 edge in total shot attempts.
The teams played to a scoreless draw in September in Orlando after the Pride won 2-1 in early July at Kansas City.
–Field Level Media