Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit: NWSL Championship preview, time, and how to watch
Tonight’s NWSL Championship match between Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride is both a clash of the titans — pitting the top two regular season teams against each other — and something totally unexpected. In a league known for parity, it’s surprising enough that the top finishers would make it to the Championship, but this particular pairing is not something many could have predicted after the Pride and Spirit respectively finished 7th and 8th in 2023 and 10th and 11th in 2022.
On paper, this is Orlando’s game to lose. The 2024 Pride have been one of the most dominant NWSL teams of all time, setting records for their 24-game unbeaten streak and 18 total wins in one season (though Washington soon tied the latter record). Under Coach of the Year Seb Hines, the Pride are well-organized and balanced to bring out the best in each player. Their high number of dangerous attackers, including Barbra Banda, Marta, and Summer Yates, make them nearly impossible to defend against, while their defensive core is one of the strongest in the league, earning 13 clean sheets and allowing just 20 goals in the regular season.
On top of that, they’re facing a Spirit who’ve lost starters Croix Bethune, Ouleye Sarr, and Andi Sullivan to injury. And who’ve played 120-minute matches each of the past two weekends. And yes, a Spirit they’ve beaten twice in the regular season.
But the Spirit have also battled their way back from deficits to win two playoff matches and weathered the change of a mid-season coaching transition and major injuries to have their winningest season ever. Washington have shown themselves to be resilient and adaptable with any player capable of playing hero in a given match. Their high press and quickness in transition enable them to take even the toughest opponents by surprise, and dynamic forwards Trinity Rodman and Rosemunde Kouassi will keep Orlando’s fullbacks just as busy as Washington’s.
For more about the statistical match-up between the Pride and Spirit, read André Carlisle’s analysis on Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane.
The Spirit may also have the mindset to pull off an upset. Their two regular season losses against Orlando are motivating them to have a different outcome this time and “change that narrative,” according to Tara McKeown. She also spoke, in comments echoed by head coach Jonatan Giráldez and Ashley Hatch, about the team’s focus on playing with joy.
“You have to have fun. You have to have joy in what you do,” McKeown said. “We’re playing soccer, and it’s something we love, and we wouldn’t be professional athletes if we didn’t love and enjoy the game, so just having fun and putting happiness into everything we do makes us feel more together and, like, better when we are playing next to each other.”
Whether Washington’s camaraderie will lift them to a surprise win remains to be seen, but it’s certain that this match between two of the NWSL’s best ever teams won’t be one to miss.
Key Player: Aubrey Kingsbury, Hal Hershfelt
The heroes of the semifinal match, goalkeeper and captain Aubrey Kingsbury and rookie defensive midfielder Hal Hershfelt will both have important roles to play again today. Unlike many of the teams Washington have faced recently, Orlando like to attack through carries, making Hal’s physicality, defensive positioning, and penchant for a well-timed tackle necessities to stop Pride attackers. Meanwhile, Kingsbury’s unmatched judgment and experience in one-on-battles will be called upon to stop any of those dribblers who make it near her goal.
Watch Out For: Marta
In her eighth year with the Pride, the Brazilian legend is still hunting for the NWSL trophy and is now closer than ever. Despite nearing retirement, Marta is playing some of the best soccer of her career this year. She’s scored nine goals, including an individual one against Kansas City last week that saw her cutting past two center backs and the goalie, and will threaten Washington with her sharp forward-passing game and ball movement.
Challenges: Against the Pride’s attacking prowess, every player on the Spirit will be on defensive duty, but they’ll also need to be quick-thinking and connected on the attack to beat out Orlando’s center back pair of Defender of the Year Emily Sams and Kylie Strom.
Previously: Orlando swept the series this year, beating Washington 3-2 in April and 2-0 in October.
Orlando Pride Availability:
Out: Grace Chanda (SEI – thigh), Simone Charley (SEI – ankle), Luana (SEI – illness), Megan Montefusco (SEI – heel), Rafaelle (SEI – thigh),
Questionable: None
Washington Spirit Availability:
Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Andi Sullivan (SEI – knee), Ouleymata Sarr (back)
Questionable: None
Location: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET
Referee: Alyssa Nichols
Available TV: CBS
Available streaming: Paramount+
Great preview, Annie. Delcia and I will be watching and rooting furiously on CBS TV.
Thanks for the write up and thread!
As much as I’d like to think there’s a potential for a triumph, I think hard fought win is the best fate could give us, realistically. Banda can score in any minute, Marta is maybe the hungriest player ever, and the rest of the team is ruthless in supporting their exploits.
This should be a final of exceptional quality, and I’m so looking forward to it.
DC! Rise up!
Great write up.
Is it just me, or it a big call to have Santos, Hershfelt, and Morris in the midfield? I know they’re all fighters, but seems like Hal is far and away the most defensively adept. Can she cope with the responsibility she’s likely to be saddled with?
It’s also been pointed out that, as recent to the league as Banda is, Esme Morgan is even more new. Meaning, she’s never had to defend Barbra. That’s a rough experience for a final.
I’m nervous, hope the Spirit are excited and ready
Hyped for this one, even if all that’ll do is scare my cats! Vamos Spirit!
Kudos to the Spirit fans who traveled for the match. Loud cheers are audible from the broadcast.
I saw an article in KC local news that they were worried about empty seats for the final. If that’s a concern, you know where they Could have staged this…
Yikes. Atmosphere in Orlando or DC would’ve been insane! Glad MLS moved away from neutral finals. One of the few good playoff-related decisions of late.
Man, were we lucky to survive that one
Rodman with the perfect slide tackle to stop a breakaway. What a legend
20 minutes in and Spirit have done well to pressure Marta when she’s in the ball and deny entry to Banda. I’m positive they will have one or two more good chances.
On the attacking side, pressure has been great but no real solid chances. Not much to complain about so far!
Girladez would never admit it, he’s gotta be relieved they survived the opening jitters and a Banda/Marta counter
Kouassi earns the first yellow for pulling down Banda roughly by her arm. She’s gonna be an early sub
Andddd Trin’s primary defensive foil gets a yellow
Koaussi misses wide
Incredibly disruptive dribbler, has a lot of room to grow next year in the final product
They HAVE to call that back right??? Two handed shove on Leicy!!
Apparently not.
Officiating hasn’t impressed me thus far.
No clear and obvious error according to VAR.
Honestly, this is why I hate the “clear and obvious” wording for VAR. You can’t ask someone to look for subjectivity rather than what actually happened. It’s insane.
Hope it’s called back. Banda is amazing
Why even have VAR?
Christina Unkle says it’s a “common foul” which doesn’t count towards “clear and obvious”. Literally the first time I’ve ever heard that but sure.
But were there stab marks?
Hal Hershel’s earns a yellow. No argument, this game could get nasty
Hershfelt picks up a yellow.
Spirit hit the post, and Rodman gets a shot off high after dribbling the whole center of the field. She’s holding her back now, though
Turns out it was Hatch off the header who clinked the woodwork. If they could get her more chances, we’d have a shot.
I have absolutely no idea how you put a complete lid on Banda now that she’s got a taste, though
Spirit simply have to be better in the final third. These ladies love playing from behind. 45 minutes left!
They need to keep it close, no matter what.
If that VAR miss is what decides this game the championship will be marred.
Point blank header from Kouassi saved
Hatch won’t get many more headed chances like that. Dang
Metayer in the book. Kouassi might get subbed, think Giraldez will not want Hal or Paige off the field
Metayer picks up another yellow for the Spirit.
Angelina having a hell of a two way game
Banda always finds a weakness in a backline, but Mckeown will be damned if she’s the problem. Really strong.
What does an Orlando player have to do to get a yellow?
Pretty crazy that the only one they’ve gotten was twenty seconds in
Marta almost sneaks one in
Hershfelt and Santos have been invisible this second half. I get the urgency, but Spirit need to build in possession
Hard to know if Hatch is building to something, or if the Orlando defense is just that dampening
Tough one between Mckeown and Banda leaves the former writhing in pain. Banda gets a yellow.
Not so subtle jab to the ribs from Banda. Hope McKeown is alright.
To be fair, Banda is a former boxer. A good one. If she wanted to end Mckeown, it would not have been hard for her.
Banda picks up a yellow for a challenge on McKeown.
Only controversial to some?
Ally Watt takes forever to come off.
75 minutes has flown by, but we still haven’t challenged the Orlando goal enough
This ref is having a rough game. Clear corner kick to everyone except her.
How the hell wasn’t that a corner?
Emily Sams denies Trin for a corner.
Ensuing corner pretty bad
And it comes to nothing.
Yep. Will say, I’m impressed by Orlando’s defense. As stodgy and dogged as Banda is dynamic, and it’s why they’re here
NO WAY the ref just called that!!
You have to use both arms to get away with that. /s
You’re right, my mistake. Carry on!
McKeown with a bad backpass that Banda almost pounces on.
This is over. I don’t see us generating another shot on goal.
That sure as hell looked a foul in the box
This ref has no control over this game.
Apparently you can just sit backward on a forward’s legs in the box
Defense throws herself into Kouassi. Commentator says it’s a “coming together” I now understand why Christina Unkle is not an official anywhere.
Nonsense aside. This team was without their captain, the NWSL midfielder of the year, and their main forward/leading goal scorer. 2025 is gonna be a revenge tour.
Game is decided by a goal that should’ve been called back by VAR.
I’m also stumped that you can sit back on a player with your full weight and not get called. Whether it’s intentional or not, that’s definitely a foul.
I think at that point the ref just wanted the game to end. No other explanation. She seemed like she was phoning it in after the 70th minute. Game got away fast after that.
The ref was confusingly bad, but Orlando are worthy of this, and an injury beleaguered Spirit kept it incredibly close.
This season, Banda+an incredibly disciplined and cohesive supporting cast+Marta=champions.
Get the players back that you lost, have Giraldez for a preseason for signings and training, get Rodman healthy at the right time, go again.
So sad for the Spirit, but Orlando had an amazing season. I hate for the league that the officiating is the storyline on this one, too – everyone deserves better than that.