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Legendary Marta, Orlando Pride Secure NWSL Championship Spot Defeating Kansas City Current 3-2

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Pride, led by the iconic Marta, edged out the Kansas City Current 3-2 at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday, earning their first-ever trip to the NWSL Championship. Their victory sets the stage for a high-stakes matchup against the Washington Spirit on November 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

Marta, Orlando Pride defeats Kansas City Current in Orlando, Florida, Sunday, November 17, 2024. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Match Highlights

  • Debinha struck first for Kansas City in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on a precise assist from Michelle Cooper, giving the Current an early 1-0 lead.
  • Haley McCutcheon equalized in the 41st minute, finishing a superb pass from Ally Watt, who earned her third playoff assist, a historic tie for second-most all-time in the league.
  • Barbra Banda’s remarkable postseason continued with a 53rd-minute strike, her third goal in these playoffs, securing her place as one of only three players in league history to achieve such a feat in a single postseason.
  • Marta delivered the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute, showcasing her signature finesse and composure under pressure. Assisted by Banda, she weaved through Kansas City defenders and bypassed goalkeeper Almuth Schult to seal the Pride’s win.

Kansas City fought valiantly, pulling one back in stoppage time with a Vanessa DiBernardo penalty kick, but Orlando’s resilience held firm.

Barbra Banda’s remarkable postseason. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News


Takeaways

  • Marta’s brilliance: As one of the world’s most decorated footballers, Marta’s decisive contributions underscore her enduring impact, even at the pinnacle of playoff competition.
  • Banda’s historic postseason: Banda’s three goals and an assist solidify her role as the Pride’s postseason star.
  • Ally Watt’s playmaking prowess: Watt’s consistent offensive setup has been a cornerstone of the Pride’s playoff success.

Coach Seb Hines’ Reaction

“It’s surreal. This team has worked tirelessly all season, from securing the Shield to hosting playoff matches and now advancing to the Championship. We’re one step closer to history, and the team’s belief is stronger than ever,” said Hines post-match.

 

Orlando Pride fans celebrated a historic victory over the Kansas City Current, securing a coveted spot in the NWSL Championship. The team’s resilience and Marta’s leadership fueled the 3-2 win. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Impact of the Victory

This win cements the Pride’s rise as a powerhouse in women’s soccer, following their best season in club history. The team’s remarkable achievements this year, including the NWSL Shield and two playoff wins at home, have electrified the Orlando community and drawn national attention.

Stats Recap

  • Possession: ORL 48% / KC 52%
  • Shots on Goal: ORL 5 / KC 4
  • Attendance: 14,524 at Inter&Co Stadium

Next Stop: The Championship

The Pride face a formidable Washington Spirit team in Kansas City on November 23 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game live on CBS and Paramount+.


Javier Garcia and Harry Castiblanco contributed to this report
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Sports

Jahmyr Gibbs, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Nathan Shepherd Earn NFC Player of the Week Honors for Week 10

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NEW YORK, N.Y. (FNN SPORTS) – The National Football League (NFL) has announced its NFC Players of the Week for Week 10 (November 6, 9–10), recognizing standout performances from Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd.

OFFENSE: RB JAHMYR GIBBS, DETROIT LIONS

Gibbs exploded for 172 scrimmage yards (142 rushing, 30 receiving) and three total touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in the Lions’ 44-22 victory over Washington.

He led the NFC in scrimmage yards, rushing yards, rushing average (9.5 yards per carry), and touchdowns for the week. This marks Gibbs’ second career NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor (previously Week 14, 2024).

Gibbs joins quarterback Jared Goff (Week 2) as the second Lion to earn the offensive award this season. He is also the second Detroit running back—after Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (11-time winner)—to win multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards.

A proud Alabama Crimson Tide alumnus, Gibbs becomes the fifth Alabama running back to earn multiple Player of the Week honors, joining Derrick Henry, Shaun Alexander, Mark Ingram, and Eddie Lacy.

DEFENSE: LB DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Lawrence turned in a dominant defensive performance in Seattle’s 44-22 win over Arizona, tallying four tackles, two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, one tackle for loss, and half a sack.

He became just the third player in NFL history to return two fumbles for touchdowns in a single game, joining Jeremy Chinn (2020) and Fred Evans (1948).

This marks Lawrence’s second career NFC Defensive Player of the Week award (first in Week 3, 2017). He is the first Seahawk to win since Leonard Williams (Week 13, 2024) and the first Seattle linebacker since Uchenna Nwosu (Week 1, 2022).

Lawrence is also the first former Boise State player to win multiple Defensive Player of the Week honors, joining Jay Ajayi as the only other Bronco to win multiple Player of the Week awards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: DT NATHAN SHEPHERD, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Shepherd made his mark on special teams, blocking a crucial field goal attempt that preserved the Saints’ 10-7 lead in the third quarter of their 17-7 win over Carolina—the only field goal block in the NFL during Week 10.

He added two tackles and a sack, contributing to a Saints defense that shut out the Panthers in the second half.

This is Shepherd’s first career Special Teams Player of the Week award, and he becomes only the second defensive lineman in Saints history to earn the honor (joining Bryan Bresee, Week 14, 2024). Shepherd is also the first player from Fort Hays State to ever win an NFL Player of the Week award.

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Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Partner with The Ruckus to Host Community Food Drive

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USA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco

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DOHA, Qatar (FNN SPORTS) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team continued its impressive run at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group I with a 1-0 win over Czechia at Aspire Zone Pitch 4. Substitute Mathis Albert’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, giving the USA a perfect 3-0-0 record in group play — the program’s best start in 34 years.

Ranked third overall among group winners, the USA will face Morocco—who finished third in Group B—in the Round of 32 on November 14 or 15. FIFA is expected to confirm the official match date and time by Wednesday.

Albert’s Late Goal Seals Historic Win

With the group title within reach, head coach Gonzalo Segares rotated seven players from the starting lineup that defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Despite early pressure from Czechia, including a 14th-minute shot that hit the post, the Americans steadily grew into the match.

In the second half, substitute Mathis Albert brought new energy down the left wing, linking well with playmaker Máximo Carrizo. Their chemistry paid off in the 78th minute when Albert received a through ball from Carrizo, slipped behind the Czech defense, and calmly slotted home the decisive goal into the lower right corner.

The U.S. defense held firm despite a late red card to Mateo Tsakiris in stoppage time, preserving its second clean sheet of the tournament.

Milestones and Match Highlights

  • Historic Achievement: The victory marks the first time in 20 years—and only the fourth time overall—that the U.S. has won its group at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (previously in 1991, 1999, and 2005).

  • Perfect Record: It’s just the second time ever the U.S. U-17s have won all three group-stage matches, matching the 1991 squad’s feat.

  • Key Performances: Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes anchored a strong back line, recording two shutouts in three matches. Carrizo tallied his first assist of the tournament, while Albert netted his first U-17 World Cup goal.

  • Discipline: Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time after a VAR review and will miss the Round of 32 match.

FINAL SCORE:

USA 1 – Czechia 0
Goal: Mathis Albert (78′)
Assist: Máximo Carrizo

The U.S. U-17s now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak and push deeper into the tournament.

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