The Orlando Pride claimed the NWSL Championship, with Brazil star Marta's mother in attendance
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Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit 1-0Win their first NWSL ChampionshipMarta's mother watches from standsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Already a legend, 38-year-old Marta added to her lengthy list of career accomplishments Saturday night as the Orlando Pride claimed the 2024 NWSL Championship, defeating the Washington Spirit 1-0. The former Brazil international, who retired from the earlier this year, claimed her first NWSL trophy after winning the regular season title earlier this year.
As important as the trophies, she was able to celebrate the NWSL title with her mother, who was watching her play from the stands for the first time in the U.S.
The forward had stints in the U.S. in 2009 and 2011 before returning to the NWSL in 2017, signing with the Pride, where she has played since. However, her mother had never been able to come from Brazil to watch her play in the NWSL – until Saturday in Kansas City, when she witnessed her daughter win the most prestigious trophy in American women's soccer.
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Marta played all 90 minutes Saturday, as the Pride lifted the trophy thanks to a first-half goal from striker Barbra Banda. Speaking postgame to CBS, the Brazilian shared that having her mother, Tereza, in attendance was a "special moment" – one that, according to the CBS broadcast, included the two going shopping ahead of the match so that they could find some cold-weather clothing.
"Of course it means so much, I f**king waited eight years for this moment, and it's most special because this is the first time my mom is here in America," Marta proclaimed from the trophy podium, while exuberant chants of her teammates echoed behind her.
Speaking to media, she echoed the sentiment, saying "Incredible moment, playing in this championship final, take this trophy home, and share this moment with my mom here. It's something in my best dream that I believe would be true."
DID YOU KNOW?
In the semifinals of the 2024 playoffs, Marta scored the eventual game-winner against the Kansas City Current, with the Brazilian bagging a dazzling solo effort late in the match to record the Pride's third goal of the game. The 38-year-old beat multiple defenders before slotting home in stupendous fashion.
IMGANWHAT NEXT FOR MARTA?
The Pride will share their trophy with fans in a celebration in Orlando, with the Brazilian showing off her first NWSL Championship.
