Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current: NWSL Playoff Recap

The Orlando Pride faced off against the Kansas City Current in a riveting NWSL semifinal match on November 17, 2024, at Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida. The stakes were high, with both teams vying for a chance to play in the NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit.

Match Highlights

• Final Score: Orlando Pride 3, Kansas City Current 2
• Opening Touch: Midfielder Debinha from the Current opened the scoring with a beautifully executed goal in the 33rd minute, assisted by Michelle Cooper.
• Pride's Response: The Pride equalized just before halftime with a goal from Haley McCutcheon in the 41st minute, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
• Second Half Surge: Barbra Banda put Orlando ahead with a goal in the 53rd minute, followed by Marta’s crucial goal in the 82nd minute, extending the lead to 3-1.
• Late Drama: Vanessa DiBernardo scored for the Current via a penalty in stoppage time, bringing the score to 3-2, but time ran out on Kansas City's comeback attempts.

Key Player Performances

Orlando Pride

• Barbra Banda: Scored a vital goal that shifted the momentum back into the Pride’s favor.
• Marta: Added to her legacy by scoring a significant playoff goal and contributing to the team's supportive play in the midfield.
• Haley McCutcheon: Remarkably involved in the buildup and execution of the equalizing goal.
• Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse: Although she conceded two goals, Moorhouse’s performance included crucial saves that maintained the team's advantage in tight moments.

Kansas City Current

• Debinha: Opened the scoring, setting a challenging tone for the Pride but ultimately saw her team's efforts fall short.
• Temwa Chawinga: Instrumental in creating chances and integral to the Current’s offensive strategies throughout the match.
• Vanessa DiBernardo: Concluded the season scoring both the first and last goals for the Current, highlighting her critical role in the squad’s overall performance.

Match Timeline

• 33': Goal - Debinha (Kansas City Current)
• 41': Goal - Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride)
• 53': Goal - Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
• 82': Goal - Marta (Orlando Pride)
• 90+13': Penalty Goal - Vanessa DiBernardo (Kansas City Current)

Overview of the NWSL Playoffs

The 2024 NWSL playoffs format expanded this season, allowing more teams and resulting in more thrilling matchups. Orlando, as the top seed, demonstrated their skills, highlighting their potent offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, KC Current's impressive record and playoff journey showcased their competitive spirit and talent, making their loss bittersweet.

Despite the heartbreak, both teams have built a foundation for future seasons. The Current's historic year culminated in several achievements, including breaking franchise records and successfully engaging with the local fanbase. As the Pride prepare for their championship showdown, they must harness the momentum from this win.

Upcoming Championship

The Orlando Pride will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship game, scheduled for November 23, 2024. After a hard-fought semifinal, the Pride’s focus must shift toward winning their first championship, taking lessons from their semifinal performance to rise to the occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Orlando Pride’s win against the Kansas City Current not only propels them forward in the quest for the NWSL title but also showcases the rising competitiveness and excitement surrounding women's soccer.

Join us in looking forward to the upcoming championship matches and continuing to support these incredible athletes and teams in the NWSL!