Marta and Orlando Pride: A Bittersweet Farewell in the NWSL Semifinal
Orlando, Florida – The moved Brazilian star Marta watched the end of the NWSL semi-final match at Inter&Co Stadium. The player was already envisioning extra time and the longed-for return to the championship, a tournament that transported her to her memories of fifteen years ago. However, fate had other plans.
In a match filled with figures, but with little offensive action, Marta shone with intensity. Until the seventh minute of added time, when Jaedyn Shaw, of NJ/NY Gotham FC, scored a free-kick goal that sent her team to the NWSL final. The final score was 1-0 in favor of Gotham FC.
Marta, playing as number 9, highlighted the absence of Barbra Banda. The consistency of the Orlando team was not the same, and a streak of eight winless games in the summer put their playoff qualification at risk.
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Despite a superior performance, Orlando failed to capitalize on goal opportunities. Marta, visibly emotional, shared her feelings in a press conference. She pointed to the star on her jersey, a symbol of the previous year’s championship, and emphasized the importance of teamwork.
We have a star made by everyone, by each one. I prefer a star with many people working towards a goal, than many believing themselves to be stars. In the end, this doesn’t work. We had a team with many stars in 2017. What did we win? Nothing.
Marta
Marta, 39, fue la mejor jugadora del partido, pero no fue suficiente para inspirar al Orlando a pasar al partido del Campeonato de la NWSL.Although she signed a contract extension, the future of the 39-year-old footballer remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, Marta continues to defy time and age, demonstrating her worth in every match.
In the match, Marta led the team, creating clear opportunities and showing her passion. A pass from her to Julie Doyle almost resulted in a goal, but fate prevented the score. In the last minutes, Marta executed a free kick that was close to tying the match, but the Gotham FC goalkeeper prevented it.
Coach Seb Hines highlighted the team’s evolution and the need to maintain consistency. Banda’s return and the performance of key players herald a promising future. The off-season will bring changes, but questions about Marta will persist.
Marta, moved, expressed her hunger to keep playing and her commitment to the team. “I’m not here to waste time. I’m still hungry. I don’t play for what I did in the past. I feel like I can still do something for this team, for my teammates, for the staff. I care a lot. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be like this, but I hope we come back next year with the same mentality, the same belief, the same attitude, because this team deserves much more.”
Washington Spirit Prevails and Advances to the Final
In the other semifinal, the Washington Spirit defeated the Portland Thorns with a score of 2-0. The match was characterized by the speed and effectiveness of the Spirit, with Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday as outstanding figures.
Monday and Kouassi’s goals in the first half made the difference. The Spirit demonstrated their strength and secured a place in the NWSL final.
The final will be played on November 22 in San Jose, California.
