For the first time in NWSL history, Marta‘s Orlando Pride has won their first-ever NWSL title, thanks to a solitary goal by the in-form Barba Banda. The loss marked a tough end to Washington Spirit, who otherwise had a decent run of fixtures towards the end of the season. However, Trinity Rodman was understandably frustrated and her post-match comments have garnered interest. 

“I don’t want to say no comment, but I think she was a lot more receptive to hearing the Orlando Pride talk than to us. So, again, a ref’s gonna do what they’re gonna do, but I don’t think she was open to hearing what we had to say,” said Rodman, who saw her Spirit side have multiple chances saved, blocked, or miss the goal by a few inches. 

Barbra Banda scored in the 37th minute which was her fourth of the playoff. After breaking the deadlock, the defense did the rest, especially goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse who was like a brick wall for Orlando between the sticks. She made 5 saves in the final and has kept 13 clean sheets so far. 

While Washington had possession for most of the second-half stoppage time, Orlando’s backline made sure to keep the ball out of their net. The players were in full celebratory mood, with the iconic Marta leading the charge, as there is speculation on whether she will be hanging up her boots after adding another trophy to her illustrious career. 

Marta, who has been with Orlando Pride since 2017, has witnessed the club’s struggles, where they couldn’t finish above 7th in the league. Their best finish before this season was third, during Marta’s debut year, where she ranked second in the league for both goals and assists. This was a full-circle moment for Marta, who last faced Rodman in the Olympic final, where the Stars and Stripes won by a single goal. Now, having led Orlando to their first-ever NWSL title, fans wonder what’s next for Marta. 

Will Marta cap her career after the NWSL championship?

Earlier this year the 6-time FIFA World Player of the Year already announced that she does not plan to play for the national team anymore. The final was indeed a full circle moment for her as she previously lost to the same scoreline to the USWNT, which Rodman was also a part of. With another trophy added to her illustrious career, maybe this could be her last dance. 

On the pitch, the No. 10 looks like anything from being done. At 38 years old, her goal in the semi-final against KC Current was evident in the quote ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’. Nicknamed the ‘female Pele’ she has already cemented her legacy forever. Perhaps we will see her return to Vasco Da Gama, the club where she started her career way back in 2000. Yes, you read that right, she has been the face of women’s soccer for nearly 2 decades.