Orlando Pride cruise past Kansas City Current behind Marta’s magic

Orlando Pride put three past Kansas City Current on July 11 to snap a two-game winless streak and move to 6-6-2 in the NWSL Women. Marta’s 49th-minute thunderbolt from 25 yards out stunned the visiting goalkeeper and set the tone for a dominant display at Exploria Stadium. The result leaves the Pride eighth in the league with 20 points from 14 games, their recent form reading WLWWL.

What happened in Orlando

The Pride’s defense held firm from the start, but the breakthrough came midway through the second half. Marta picked up the ball just outside the box, shifted onto her left foot, and unleashed a curling strike that beat Marisa Jordan at her near post. The strike was pure class—Orlando’s 21st goal of the season, their goal difference now +2 after 19 conceded.

Hannah Anderson doubled the lead in the 57th minute, nodding home Ally Lemos’s corner kick after a set-piece mix-up in the box. Barbra Banda, making her first appearance since returning from injury, sealed the win in the 85th minute when a Kansas City clearance fell to her feet and she slotted home. Anna Moorhouse made nine saves to earn her fifth clean sheet of the season.

Why it matters for Orlando Pride

Three points against a Current side that entered on eight wins kept Orlando’s playoff hopes alive. Their 6-6-2 record leaves them just two points adrift of the seventh-place Courage, but eight points behind leaders San Diego Wave. The Pride have now scored in each of their last three home games, with Marta’s goal tally rising to six for the campaign.

Defensively, Moorhouse’s command in goal and the backline’s organization under interim coach Seb Hines provided a platform for the attack. The win also marked the return of midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo from maternity leave, though she didn’t feature in this match.

What comes next for the Pride

Orlando’s next outing comes on July 19 at home to Racing Louisville. The Pride will look to build on this confidence boost as they chase a top-seven finish. With 21 goals scored and a +2 goal difference, the attack is clicking—but the defense must tighten up if they’re to close the gap on the playoff places.

League standing: 8th in NWSL Women, 20 pts, 6W-2D-6L from 14 games, recent form WLWWL.