LIVE BLOG: NWSL Championship weekend descends on Kansas City

The NWSL Championship festivities kicked off in Kansas City on Friday with a heated Skills Challenge.

By Greg Dailey

Published: Nov. 21, 2024 at 2:34 PM CST|Updated: Nov. 23, 2024 at 1:09 PM CST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The championship game of the NWSL season is almost here. KC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current, is set to host the title game on Saturday evening.

But before the whistle blows for kick-off, the championship weekend festivities will take effect in Kansas City.

Kansas City sets new standards for NWSL ahead of historic championship match

‘It’s not a moment, it’s a movement’: fans energized about women’s soccer ahead of NWSL Championship

UMKC, NWSL host soccer clinic to show girls how sports can mold future leaders

Excitement mounts for NWSL Championship match in KC

Olathe East to Orlando Pride: High School soccer coaches ready to cheer on former player

KC Stadium draws fans from far and wide for NWSL Championship Game

Below is a compilation of social media posts from the NWSL, teams and reporters leading up to the title game.

MVP. pic.twitter.com/MYcrtXdaEl
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) November 24, 2024

Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge lit up yellow for the Spirit 💛 pic.twitter.com/yzBPIUQHQL
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 24, 2024

🏆 RAISE IT HIGH @ORLPRIDE! pic.twitter.com/loN8x2aQd4
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

CHAMPS BABYYYYYYYY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/oeY6ogI0Og
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 24, 2024

THE ORLANDO PRIDE WIN THEIR FIRST NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRANCHISE HISTORY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VwdMK44VUn
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 24, 2024

Ready for another sellout crowd 🥹

See 11,500 of you SO soon 🙌 pic.twitter.com/DwOOjZGy3U
— KC Stadium (@kcstadium) November 23, 2024

This is an unmatched ers section, tbh 👏 pic.twitter.com/N1O63hQnTt
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 24, 2024

Marta doing Marta things 🔥#TeamPixel | @madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/61ycwzAEnc
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Let’s gooooo!!!!@NWSL + Kansas City, it’s an amazing night. pic.twitter.com/bZSYUa6X2B
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) November 24, 2024

We love our #TEMVP 🥹

(Peep TC6’s new hardware 🏆) pic.twitter.com/sxR6PuBq60
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) November 24, 2024

MARTA WINS HER FIRST-EVER NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP 👏

What a moment for the Brazilian legend 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ws5dz0DxoB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 24, 2024

THE BEST TEAM IN @NWSL HISTORY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/60vGL6QEiU
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 24, 2024

ITS JUST WHAT @BarbraBanda11 DOES 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/tTHH85fG1K
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 24, 2024

The energy from Trin 😤

It's a battle on @CBS right now!! pic.twitter.com/HBBKBrGQOv
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 24, 2024

Michele Kang embracing the team with all the love and before the Championship 🫶 pic.twitter.com/p0zTePr8dd
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 24, 2024

The moment the Orlando Pride became the 2024 NWSL Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TVfFOqcM9C
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Marta celebrates her first #NWSLChampionship with her mom up in the stands 🥹🫶

(via @justwsports) pic.twitter.com/5v0O4F7l4J
— NWSL on ION (@IONNWSL) November 24, 2024

Finally, Marta is a NWSL Champion.

She believed 😭#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/oiomtm7YL6
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Congratulations to the @ORLPride, who have won the #NWSLChampionship for the first time in history! https://t.co/t8foxA1lxy
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 24, 2024

FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ORLANDO PRIDE ARE NWSL CHAMPIONS 🏆

History made, dreams realized 🔥

Congratulations on an unforgettable season!#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/ySLeA1Mghx
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

THE ORLANDO PRIDE ARE YOUR 2024 NWSL CHAMPIONS 🏆#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/0ZUVIvaTj4
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

THE ORLANDO PRIDE ARE NWSL CHAMPIONS 🏆

Barbra Banda's 37th minute goal lifts the 2024 Shield winners to their first-ever league title.@ORLPride | #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/uu1WWs8bYf
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 24, 2024

FINAL: THEY'VE DONE IT! THE ORLANDO PRIDE ARE THE 2024 NWSL CHAMPIONS! THE BEST TEAM IN NWSL HISTORY HAVE DONE THE DOUBLE!

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

THE #NWSLCHAMPIONSHIP IS ON CBS RIGHT NOW!
THE #NWSLCHAMPIONSHIP IS ON CBS RIGHT NOW!
THE #NWSLCHAMPIONSHIP IS ON CBS RIGHT NOW!
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

6 minutes of stoppage time

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

74': Orlando sub - Julie Doyle is in for Ally Watt.

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

70': Yellow card for Barbra Banda after a 50-50 challenge in the midfield.

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

Marta's mom is watching her play in the USA for the first time 🥹

Such an incredible moment 🏆#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/nLw02l3pfs
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

62': CHANCE! Banda finds Marta at the top of the box, who takes a shot towards goal, but it's juuust barely off target.

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

Tara McKeown chases Barbra Banda and gets the ball back 💪#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/cerb3uePRN
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

66': Orlando sub - Summer Yates is in for Adriana.

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

IT HAD TO BE BARBA BANDA!#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/a3GdaBG3qB
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Barbra Banda making history with the first goal of the #NWSLChampionship game! pic.twitter.com/F6KS57hTFD
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) November 24, 2024

46': Second half is underway!

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

Back in action at the #NWSLChampionship
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 24, 2024

50': Yellow card to Paige Metayer after tripping up Adriana

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

This Rosemonde Kouassi header was right at goal but Anna Moorhouse...SAVES IT!#NWSLChampionship #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/1uc5hSUvJ3
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Another angle of Barbra Banda’s INSANE goal 💜#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/uL1Dfbi0GF
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

5 minutes of stoppage time

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

43': CHANCE! Marta on the wing dances in front of two defenders and creates space for herself, firing a ball into the 6 that's parried away by Kingsbury.

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

Big moment @BarbraBanda11 💪#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/xRv5dXfdk5
— NWSL on ION (@IONNWSL) November 24, 2024

42': Yellow card to Hal Hershfelt after a foul on Angelina

1-0 | #ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

BARBRA. BANDA. 😤

She scores her 4th goal of the NWSL Playoffs to give @ORLPride the lead in the #NWSLChampionship

🎥 @NWSL pic.twitter.com/jHgGeXu58h
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) November 24, 2024

PURE BANDA-MONIUM!!!

Barbra Banda scores the opening goal in the #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/5oK0B1h50m
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Taking nothing away from The incredible Barbra Banda 👏🏾. But for me that’s a foul on Lacy Santos in the build up all day long. Should have been called. #NWSLChampionship #Nwsl
— Lianne Sanderson (@liannesanderson) November 24, 2024

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, in grey, clears the ball during the first half... — Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, in grey, clears the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at KC Stadium against the Orlando Pride, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)(Reed Hoffmann | AP)

28': Yellow card to Rosemonde Kouassi after she drags down Barbra Banda#ORLvWAS #NWSLChampionship
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) November 24, 2024

We've seen the Trin Spin™ now it's time for the Trin Tackle™ #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/y2QUrtEJ0M
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (10) battle for... — Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) and Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the NWSL championship at KC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)(Reed Hoffmann | AP)

The biggest stage.
The brightest lights.
And now, a SOLD-OUT crowd 🏆

The 2024 #NWSLChampionship is set to be a night for the history books and we can’t wait for tonight!

Watch on CBS at 8 PM ET 📺 pic.twitter.com/yyZU1OTVVn
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

M-A-R-T-A
M-A-R-T-A
M-A-R-T-A#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/vyKgkLxgIz
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

The stars are in the house for the #NWSLChampionship 🫶

📸: @NWSL pic.twitter.com/sK0rnD1WhI
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) November 24, 2024

The Commish and her mom 🥰@JessicaBerman1 | #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/RKJ5fvYz6o
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

Marta arriving in style for the #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/9Xr63OwwbE
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) November 24, 2024

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT 🏆 #nwslchampionship pic.twitter.com/6jyyiP5HDp
— Cleveland Pro Soccer (@cleprosoccer) November 23, 2024

Taking the pitch for the #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/OVxAOWrGfD
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 24, 2024

It’s been a phenomenal season in the @NWSL. Congratulations to both @orlpride and @washingtonspirit on making it to the Championship! Good luck to both teams and everyone who helped make a great night happen. pic.twitter.com/wK2fpV0N9s
— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) November 23, 2024

The 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominees and @nationwide kicked off their morning with WeCode KC, a minority and woman-owned nonprofit dedicated to empowering local youth through tech innovation! 💻🙌 pic.twitter.com/LfQjIlU8Ch
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

TONIGHT! See Melissa perform the national anthem at the @nwsl championship game! Tune in on @CBSNewsEnt and @paramountplus! #TeamME #NWSL pic.twitter.com/Ou530qxUw1
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) November 23, 2024

The biggest stage.
The brightest lights.
And now, a SOLD-OUT crowd 🏆

The 2024 #NWSLChampionship is set to be a night for the history books and we can’t wait for tonight!

Watch on CBS at 8 PM ET 📺 pic.twitter.com/yyZU1OTVVn
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

Everything we got 💛

Tune in to the NWSL Championship on CBS at 8PM ET! pic.twitter.com/nPzArOBETX
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 23, 2024

#KCBABY can never be unseen 🗣️

All @NWSL fans going to @kcstadium can’t miss us 👏 pic.twitter.com/btigi7i5fm
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) November 23, 2024

Championship Weekend is underway in Kansas City! Yesterday, our CEO, @PattiPhillips10, spoke to a room full of talented pro athletes as part of the @NWSL “Beyond the Field” inaugural professional development program. Patti provided the participants with tools and guidance to help… pic.twitter.com/SC2EPzTZf8
— Women Leaders in Sports (@_WomenLeaders) November 23, 2024

We’re all in 🏆

Catch the #NWSLChampionship presented by Google Pixel TONIGHT at 8PM ET on CBS! pic.twitter.com/BoY2Q9bd4t
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

It's our final one in 2024 😤

Here's what you need to know and how to tune in to tonight's @NWSL championship ⬇️
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 23, 2024

Welcome to the Soccer Capital of America, @NWSL 👋🏙️ https://t.co/Y1bzgidNfZ
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) November 23, 2024

One word to describe our pitch: PRISTINE 🤌

Shoutout to our ALL FEMALE grounds crew at @kcstadium - a first in @NWSL history 👑 pic.twitter.com/2OTB9neN
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) November 23, 2024

The @NWSL Championship is tonight!

Good luck to the @ORLPride and @WashSpirit! pic.twitter.com/yWjvWK6cvR
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) November 23, 2024

It all comes down to this 🏆

2024 NWSL Championship presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/xQmJ6Z7cVd
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 23, 2024

We’ve been proud to show off Kansas City and surrounds this week to guests from around the world.

It wouldn’t happen with a great team working to put on events and great fans. It was an honor to spend time with many last night at the @NWSL skills challenge! pic.twitter.com/FgNPHWFUpS
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) November 23, 2024

IT'S A BIG DAY IN #KCBABY 🏆

For all fans today - plan ahead & arrive early for the @NWSL Championship 👇 pic.twitter.com/E1wuI9tTLR
— KC Stadium (@kcstadium) November 23, 2024

CHAMPIONSHIP DAY 💛

📍: KC Stadium
🆚: Orlando Pride
⏰: 8PM ET
📺: CBS @paramountplus
📻: @espn630dc #ThatsTheSpirit pic.twitter.com/iLNf8QgwYF
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 23, 2024

At CK Stadium this morning previewing the historic @NWSL Championship match tonight!
Tune into KCTV5 at 7 p.m. for the match between the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit ⚽️ @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/3nqlVXesnx
— Joe Hennessy (@JoeKCTV5) November 23, 2024

THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TODAY !!
THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TODAY !!
THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TODAY !!
THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TODAY !!
THE NWSL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TODAY !!
— KC Stadium (@kcstadium) November 23, 2024

Sun not yet up but championship day arrives. Thanks again to all who have gotten us here. Athletes, coaches, staff, partners, ers, media. Takes a village and the village keeps getting bigger! Tune in tonight @CBSSports! #nwslchampionship pic.twitter.com/O7g3Bn7HzK
— Jessica Berman (@JessicaBerman1) November 23, 2024

Friday:

En Route to Kansas City 🛫⚽️🏆
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) November 22, 2024

“To be able to play in front of friends and family at an exclusively women’s stadium is so exciting!” @ORLPride Midfielder Haley McCutcheon (@hay_hanson) from Olathe talks about what it will be like to play for the @NWSL Championship in her hometown at @kcstadium pic.twitter.com/1UITdxUz9V
— Ken Price (@kenny_photog) November 22, 2024

All of the good vibes at the @NWSL championship press conference 😊 pic.twitter.com/jv3Aar7Gkn
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 22, 2024

Feeling the Spirit 🫶

One more go with this team 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Xi5EaKqz2k
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 22, 2024

🔊 Final touches (ASMR edition) #TeamPixel | @madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/gjIXPL0EsY
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 22, 2024

“To be here and to be able to in front of friends and family at an exclusively-women stadium is so exciting,” Orlando's...
Posted by KCTV5 News Kansas City on Friday, November 22, 2024

NWSL commissioner Berman says the expansion process has been narrowed down to three cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Denver.
— Sandra💙💯⚽️ (@Sandherrera_) November 22, 2024

The moment TC6 found out she won @NWSL MVP 🥹

Core memory for her & our club 🩵 pic.twitter.com/jYsjoG4WHy
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) November 22, 2024

The club’s very first MVP in her FIRST @NWSL season…Temwa Chawinga 🏆#TEMVP 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/rzSJhicAoh
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) November 22, 2024

2024 was the year of Temwa 🩵

Temwa Chawinga is the 2024 NWSL MVP! pic.twitter.com/2qU4Gl2cBX
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 22, 2024

Temwa Time!

The star current forward has been named NWSL MVP. https://t.co/BjDAxh6VUg
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) November 22, 2024

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KCTV5 (@kctv5)

Good morning from @kcstadium Kansas City, surrounds, and viewers across America! pic.twitter.com/AgBy8hY3oT
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) November 22, 2024

Kansas City is home to the first-ever stadium built for a women’s professional sports team.

Now, the one-of-a-kind arena is preparing to host the @NWSL Championship. @danajacobson got an up-close look at the meaning behind KC Stadium: “You want everyone to have a home here.” pic.twitter.com/ejJsA1Oqy6
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 22, 2024

KC here I come! On my way to the #NWSL Championship! pic.twitter.com/z05YZwT5Sw
— Lisa (Roman) Carlin (@LisaCarlin32) November 21, 2024

Sometimes my Job sends me to cool events! @NWSL Championship Media Day! pic.twitter.com/HDVTlHru2Q
— Ken Price (@kenny_photog) November 21, 2024

Sup KC 👋 pic.twitter.com/qY5g2w9co8
— Orlando Pride - x (@ORLPride) November 21, 2024

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBS Mornings (@cbsmornings)

The #NWSLChampionship presented by Google Pixel takeover of KC has begun 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ybl16X7xzS
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 21, 2024

Next up, KC ✈️ pic.twitter.com/a9mVUn2Y
— Washington Spirit - x (@WashSpirit) November 21, 2024

Buckle up Kansas City, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship is just hours away right here in Kansas City!
Posted by KCTV5 News Kansas City on Thursday, November 21, 2024

Touched down in KC!

The Orlando Pride have arrived for the #NWSLChampionship 💜 pic.twitter.com/bOarD1y60c
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 21, 2024

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.

Latest News

News

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said two Pettis County sheriff's deputies were shot while...

Two teens seriously injured after car strikes animal and overturns

Updated: moments ago

|

By Katie Byrd

Two teens were transported to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries after striking an animal on 69 Highway.

News

Kansas City police ask public for information in fatal apartment shooting

Updated: 18 minutes ago

|

News

Missing woman Karen Thompson

Silver Alert canceled: missing 70-year-old woman has been found safe

Updated: 22 minutes ago

|

By Katie Byrd

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department has issued an endangered silver advisory alert for a missing woman.

News

Desert storm veterans reunite

‘We Became Family’: Desert Storm Veterans Reunite After 34 Years

Updated: 27 minutes ago

|

By Ryan Hennessy

More than three decades after serving together in Operation Desert Storm, of the US Army’s 47th Battalion gathered in Odessa for a reunion filled with laughter, memories – and the unmistakable smell of Kansas City barbeque.

News

First Warn 5 Forecast - June 7

Updated: 27 minutes ago

|

Latest News

Weather Forecast

What to know for Saturday with a First Warn Weather Day impacting early morning activity.

First Warn Sunday for the possibility of severe weather. Gorgeous weather returns Monday

Updated: 55 minutes ago

|

By Mike Nicco

The first item you need to be aware of is the First Warn alert for the chance of severe storms. A quick moving cold front ignites storms around 2pm, possibly reaching severe levels by 3pm. The risk is 2/5 with very large hail, up to baseball size, and damaging wind gusts.

News

Saturday afternoon police standoff near 16th and topping

UPDATE: Man in custody after police standoff ends at residence near Van Brunt Park

Updated: 2 hours ago

|

By Katie Byrd

Negotiators and police continue to surround a metro residence in efforts for a man to exit after a disturbance call.

News

Man and woman taken to hospital after crash near Cameron

Updated: 2 hours ago

|

By Katie Byrd

A man and woman were taken to an area hospital to recover from injuries they sustained in a crash near Cameron.

News

Trost teaching pickleball in Hungary

KC man travels to Ukraine to teach war victims how to play pickleball

Updated: 4 hours ago

|

By Katie Byrd

A Kansas City pickleball instructor is heading to Ukraine to teach war victims how to play the sport.

News

A preliminary investigation from the Kansas Highway Patrol shows that the crash happened when...

Eight vehicle crash leaves two injured in Wyandotte County

Updated: 6 hours ago

|

By Katie Byrd

Two people are injured following a Saturday afternoon crash in Wyandotte County.

News

File- Kansas City Police Department

Kansas City police ask public for information in fatal apartment shooting

Updated: 9 hours ago

|

By Greg Dailey

Police said nobody remained at the hospital with the shooting victim, and there was no one to be found at the scene of the shooting.