ORLANDO, Fla. — Downtown Orlando was filled with a sea of purple on Monday afternoon as community members and fans honored the Pride for capturing the National Women's Soccer League championship.
Supporters dressed in the team's signature purple gear chanted, pounded on drums and cheered on the team and NWSL Coach of the Year Seb Hines as they rode down Orange Avenue in trolley cars in a spirited parade and thanked their fans for turning out.
Pride players stretched outside of the trolley cars, showing off forward Barbra Banda's championship game MVP trophy, their medals and the Supporters Shield they won for finishing the regular season as the league's best team. They also pulled out their cameras to capture the people who came out to congratulate the team.
The parade also included the Walt Disney World’s Main Street Philharmonic and Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and some of the Pride's most ardent fans followed along behind as the group moved down to Orlando City Hall to continue the celebration with community leaders and giveaways.
The Pride won the championhip Saturday when Banda scored in the 37th minute and the defense held on to give the team a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit.
It marked the first major professional sports championship for a team in Orlando.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he was thrilled to see the Pride bring Orlando its first championship, saying that is a significant accomplishment for the city.
"I think it elevates our status. We already are known as the top sports destination. But we're having what could be a really major year in the city of Orlando," Dyer said. "We have the potential of winning the men's championship as well. The Magic are playing really well, so I'm counting on three championships this season."
The Lions will host an MLS Eastern Conference final against the New York Red Bulls at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with the winner advancing to that league's championship.