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Want To See Brazilian Soccer Legend Marta Play? She Is Closer Than You Think

Associated Press
Brazil's Marta, right, and Canada's Jessie Fleming compete for the ball during the bronze medal match of the women's Olympic football tournament, in summer 2016.

Brazilian soccer legend Marta is expected to kick off the National Women’s Soccer League home opener Saturday against the Washington Spirit. Marta is the latest big name to join the Orlando Pride.

The five-time consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year touched down in Orlando on Thursday from Sweden. She is widely viewed as the greatest women’s soccer player of all time.

“It’s really got the potential to spark something big especially in central Florida for girls and for women’s soccer,” said Central Florida-based sports critic David Baumann. He predicts her presence will boost Orlando tourism, soccer game attendance, and attract other international athletes.

Marta signed a two-year contract with the Pride.

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Renata joined the WVIK News team in March 2014, as the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fellow. She anchors during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, produces features, and reports on everything from same-sex marriage legislation to unemployment in the Quad Cities.
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