Zambia’s national team captain, Barbra Banda, scored her first goal for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Saturday morning.
Orlando, who are still unbeaten in the NWSL after three wins and three ties, defeated Washington Sprit 2-3.
Barbra’s goal was the second of the night— a header from close range that beat Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. She also provided an assist and won a penalty for her team to round off her outstanding performance.
“I’m very happy and excited that I scored in my second appearance and I think I’m still motivated to want to make some more goals and more assists,” Banda said after the game.
Her coach, Seb Hines was also thrilled by Banda, describing her as her phenomenal and an asset to his team.
“Yeah, she was phenomenal. Threatening in behind, holding up the ball, she was a true No. 9 today” Hines said. “You saw a lot of elements of her game. I know last week, we only saw a snippet of it, but today it was a complete performance with a goal, an assist, and she won the penalty as well.”
Hines continued: So I thought she caused a lot of problems for Washington’s backline. Again, it’s difficult at the end. You’re down to 10 players, she’s the lone player up top and her desire to go out and just try and put pressure on the players, and hold the ball up, and still threatening behind in the 90 plus 10th minute. So, credit to her and what a great asset she’s been to the team.”
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