Orlando Pride’s interim coach Yolanda Thomas has disclosed what she told Barbra Banda before the match as the Zambian striker broke Marta’s regular-season scoring record during a 3-1 win over Houston Dash in the NWSL. She also highlighted how ‘togetherness’ played an important role in securing their first home win since July.
Pride’s evening got off to a perfect start when Banda crossed the ball into the six-yard box to force an own goal in the 14th minute. Stationed on the left wing, the striker made a run towards the byline before playing a ball into the centre, which Leah Klenke inadvertently put past her own goalkeeper.
Pride doubled their lead just before halftime through Banda, who stepped up from 12 yards and converted after Summer Yates was fouled in the box. With her 14th regular season goal of the campaign, the Zambian broke the record she shared with Marta, who netted 13 in 2017.
Banda was at it again, teeing up Haley McCutcheon’s ferocious strike as Pride commanded a 3-0 lead at the Inter&Co Stadium. The visitors found a consolation goal through a Kalyssa van Zanten header at 73 minutes.
With Thomas’ first win, Pride sit 11th in the log, five points off the playoff spot, with 29 points. They lead Houston Dash by three points in the 2026 NWSL league table with seven matches left to play.
Speaking in a post-match interview, interim coach Thomas said, “I’m so proud of what this group was able to accomplish on a really difficult week. The commitment to pour everything we absolutely had in us and leave it on the field and get three points was amazing to watch. The togetherness was incredible.”
Astonishingly, for the first time since joining Pride in 2024, Banda took and scored a penalty for the club. When quizzed about whether Thomas now has Banda as her first-choice penalty taker, the gaffer replied, “It was about time that she took a penalty. She takes penalties for Zambia all the time. She’s more than capable. So, I’m happy that she felt confident enough to step up. A lot of times she’s the one earning it, and sometimes it’s tough to step up after you’ve just gotten beat down.”
About Banda scoring the record-breaking goal against Houston Dash, Thomas revealed, “I challenged her with a golden boot race before this game. I said, ‘It’s time to get back in it.’ So I’m happy that she responded.”
Pride will look to build on that victory as they pay a visit to Kansas City Current on September 12 for their next NWSL match. Meanwhile, Houston Dash will host Utah Royals a day later.
