A goal each from Zambia’s skipper Barbra Banda and Malawian Temwa Chawinga, but it was Brazilian Marta who had the final say as ten-woman Orlando Pride handed Kansas City Current their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 win at CPKC Stadium on Saturday.
Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Elizabeth Ball. Banda’s goal was her 12th in 12 starts, setting a new record in NWSL history for the most goals scored in consecutive starts.
This remarkable achievement marks the second time Banda has broken her own personal record this season.
Both Banda and Chawinga entered the match tied on 11 goals each, both vying for the Golden Boot. With both teams unbeaten this season, it was a high-stakes encounter.
Banda’s goal came from a failed clearance in a dangerous area, allowing the Zambian international to slot it past Adrianna Franch and give Orlando Pride the lead.
The lead was short-lived, as Temwa Chawinga equalized, a minute later. She displayed individual brilliance, dribbling past Kylie Strom and Emily Sams before firing into the bottom corner past Anna Moorhouse.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 42nd minute when Orlando Pride’s Carrie Lawrence received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Chawinga, reducing Pride to ten players.
Despite being a player down, Orlando Pride remained resilient. Franch then brought Adriana down, resulting in a penalty expertly converted by veteran Marta in the 63rd minute.
What the results meant
This win put Orlando Pride in command of the of the league as they go top of the table with 38 points, three points clear of Kansas City Current. Orlando Pride also remains the only undefeated team this season. Banda and Chawinga continue their battle for the Golden Boot, now tied with 12 goals each.
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