Barbra Banda had a memorable game on Saturday morning (Central African time), leading the Orlando Pride to a 6-0 win over the Utah Royals. This victory exceeds the club’s previous best of 5-0, which it achieved twice against Sky Blue FC (2017) and Chicago Red Stars (2023).
Banda was, as usual, unstoppable, scoring twice and adding two assists. She assisted Marta’s second goal and Ally Watt’s sixth of the game. Summer Yates also scored for the Pride.
The Copper Queens Skipper etched her name in NWSL history. She became the first player ever to score 10 goals in her first 10 appearances. Banda also holds the record for the fastest player to reach four braces (four games with two goals each) in just 10 games.
“I think it’s the nature of the game; you can score and in some other games you can’t score,” Banda said after the game. “I think for me when I have an opportunity or a chance, I have to take it wisely. When I get a chance, I have to put the ball in the back of the net. If any game I didn’t score, I just have to go to my drawing board and work hard so that in the next game so I can find a goal.”
Banda rising in Orlando Pride’s all-time scorers chart
This amazing effort moves Banda into the top seven of the Orlando Pride’s all-time goal scorers, with Marta still leading the way with 35 goals.
The victory was critical for the Pride following two consecutive ties. They recaptured first place in the table with 32 points from 13 games, continuing their unbeaten streak. Their closest challenger, Kansas City Current, has 29 points.
Banda’s brace also solidified her lead in the Golden Boot contest. She currently has 10 goals and 5 assists, followed by Sophia Smith with 9 goals and 3 assists.
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