Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda scored her fourth brace of the season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Saturday, leading the Orlando Pride to a 6-0 win over the Utah Royals.
Banda was also involved in two other goals for the Pride, assisting Marta’s second goal and Ally Watt’s sixth of the game.
The Copper Queens became the first player ever to score 10 goals in her first 10 appearances. She was also 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’s scoring streak has also seen her move into the top seven of the Orlando Pride’s all-time goal scorers, with Marta still leading the way with 35 goals.
Marta praised Banda after the game, saying she was a major contributor to the team’s strong scoring rate.
“She works so hard. She works so hard defending and on offense. We know how fast she is and we need to work to put the ball in the space and a good position for her,” Marta said during a post-match press briefing. “I think we did good and that’s why we have the system. A couple of years ago we created a lot of chances but didn’t have that player to finish the service. This year with her and of course, because of her, it opens more space for other players. She scored two goals today but we had a lot of other chances from other players, so I think it’s collective work and we are happy to have her here and I hope she keeps doing that.”
The victory was vital for the Pride after two straight ties. They regained first place in the table with 32 points from 13 games, maintaining their unbeaten streak. Their closest competitor, Kansas City Current, has 29 points.
Banda’s brace also sealed her lead in the Golden Boot competition. She presently has ten goals and five assists, while Sophia Smith has nine goals and three assists.
READ MORE: Barbra speaks after setting two NWSL records in Orlando Pride historical win
