In what was the first matchup of the year between Zambian compatriots Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Banda scored the only goal of the contest as Orlando Pride edged Bay FC 1-0. She declared the NWSL champions’ intent to defend their title following the victory at the PayPal Park on Saturday morning.
Within ten minutes of the clash, Bay FC came close to scoring when Taylor Huff’s shot was parried away by Anna Moorhouse. Barbra Banda nearly broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 34th minute but for Emmie Allen tipping her attempt over the bar.
In the 57th minute, Caprice Dydasco’s ferocious left footed strike from outside the box deflected off the crossbar to the dismay of Bay FC. A second attempt at goal from Asisat Oshoala went just wide of the upright.
Orlando Pride finally got a reward for their domination of possession as Barbra Banda scored, punishing the home side for their missed opportunities. Bay FC was caught off guard when Carson Pickett took a quick free kick to unleash Barbra Banda on the left wing.
The Copper Queens attacker bolted towards the byline and cut inside before taking a right footed shot that deflected into the back of the net at 58 minutes.
Racheal Kundananji took matters into her own hands five minutes later, making a solo run from her own half towards Pride’s goal but failing to beat Moorhouse.
Triple Orlando Pride Win Over Bay FC.
Despite Kundananji and her teammates pushing forward in the final moments, Bay FC could not find an equalizer, thanks to some top-notch defending from Orlando Pride.
Orlando Pride have recorded three consecutive 1-0 victories over Bay FC since the start of last year with Barbra Banda directly contributing to all the goals. In three outings against Kundananji, Banda has won a penalty and scored two match-winning goals in the NWSL.
While Bay FC remain outside the playoff spots with their latest defeat, Pride have closed the gap on league leaders Kansas City Current. They now sit on 25 points from 12 matches, two behind KC Current, who still have a game in hand.
In the aftermath of the triumph, Copper Queens star Barbra Banda voiced her confidence in Orlando Pride’s bid to defend the NWSL Championship title.
“In November, we are coming back here,” declared Barbra Banda in a post match interview following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Bay FC at PayPal Park.
The PayPal Park will host the 2025 NWSL Championship final on November 22, with Orlando Pride one of the front runners to grace that fixture.
Next, Orlando Pride pay a visit to Racing Louisville on June 21 while Bay FC travel to NJ/NY Gotham a day later in the National Women’s Soccer League.
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