Orlando Pride dropped points again in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville on Sunday morning. The defending champions missed two penalties at the Inter & Co stadium, narrowly avoiding defeat thanks to an own goal.
The hosts were the more proactive outfit in the first quarter of the contest before playing second fiddle to Racing Louisville as the first half progressed.
However, the first decisive moment of the contest came in the 43rd minute when Barbra Banda was brought down in the penalty box after making an exuberant run on the left. Pride was awarded a penalty, which Julie Doyle took, but Jordyn Bloomer saved it.
Bloomer came to the visitors’ aid again, tipping over a ferocious Barbra Banda shot that looked destined for the back of the net. The hosts paid the price for their missed chances in the dying embers of the first half when Marisa Viggiano gave Racing Louisville a lead in spectacular fashion.
In the 72nd minute, substitute Simone Charley won another penalty for Orlando Pride after getting fouled in the 18-yard area. The spot kick, awarded by the Video Assistant Referee, was missed by Angelina.
Pride forced an own goal off Ary Borges in the 93rd minute before Banda skied a good chance to win the match late on.
“Let Banda or Marta take the penalties.” – fans.
Orlando Pride now drift further away from the top spot in the NWSL and are now 12 points behind leaders Kansas City Current. The missed spot kicks will definitely haunt the NWSL holders.
In the absence of first-choice penalty taker Marta, Julie Doyle and Angelina took the spot-kick responsibilities, but both failed to convert.
The Copper Queens striker is a proven penalty taker with the Zambian women’s national team, demonstrating top-notch power, precision, and technique from 12 yards.
She also excels under pressure. In 2024, Banda’s late penalty helped Zambia qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics ahead of Morocco. A year prior, she etched her name in the record books by converting a penalty, which was the 1000th goal in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
However, at Orlando Pride, Barbra Banda has yet to even take a penalty despite winning a good number of them. Seven of the ten penalties Orlando Pride has had since Barbra Banda’s arrival at the club were won by her.
Even with the departure of secondary penalty taker Adriana, Barbra Banda does not take the spot kicks when Marta is absent, as evidenced by the most recent fixture.
Fans have lost patience with the club’s alternative penalty takers, calling for Barbra Banda to take up the responsibility.
@Zroy-d5n wrote, “Let Banda or Marta take the penalties.”
“All penalty strikers had no power on the ball and were very predictable. Next time give it to Banda.” @mrjmw7128 advised.
Next, Orlando Pride’s title credentials will be put to the test on August 16 when they face league leaders Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium.
