Portland Thorns manager Rob Gale has lauded Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda for her impact in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) following her brace on Saturday morning.
The Zambian striker scored twice for log leaders Orlando Pride in their 2-1 win against Portland Thorns at the Exploria Stadium.
The clash between Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns was anticipated to be a nail-biting affair given that both teams had a winning streak to maintain.
Banda scored the opening goal for the hosts in the 30th minute with a powerful header from 12 yards. The 24-year-old doubled the lead for her side ten minutes later after she confidently rounded the goalkeeper and slotted into an empty net.
Her outstanding performance over the weekend has propelled her to the top of the NWSL scoring charts, with eight goals in seven games.
Orlando Pride top the table with 27 points from 11 games, having not tasted a single defeat. Meanwhile, Portland Thorns’ six-match winning streak came to an end as they remain fourth in the standings with 19 points.
Rob Gale praises Copper Queens skipper.
Portland Thorns coach Rob Gale praised Barbra Banda in the post-match interview after his side’s loss to Orlando Pride.
“She’s a physical, direct, transitional, very good player,” the Englishman said. “They [Orlando Pride] paid enormous amounts to get her, and you can see why.”
“Credit to them to bring her in and to bring her to this league. I think it’s great for the league; that level of talent,” the manager admitted.
The Zambian-born manager also emphasized how much of a trump card the Copper Queens striker was to her club.
“But without her, [they were a] different team. Second half, one team [Portland Thorns] tried to play and tried to get back into the game and win it. And I thought we were really good and probably should have come away with a point,” added Gale.
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Following the international break, Portland Thorns will host NC Courage on Matchday 12 of the NWSL while Orlando Pride will face San Diego Wave.
