By 
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) top scorers, Barbra Banda and Malawian forward Temwa Chawinga, traded goals in their matchup when Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current squared off on Saturday night.
However, it was the Zambian who ended up the happier one at the end of the match following Orlando Pride’s 2-1 victory over Kansas City Current in a top-of-the-table encounter.
Both teams were unbeaten heading into the match, and Banda was determined to maintain her team’s unbeaten run by drawing first blood in the 37th minute, moving a goal clear of Chawinga in the race for the golden boot.
This marked yet another record for the Zambian skipper, who officially became the first player in NWSL history to reach 12 goals in less than 16 appearances.
Read more: Barbra Banda shines again, scores twice as Orlando Pride thrash Utah Royals 6-0
But Chawinga restored parity both on the top scorers chart and in the match proceedings, equaling Banda’s 12 strikes and making the scoreline 1-all, respectively.
A Carrie Lawrence red card late in the first half put the Pride in an uncomfortable situation, but a second-half penalty by Marta silenced the home fans and proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The win means Orlando Pride is top of the table with 38 points, three clear of Kansas City Current, who are in second place.
The NWSL would now enter the Olympic break as players report for international duty for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, those who remain in the USA will participate in the first-ever NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, which will begin on Friday, July 19.
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