Banda, Copper Queen forward, shines at Orlando Pride, as team beat Washington Spirit 3-2 (Video)

Copper Queens forward, Barbra Banda, got off the mark in America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) by scoring in Orlando Pride’s 3-2 victory away to Washington Spirit on Friday.

Banda registered an assist, a goal and won a penalty kick in her first start for Orlando Pride.

The Copper Queens skipper made an assist for Angelina to open the scoring for the Pride, which coincidentally was also her first ever goal for the side.

After going into half time with scores level at 1-1, Banda then scored her goal off a corner kick before drawing a penalty that Summer Yates converted.

The Pride managed to hold onto the one-goal lead despite being down to 10 players for all 11 minutes of second-half stoppage time.

Orlando was now unbeaten through the first six games of the season, earning three points in each of its last three matches.

The Club had also scored goals in its last 10 matches, dating back to the 2023 season, tying a franchise record.

The Pride opened the scoring on the road after Barbra Banda got on the end of a ball sent up the field.

Banda whipped a cross into the penalty spot that found an oncoming Angelina who struck a volley into the back of the net for the lead.

The home team then restored parity minutes before the close of the first half, with Ouleymata Sarr breaking behind the Pride backline and sending a ball over the head of an onrushing Anna Moorhouse.

The Pride then took the lead back early in the second half after a corner kick from Summer Yates was whipped near the front post.

Julie Doyle managed to get a foot to it to flick it on and find the head of Banda who made no mistake in front of the goal.

The visitors then extended their lead shortly after Banda was taken down in the box and awarded a penalty kick.

Yates stepped up to the spot, sent the keeper the wrong way, and put the ball in the back of the net.

The Spirit pulled one back after Ashley Hatch was able to get a shot off that found the way through the hands of the Pride goalkeeper.

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