Copper Queens captain Barbara Banda has expressed satisfaction with her performance after scoring her 14th league goal in a historic breaking night helping Orlando Pride defeat Houston Dash 3-1 to claim their first victory this September.
Banda’s 14th goal set a new Orlando Pride single-season club record for goals scored by an individual player and also handed interim head coach Yolanda Thomas a winning start.
The Zambian striker converted her first-ever penalty kick in a Pride jersey in the 44th minute sending goalkeeper Jane Campbell the wrong way and is now four goals behind leading top scorer Ashley Sanchez, with 18 goals in this campaign.
Banda praised her teammates for their excellent support during the game.
“Nice to be back to winning ways and I am happy to have contributed with a goal and an assist. A great team effort to get the dub maximum points. It was a good team performance. We played well and used our chances. Great teamwork and I am happy.”
“We keep pushing….14 goals for the season and I will continue to work hard. It’s all about hard work and having supportive teammates,” Banda said.
After dominating the early stages of the match, the Pride took the lead in the 14th minute due to an own goal.
Banda made a run toward the end line and played a pass across the goal, which was deflected by Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell. The loose rebound then struck defender Leah Klenke and ended up in the back of the net.
Thirty minutes later, Summer Yates drew a penalty after being brought down inside the box, and Banda stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the first penalty kick of her NWSL career to double Orlando’s lead.
In the 63rd minute, the Pride increased their lead through Haley McCutcheon, who, after playing a one-two with Banda, unleashed a left-footed volley from just inside the box into the top corner.
