Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda scored a brace, assisted a goal, and was involved in Julie Doyle’s goal in Orlando Pride’s 4-1 win over North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League at INTER&Co Stadium on Wednesday.
The Pride have also now totaled goals over their last 11 matches, dating back to Sept. 17, 2023, setting a new club record. Banda scored two goals and assisted on another in just her third NWSL appearance for Orlando, having now contributed to five goals over the last two matches.
Orlando forward Ally Watt opened the scoring on a first-half pass from Banda. Watt has now scored in back-to-back games at home against North Carolina, the previous in 2023, marking the fastest in Club history, and the third of her career against the Courage, the team that drafted her in 2020.
Banda was able to record a brace with goals in both the first and second half. The brace and assist made Banda the first player in NWSL history to have a goal and assist in her first two starts and the first player with five-goal contributions in her first two starts.
After getting an assist in the Pride’s last match, defender Julie Doyle scored her first goal of the season in first-half stoppage time. Orlando will remain at home for its next match, a quick turnaround at INTER&Co Stadium to take on Racing Louisville this Sunday, May 5.