The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the Player of the Month, presented by EA SPORTS, for May by the NWSL Media Association and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent.
Banda has exploded onto the scene in her first season in the NWSL, notching eight goals, seven of which came in May, and two assists in seven matches played. This past month, the Copper Queen recorded three braces, tying Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith for the league lead in braces. Banda also tied a Pride Club record for braces in a single season, previously set by teammate and fellow forward Marta in 2017.
The Zambian international has scored in five of her six starts this season and sits in second place on the Golden Boot standings via tiebreakers. Appearing in 515 minutes throughout the season, Banda has scored four of eight goals with her head. The four-headed goals have already tied the Pride record for most headed goals by a single player.
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Banda’s performance has helped the Pride to an undefeated start in the 2024 campaign, including the Club’s current eight-game win streak, setting a new league record. Through Week 10, Orlando sits atop the league’s standings with 27 points in 11 matches.
The NWSL Player of the Month, presented by EA Sports, is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league consistently, and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent.