Barbra Banda scores third straight goal in Orlando Pride win

Zambia women national team captain Barbra Banda scored yet again as Orlando Pride registered their first win of 2026 campaign in 3-0 win over Chicago Stars FC on Wednesday at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Ill.

Barbra Banda, Jacquie Ovalle and Hannah Anderson got on the scoreboard as Orlando ended the Stars’ nine-game unbeaten run at home.

 

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The Pride opened the scoring early after capitalising on a Chicago turnover. Midfielder Ally Lemos collected the loose ball and quickly connected with Banda, who turned under pressure, took a composed touch and finished cleanly while being challenged by a defender.

Goal marked Banda’s third in as many matches

The goal marked Banda’s third in as many matches to begin the season, while Lemos earned the first assist of her professional career.

Pride doubled their advantage through an impressive sequence initiated by rookie Solai Washington. Making her first professional start, Washington drove the ball toward the endline and delivered a precise low cross into the box.

Ovalle met the service with a back heel flick, guiding the ball past the Chicago goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.

Banda scored her third goal of the season in as many games. Banda has now scored five goals in her last three matches against Chicago after recording a brace against them in the 2024 NWSL.

The Copper Queens captain had announced her return to action from a lengthy injury lay-off with a goal for Orlando Pride last Sunday. Again, on Friday, Banda was the hero notching in the 61st minute to salvage 1-1 draw against Denver Summit FC at Inter&Co Stadium.

The one-time FIFA Best Women’s Footballer of the Year nominee was out of action for eight months. Banda had picked the injury during a draw against Malawian Temwa Chawinga-led Kansas City on August 16, 2025.

The Zambian had scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Pride before she picked the injury.

Banda and the Pride will travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium to face Gotham FC on Sunday, March 29.