Barbra Banda restores gap from Temwa Chawinga in NWSL Golden Boot race

Zambia women’s national team captain Barbra Banda has restored her four-goal gap from Malawian Temwa Chawinga in America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Golden Boot race.

The 26-year-old Copper Queens’ on-field leader continued with her scoring spree for Orlando Pride FC on Saturday night.

However, Banda could not prevent her side from collapsing into a 3-1 loss to Denver Summit FC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.

BARBRA SCORES HER 9TH OF THE SEASON ‼️@Heineken_US | #VamosPride pic.twitter.com/9rH0VbhlmI

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 17, 2026

Barbra Banda provides only reply

The Zambian international provided the only scoring answer for the visitors with a 76th-minute finish for her league-leading ninth goal of the season.

She is now four goals away from Temwa Chawinga’s tally of five goals after the Malawian netted a double earlier for Kansas City Current FC in their 3-0 victory over Houston Dash on Saturday.

Orlando Pride suffers numerical disadvantage

Earlier, Eva Gaetino put Denver Summit ahead when she finished off a corner kick in the 10th minute of play for the hosts to lead 1-0 at the break.

Janine Sonis penalty kick extended the lead for the hosts in the 54th minute.

The night turned from bad to worse for Orlando Pride, who were reduced to 10 players after Angelina was sent for an early shower in the 63rd minute.

Banda’s team will return to league action when they visit San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, May 24 (7 p.m. ET; Victory+).