Barbra Banda brace not enough as Orlando Pride suffer defeat

Zambia women national team skipper Barbra Banda grabbed a brace but it was not enough to help Orlando Pride avoid defeat in their National Women’s Soccer League fixture at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday.

Banda’s Orlando Pride suffered a 4-2 defeat against Washington Spirit, which marked their third defeat of the campaign.

 

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Despite the loss, the Zambian forward, who netted in the 33rd and 39th minutes, brought her league tally to seven goals in seven matches.

Barbra Banda scored two quick goals

Sofia Cantore had scored two quick goals to put Washington Spirit before Banda replied with two quick goals to level the scores at 2-2.

However, Claudia Martinez scored in the 55th minute to regain Washington Spirit’s lead before Trinity Rodman fired home the fourth in the 70th minute.

 

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Reacting to the defeat, Banda said: “Bitter sweet moment- happy to be on target with a brace but again not enough to help my team get maximum points which was the target, unfortunately we fell short.

“We focus on the next one to try and get the win we want and need. We are Orlando Pride.”

The defeat left Banda’s Pride in 11th position with eight points from seven matches.