Barbra Banda returns to starting XI to secure vital win for Orlando Pride over Bay FC

Photo Credit – Orlando Pride.

Zambia international Barbra Banda returned to the starting XI and helped Orlando Pride to secure a 1-0 victory over Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League at PayPal Park on Saturday.

Catch her if you can ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/PAgxCyQzKW

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) June 14, 2025

The Copper Queens captain was benched alongside Marta, Summer Yates, and Cori Dyke during Orlando Pride’s dramatic win over the Houston Dash, but the four were restored in the starting XI as they took on Bay FC in California.

In the hotly contested fixture against Bay FC, who fielded Nigeria and Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala, Orlando Pride were forced to wait until the second half to score what turned out to be the winner.

Banda became the hero after she scored in the 58th minute to hand Pride their eighth victory in the league, pushing them up to second in the table with 25 points, two fewer than leaders KC Current.

The goal added to Banda’s growing reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in the league. She now has eight goals and provided one assist in 12 matches. She is a goal behind the current top scorer Esther Gonzalez.

Banda was substituted in the 89th minute, making way for fellow Zambian international Prisca Chilufya, who continues to grow into her role at Orlando.

Meanwhile, Grace Chanda was not part of the matchday squad for Orlando Pride.

Banda will hope to keep her starting role when Orlando Pride travel to face Racing Louisville FC in the league at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, June 21.