Hat-trick hero Barbra Banda makes Orlando Pride history

Photo Credit - Orlando Pride.

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda ended her three-match goal drought in emphatic fashion, netting the first hat-trick in Orlando Pride’s history during their 3-1 away win over Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Saturday.

Banda opened the scoring at America First Field with only six minutes on the clock. Brecken Mozingo swiftly levelled matters for Utah Royals in the 14th minute. However, it was not enough to stop Banda claiming the match ball, as she added her second in the 37th minute, before completing her treble a minute later.

Ally Watt set up the opener, Banda's second stemmed from a stunning solo run, before a composed finish from Haley McCutcheon's assist for the third.

With seven goals and one assist in ten games so far this season, last season's CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year is currently the NWSL joint-top scorer alongside Gotham FC’s Esther González.

Compatriot Prisca Chilufya was an unused substitute, while Grace Chanda was not included in the matchday squad. Banda’s display will be great news for Zambia as they prepare for friendly matches against Banyana Banyana and Botswana in South Africa.