Zambia’s Banda helps Orlando Pride to beat Kansas City for final spot

Barbra Banda celebrates her goal for Orlando Pride – Photo Orlando Pride.

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda was key for Orlando Pride as she scored a goal and had an assist to help the National Women’s Soccer League shield winners Orlando Pride secure a championship final spot after beating Kansas City 3-2 at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday.

Pride will face Washington Spirit on Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City . Speaking after the game, an elated Banda said: “We are through to the final. Happy to have contributed in a small way with a goal and an assist. The fans were amazing again today. What an atmosphere. One more game to go.”

The Current took an early 1-0 lead in the first half, but just eight minutes later, Haley McCutcheon scored her second goal of the 2024 playoffs off a feed from Ally Watt. It was the second-straight match that McCutcheon and Watt connected for a goal. Watt also recorded her third assist, tied for second-most playoff assists all-time in NWSL history.

Shortly after half, Banda scored her league-leading third goal during the playoffs. She became just the third player in NWSL history to score three goals in a single postseason. Banda then assisted on Marta’s game-winning goal that would send the Pride to Kansas City for a chance at their first-ever NWSL Championship.

Highlights: Orlando Pride 3-2 Kansas City Current

The Pride advanced for a shot at the title after their most successful season in Club history, winning the NWSL Shield, presented by CarMax, and hosting their first-ever home playoff matches at Inter&Co Stadium.