Barbra Banda celebrates scoring for Orlando Pride - Photo Courtesy Orlando Pride.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda scored the only goal for Orlando Pride in their 1-0 win over Washington Spirit to secure Pride’s first-ever National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship title.
Banda’s 37th minute strike proved the difference as Pride defeated the Trinity Rodman inspired Spirit at the CPKC Stadium to add to the 2024 NWSL shield for the Florida-based club.
Banda’s arrival at Orlando Pride earlier this season injected a new level of energy and talent into the team that did not make the playoffs in 2023. The former Shanghai Shengli striker scored 17 goals and had seven assists in 25 matches for Pride.
“This award goes to Orlando Pride, thank you very much, everybody,” Banda screamed after she was named the 2024 NWSL Championship Most Valuable Player.
Banda’s countrymate Grace Chanda was also recognized at the championship ceremony as she walked to the podium to receive the winners’ medal. The midfielder was signed earlier this season but sat out the matches due to injury.
Pride not only lifted the championship trophy but will also earn the privilege of adding a star to the crest on its jersey to cement its accomplishment this season.
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