Banda scores again as Orlando Pride edge Seattle Reign

Photo Credit - Orlando Pride Media.

Zambia international Barbra Banda was on target as Orlando Pride defeated Seattle Reign FC 1-0 at Lumen Field via a 1-0 on Saturday.

The Pride have now won their fourth straight match to start the regular season, becoming just the fourth team in NWSL history to do so. Banda’s lone goal came in the first half, her third of the season and her 16th regular season goal of her career. The 16 goals tie former Pride striker Sydney Leroux for the third most regular season goals in Club history.

The Pride struck first before the halftime whistle with Banda finding the back of the net. The ball went out to the right flank and found Summer Yates, who made a move to beat her defender to the endline and send a ball right in front of the net.

Banda was in the right place, at the right time and tapped it home for the early lead.

Pride coach Seb Hines was delighted after the game: “Really pleased and really happy. The parity within the league, it is so difficult to come away with three points away from home, so I am super proud of the players and the way they showed their character today.

“I thought we did a really good job of dictating play and passing the ball in certain moments. The goal was phenomenal. I thought Summer Yates, unfortunately she got injured, but I thought she was outstanding today and set a tone. That is just one player, but I thought there were some really good performances tonight. Then, towards the end when a team is trying to get back in the game, we showed character.”

With four wins and momentum firmly on their side, the Pride now return to Inter&Co Stadium to face long-time rivals Washington Spirit next Saturday, 19 April, at 5 p.m. ET.

With Banda in form, a deep squad, and a defense that refuses to be breached, Orlando is shaping up to be one of the league’s top contenders once again in 2025.