Banda of Zambia keeps up her good play as Orlando Pride defeats Seattle Reign FC

With seven consecutive victories, Orlando Pride tied a National Women’s Soccer League record set by their opponent during the 2014 campaign, thanks in large part to a brace from Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda.

The Pride defeated Seattle Reign FC (2-7-1, 7 points) 3-2 on the road, opening the 2024 season with a 10-game unbeaten streak with to a brace from Barbra Banda and Emily Sams’ first goal of the game.

Sams scored Orlando’s first goal of the game and the defender’s first goal in his professional career. In the eighteenth minute, Banda put the game ahead 2-0, but the home team responded to even the score early in the second half.

After joining the Pride just five games prior, Banda scored her sixth goal—the game-winning goal—to complete the brace. With their victory on Sunday, the Pride defeated the Reign away from home for the first time ever.

With her brace, Banda’s NWSL goal total now stands at six. Additionally, it was the former Shanghai Shengli striker’s second brace in the US league.

On Friday night, at 7 p.m. ET at INTER&Co Stadium, the Pride will go on the league’s all-time win-streak record when they play Portland Thorns FC, a perennial powerhouse. With six wins in a row, the Thorns will also be coming into the game with a winning streak.