Barbra Banda Makes NWSL History in Orlando Pride’s Victory
In a thrilling match on Friday night, Barbra Banda stunned fans by scoring the fastest hat trick in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history, leading the Orlando Pride to a 3-1 victory over the Utah Royals. Banda, making history as the first African player to achieve a hat trick in the NWSL, netted three goals within the first 38 minutes, marking the first such feat for the Pride.
The Zambian forward struck first in the sixth minute with a close-range shot from Ally Watt’s assist. Although Utah’s Brecken Mozingo equalized shortly after, Banda quickly restored Orlando’s lead. She intercepted a pass, dribbled past Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, and scored in the 37th minute before adding her third minute later with a powerful low strike from 14 yards out. With this performance, Banda ties for the season’s top scorer with seven goals.
Meanwhile, in another matchup, the Washington Spirit defeated the Seattle Reign 2-1, marking their first road win against Seattle since 2021. Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune and forward Ashley Hatch contributed to the victory with significant goals, highlighting an impressive performance from the squad.
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