In a showdown between two struggling teams that are integrating players returning from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, it was the Orlando Pride who came out on top in Washington on Sunday.
Just three minutes into the match, Zambian striker Barbra Banda was able to beat Washington Spirit defender Élisabeth Tsé and dash down the field before shuttling the ball to a streaking Haley McCutcheon for the only goal of the game.
It was an emphatic reminder of just how much the Pride have been missing their top goal scorer.
“Barbra’s a player that, if you have her on the field, you always have a chance, and I think that the team really feels that,” McCutcheon said postgame. “So she carries a big weight in that way and she’s always a threat. So when defenders are attracted to her and she’s able to get a free window, we need to be there to exploit that.”
Despite missing three matches while playing for Zambia at WAFCON, Banda is just one goal off North Carolina Courage winger Ashley Sanchez in the NWSL golden boot race.
