Zambian forward Barbra Banda scored a brace in a player of the match performance for Orlando Pride who thrashed Chicago Red Stars 4-1 in a NWSL playoff quarter final encounter.
Banda came into the match looking for her first goal since 29th September when she scored in the narrow win over Bay FC in the regular season.
The Copper Queens skipper got her goal in the 39th minute using her speed to get on the end of a brilliant Emily Sams long ball before slotting home with ease to double the lead.
Haley McCutcheon put Seb Hines side in the lead in the 26th minute with a close range headed goal.
Banda completed her brace in the 5th minute of the first half additional time again using her pace to beat the defence after a long searching ball from Ally Watt, slotting home from close range.
In the second stanza Banda was pulled in the box and after a 56th minute VAR check, the penalty was confirmed and the Brazilian legend, Marta buried home Pride’s fourth goal of the game.
Red Stars got a goal back at the hour mark after a blunder from Anna Morehouse, Jameese Joseph benefitting and burying it with ease.
The playoffs are played to crown the 2024 NWSL champions. Pride are the first team to secure a semifinals spot and will face the winners of the match between Kansas City and NC Courage.
Banda’s countrymate Racheal Kundananji will take to the field on Sunday for Bay FC as they play Washington Spirit in the last eight.
