Barbra Banda struck her second brace of the season, but Orlando Pride were beaten 4-2 by Washington Spirit in an eventful National Women’s Soccer League encounter.
Orlando came into the match seeking a response after a 3-2 defeat to Racing Louisville—a game in which Banda also scored twice—but it was the visitors who made a blistering start.
Sofia Cantore stunned the Pride with two goals inside the opening five minutes, registering the fastest brace from kick-off in NWSL history.
She opened the scoring after just two minutes with a powerful strike from range, before doubling the lead three minutes later following a swift counter-attack, both efforts assisted by Trinity Rodman.
Orlando were handed a route back into the contest in the 29th minute when Banda won a penalty after being fouled by Esme Morgan. However, Ally Lemos saw her spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.
Banda quickly made amends. From the resulting corner, she reacted fastest to turn home from close range in the 33rd minute, assisted by Rafaelle Souza. Six minutes later, the Zambia captain struck again, finishing from inside the box after a cross by Oihane Hernández to level the match at 2-2.
Parity, however, proved short-lived. Claudia Martínez restored Washington’s lead in the 55th minute with a composed finish from the centre of the box, before Rodman added a fourth in the 71st minute, converting from close range after being set up by Rosemonde Kouassi.
The defeat leaves Orlando Pride 11th in the standings, while Washington Spirit climb to second place.
Despite the loss, Banda’s brace takes her tally to seven goals for the season, keeping her at the top of the NWSL scoring charts. Orlando will look to respond in their next fixture when they host the North Carolina Courage.
