Zambia captain Barbra Banda delivered a decisive performance as Orlando Pride defeated Houston Dash 3-1 to claim their first victory of September and hand interim head coach Yolanda Thomas a winning start.
Banda was involved in all three Orlando goals as the Pride dominated at home following a 90-minute weather delay.
The hosts made their early pressure count in the 14th minute when Banda raced down the left and threaded a cross into the box.
Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell made the initial save, but the ball rebounded off defender Leah Klenke and into the net for an own goal.
Orlando continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage shortly before half-time.
Summer Yates was brought down inside the area by Klenke in the 42nd minute, leaving the referee with little hesitation in awarding a penalty.
Banda stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
It was the Zambia international’s first penalty for Orlando Pride and took her tally for the 2026 season to 14 goals.
The strike also saw Banda set a new single-season scoring record for the club, surpassing the mark she established in 2024, which had matched Marta’s 2017 record.
And with seven matches still remaining, Banda has time to extend that record further.
She then turned provider 18 minutes into the second half.
Leading a counter-attack alongside Banda, McCutcheon received the ball from the Zambian before producing a spectacular left-footed volley into the top corner to put Orlando 3-0 ahead.
Houston managed a consolation goal, but the Pride held on to secure three valuable points.
The defeat extended Houston’s difficult run, with the Dash now having lost three consecutive matches.
Orlando’s dominance over Houston in recent meetings also continued. The Pride have now won five of their last six encounters with the Dash, with the other meeting ending in a draw.
The victory was also a significant one for Thomas, who took charge on Tuesday. She became the first interim head coach in Orlando Pride history to win her opening match in charge.
For Banda, the performance further underlined her importance to Orlando’s attacking threat.
Her 14 goals put her second on the league’s scoring chart, behind Ashley Sanchez, who has 18.
The match also featured the debut of Norwegian forward Sanne Lekven, who came on in the 78th minute.
Orlando will now look to carry their momentum into their next fixture when they travel to face Kansas City Current next Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 ET.
