Copper Queens forward Barbra Banda scored a first half brace to help Orlando Pride to a record breaking eighth straight win in the United States of America National Women Soccer League regular season.
Heading into the match the Pride had tied the record set by the Seattle Reign in 2014 of seven consecutive wins.
Banda opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a headed goal after Portland Thorns failed to deal with a Marta corner kick.
The Zambian international doubled the lead ten minutes later after being put on her way by Marta, she went round the goalkeeper before slotting home from close range.
The Pride went to the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead after a dominant display in the opening 45 minutes.
Banda was withdrawn at the start of the second half and was replaced by Ally Watt thanks to a knock towards the end of the first half.
Thorns came back a bit stronger and started taking the game to Pride.
Isabella D’Aquila pulled one back for Portland in the 71st minute.
Pride however held on to win the match, 2-1 and set a new record for most consecutive wins in a regular season.
Banda has now scored eight goals tying Sophia Smith at the summit of the top goalscorers chart.
She has also contributed two assists and been involved in a further three goals (she won two penalties).
With this win Orlando Pride move to 27 points, opening a three point lead at the summit of the National Women Soccer League table.
Barbra Banda :
1 🇿🇲 2 🇿🇲 3 🇿🇲 4 🇿🇲 5 🇿🇲 6 🇿🇲 7 🇿🇲 8 🇿🇲
》8 games
》8 goals
》2 Assists
》2 Penalties won
Bring this form to the Olympics & i pray our midfielders learn how to create chances for you.
AFCON watch out! Pray for another political CAF ban for any chance of escaping her goals.
SHE IS DOING GOOD JOB