Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda made history on Saturday morning as she netted a hat-trick to become first Orlando Pride player to do so in the club’s history – 10 Seasons in the NWSL.
Banda also ended her three match goal drought with the historical treble and all in just 32 minutes in the first half of the match.
It finally happened, and it had to be the Zambian international to make history as she has become an important player since her switch from Shanghai Shengli.
After 10 seasons of having multiple two-goal matches for players, Banda finally netted the first-ever hat trick in Orlando Pride history. Oh, and she did it all in the first half in their game versus the Utah Royals.
Banda got on the board early thanks to a ball from Ally Watt in the sixth minute slotting home from close range inside the box. Brecken Mozingo pulled Utah level eight minutes later.
Banda got her second after some hustle on a backwards pass by the Royals, using her pace nicely to go past the defense and the goalkeeper before slotting home with ease in the 37th minute to put the Pride back in the lead.
Banda then netted the third after a great long ball from Haley McCutcheon beating the Utah Royals goalkeeper at the near post.
Banda was withdrawn in the 72nd minute by coach Seb Hines and replaced with Brazilian legend Marta.
The Pride held on to win the match 3-1 despite a late charge from the hosts.
Compatriot Prisca Chilufya was an unused substitute while Grace Chanda did not make the match day squad.
The win takes the Pride to second place with 19 points after 10 games, two behind log leaders, Kansas City Current.
Banda has shot to the summit of the goalscorer chart with seven goals tied with Spanish forward Esther Gonzalez.
