Orlando Pride’s head coach Seb Hines was full of praise for Copper Queens’ captain Barbra Banda following her impressive first start in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The Pride gaffer described Banda’s first start in Prides’ colours as phenomenal and believes she is an asset to the team.
Banda scored a goal and assisted another as Orlando Pride beat Washington Spirit 3-2.
Banda also went on to win a penalty which was converted by Summer Yates.
“Yeah, she was phenomenal. Threatening in behind, holding up the ball, she was a true No. 9 today. You saw a lot of elements of her game. I know last week, we only saw a snippet of it, but today it was a complete performance with a goal, an assist, and she won the penalty as well,” Hines said.
“So I thought she caused a lot of problems for Washington’s backline. Again, it’s difficult at the end. You’re down to 10 players, she’s the lone player up top and her desire to go out and just try and put pressure on the players, and hold the ball up, and still threatening behind in the 90 plus 10th minute. So, credit to her and what a great asset she’s been to the team.”
