Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda put up a stunning performance for Orlando Pride to help the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) shield winners emerge 4-1 victors over Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL playoffs quarter-final.
Banda scored a first half brace after Haley McCutcheon’s opener to give Pride a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
A 56th minute VAR check confirmed Banda’s penalty and Brazilian Marta buried home Pride’s fourth goal of the game that rendered Stars’ by Jameese Joseph on the hour mark a mere consolation.
Banda’s countrymate Racheal Kundananji will take to the field on Sunday for Bay FC as they play Washington Spirit in the last eight.
The playoffs are played to crown the 2024 NWSL champions. Pride are the first team to secure a semi-finals spot and will face the winners of the match between Kansas City and NC Courage.
