May 1, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Orlando Pride News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Pride (4-0-3, 15 points) used three first-half goals, a first in Club history, to lead the way to a 4-1 win over the North Carolina Courage (4-3-0, 12 points) on Wednesday night at INTER&Co Stadium. The Pride have also now totaled goals over their last 11 matches, dating back to Sept. 17, 2023, setting a new Club record.
Barbra Banda scored two goals and assisted on another in just her third NWSL appearance for Orlando, having now contributed to five goals over the last two matches.
Orlando forward Ally Watt opened the scoring on a first-half pass from Banda. Watt has now scored in back-to-back games at home against North Carolina, the previous in 2023 marking the fastest in Club history, and third of her career against the Courage, the team that drafted her in 2020.
Banda was able to record a brace with goals in both the first and second half. The brace and assist made Banda the first player in NWSL history to have goal and assist in her first two starts and the first player with five goal contributions in her first two starts.
After getting an assist in the Pride’s last match, defender Julie Doyle scored her first goal of the season in first-half stoppage time.
Orlando will remain at home for its next match, a quick turnaround at INTER&Co Stadium to take on Racing Louisville this Sunday, May 5. The match can be seen nationally on NWSL+ or locally on Bally Sports Sun.
Scoring Summary
29′ Ally Watt (Barbra Banda) – ORL 1, NC 0
Just over halfway through the first half, the Pride broke onto the scoreboard first with an Ally Watt finish. Barbra Banda led an Orlando attack down the left side of the field before sending a lead pass to Watt, who was able to squeeze past two Courage defenders and send in a shot past the goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.
40′ Barbra Banda (Ally Watt) – ORL 2, NC 0
With the end of the half approaching, Orlando extended its lead on another Banda-Watt connection. Banda controlled the ball at the center circle and sent in a pass to Watt on the outside of the Courage defense. Watt dribbled and sent a cross from just inside the box in front of goal to Banda who directed in the shot for a two-goal lead.
45+2′ Julie Doyle – ORL 3, NC 0
Just moments later, in stoppage time, Julie Doyle punched in her first goal of the season. Banda yet again led an Orlando attack deep into the Courage defense and took a shot in the middle of the box….