Banda scores twice as Pride prevail at Seattle to stay atop NWSL

Barbra Banda scored two goals on Sunday as the Orlando Pride defeated the Seattle Reign 3-2 at Lumen Field, putting them at the top of the NWSL to close out the weekend.

The Pride (7-0-3) remain undefeated and have won seven straight games, tying a league record set by the Reign in 2014. The Pride and the Kansas City Current are the lone two undefeated teams this season.

“I think most importantly, there’s the win — and a win away from home as well,” Pride coach Seb Hines said. “It’s something we talked about last year, picking up more points away from home.”

Emily Sams opened the scoring for the Pride in the 9th minute, scoring her first professional goal from the top of the box.

Banda headed in Adriana’s cross 10 minutes later, doubling Orlando’s lead.

Angharad James-Turner’s shot was deflected into the upper right corner just before the halftime whistle, putting Seattle on the board.

Just a few minutes into the second half, Bethany Balcer equalized for the Reign (2-7-1). Jess Fishlock sent a pass over the top, which Balcer ran onto and finished into the left corner for her fourth goal of the year.

A Pride corner kick in the 58th minute bounced once in the box before Banda volleyed in her second goal of the match.

“I thought the first 43 minutes of the game we were really good,” Hines said. “I thought we played some terrific football, played some good lines, caused Seattle a lot of problems. And to concede so late on in the first half is something that we need to reflect and review moving forward. The second half, it was a grind. It was great determination, getting through that adversity, as well, [after] conceding so early in the second half to come back and get that third goal was really important for us.”

Banda has six goals and two assists in just five NWSL starts.

Balcer received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute and will miss the Reign’s next game.

If you go …

Pride vs. Thorns

When: Friday at Inter&Co Stadium, 7

TV: Bally Sports Florida