Copper Queen captain, Banda, makes history with first hat-trick for Orlando Pride

Zambia’s Copper Queens captain, Barbra Banda, etched her name into the history books on Saturday morning, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The landmark achievement came in the club’s tenth season in the league, with Banda emphatically ending her three-match goal drought — netting all three goals within just 32 minutes of the first half against Utah Royals.

The Zambian international, who joined the Florida-based side from Chinese outfit Shanghai Shengli, has swiftly cemented her place as a key figure for Orlando Pride.

While the club had previously celebrated several two-goal performances over the years, it was Banda who finally delivered their elusive first hat-trick — and did so before halftime.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the 6th minute, calmly finishing inside the box after connecting with a precise pass from Ally Watt. Although Utah’s Brecken Mozingo leveled matters eight minutes later, Banda wasn’t done.

She restored Pride’s lead in the 37th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to race clear and slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Banda then completed her treble with a clinical finish at the near post, following a well-timed long ball from Haley McCutcheon, sending Pride into the break 3-1 ahead.

Banda was substituted in the 72nd minute, receiving a warm ovation from the home crowd as she made way for Brazilian legend Marta.

Despite sustained pressure from Utah in the closing stages, Orlando Pride held firm to claim a 3-1 victory.
Compatriot Prisca Chilufya remained on the bench, while Grace Chanda was not included in the matchday squad.

The win lifts Orlando Pride to second on the NWSL standings with 19 points from 10 matches, just two behind leaders Kansas City Current.

Banda’s remarkable display also saw her rise to the top of the league’s scoring chart with seven goals, level with Spain’s Esther Gonzalez.

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