In an intense showdown in Seattle, the Orlando Pride secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Seattle Reign. The match saw Orlando take an early 2-0 lead, withstand a spirited comeback from the Reign, and ultimately reclaim the advantage to seal the win. Barbra Banda once again proved to be the difference-maker, scoring twice to lead the Pride to victory on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The game started on a high note for Orlando, with Emily Sams finding the back of the net just nine minutes into the match, putting the Pride ahead 1-0. Things quickly escalated as Barbra Banda, left unmarked at the back post, capitalized on the Reign’s defensive lapse to double Orlando’s lead in the 18th minute. The Reign’s defensive woes nearly continued moments later when Banda appeared to have scored a third for Orlando, but the goal was disallowed as she was judged offside.
Despite a rocky opening 20 minutes, Seattle managed to regain some composure and began to control possession, looking to claw their way back into the match. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Angharad James-Turner connected with a deflected shot from the top of the box, courtesy of a clever setup by Ji So-yun, leaving Orlando’s goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse with no chance to save it. The Reign went into halftime trailing 2-1 but with momentum on their side.
Seattle continued to press after the break, and their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute when Bethany Balcer latched onto a perfectly weighted long ball, outpaced her defender, and coolly chipped the ball over Moorhouse to level the score at 2-2.
However, Orlando’s Barbra Banda was not finished. In the 65th minute, she showcased her incredible skill and determination, squeezing past Olivia van der Jagt to reach a seemingly unreachable ball and fired it into the net, putting Orlando back in front. Despite their best efforts, Seattle couldn’t find another equalizer, and their chances were further diminished when Balcer was sent off in the 83rd minute, effectively ending their comeback hopes.
The defeat marks the Seattle Reign’s seventh loss of the season and their second consecutive match conceding three or more goals. The Reign now sit at 2-1-7, searching for answers as they look to turn their season around.
