Barbra Banda Sets Record with Historic Hat-Trick in the NWSL
Barbra Banda scored the fastest hat-trick in National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) history last Friday, leading Orlando Pride to break a three-game winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Utah Royals.
The Zambian national team player scored three goals in the first 38 minutes of the match, achieving the first hat-trick in the team’s history and also the first by an African player in the NWSL.
Banda opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a close-range shot after a pass from Ally Watt.
After Brecken Mozingo tied the game in the 14th minute, Banda gave the Pride (6-3-1) the lead again with a 2-1 score, after intercepting a pass, dribbling past Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, and sending the ball into the net in the 37th minute.
A minute later, Banda completed his hat-trick with a powerful low shot that beat McGlynn from 14 yards, establishing the final 3-1. With these goals, Banda tied as the top scorer in the NWSL this season, with seven goals.
Utah (1-7-2) now has a draw and four losses in its last five matches.
Washington Spirit Defeats Seattle Reign with Ashley Hatch Goal
In another Friday match, the Washington Spirit defeated the Seattle Reign 2-1, thanks to Ashley Hatch’s goal in the 35th minute, which was her fifth goal of the season.
This victory represents the first away win for Washington (6-3-1) against Seattle since 2021, and also the first at Lumen Field, the Reign’s permanent home since 2022. The Spirit has won all five of its away games this season.
Croix Bethune, midfielder for the Spirit, scored her first goal since June 2023, following a cross from Casey Krueger in the 11th minute, establishing a 1-0 lead.
The Reign (4-4-2) tied with a goal by Shae Holmes in the 17th minute, the first in the 25-year-old defender’s professional career.
Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock, a veteran, returned from injury and made her 201st regular season appearance in the NWSL, coming off the bench in the 61st minute.
Washington outshot Seattle, with a score of 17-7, and also had more ball possession (53%).
