1. It's not too late to join the #BandaWagon.
2. Barbra Banda played a part in every goal for the Orlando Pride en route to the team's 3-2 victory on the road against the Washington Spirit. The Zambian international's soccer IQ, speed, and creativity were on full display at Audi Field, and NWSL fans far and wide got a great glimpse of what to expect from the talented forward in 2024.
3. Twelve points through six games played. There's still many more games to play, but the Pride are looking like early NWSL contenders.
4. Angelina, who was mentioned as an early contender for the NWSL MVP award via ESPN's NWSL MVP Tracker, showed why in the nation's capital on Friday night. The Brazilian midfielder scored an incredible goal following superb delivery into the penalty box by Banda. The goal was Angelina's first for Orlando, and at the rate she is playing, fans can expect many more to come.
5. Speaking of many more goals to come...Summer Yates scored her third goal of the season, and it ultimetly proved to be the game-winner — her second of the season. Banda drew a foul in the penalty box, and with Marta on the bench, many fans and followers of the league, including myself, expected the forward to step up to take the kick, but when Angelina handed the ball off to Yates, everyone knew the ball was going into the back of the net before she put the ball down.
6. Barbra's goal, the second of the night, was not particularly special — a header from close range that powered past Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. What was special, however, and may be overlooked was the flick on by Julie Doyle from Yates' corner kick. Doyle has been reliable and relentless for the Pride every time she's on the pitch, and while she isn't always on the score sheet, her strong form has been crucial to Orlando's results in 2024.
7. Brianna Martinez was shown two yellow cards and a subsequent red card on the night, which means she will be unavailable for the Pride's home match against the North Carolina Courage on May 1. Overall, though, she and the back line for the Pride had a solid outing. A few defensive lapses were capitalized on by the Spirit, but after Martinez's exit, Orlando did an excellent job of bunkering down to protect the lead against one of the best teams in the league to date.
8. Saturday's match was the first of three in a 10-day window, with Orlando returning home to prepare for a showdown against the Courage on May 1 before hosting Racing Louisville for Star Wars Night at INTER&Co Stadium on May 5. While the Pride will want to celebrate this road win, ensuring points at home in the next two matches will be top of mind for all involved within the club.
