Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been named the Player of the Month for May by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Banda, in her first season in the NWSL, has been on fire with eight goals, seven of which came in May, and two assists in seven matches played. She has tied the league lead in braces with three, matching Sophia Smith of Portland Thorns FC. Banda also equaled the Pride Club record for braces in a season set by her teammate Marta in 2017.
The Zambian international has scored in five of her six starts this season and is currently in second place for the golden boot standings. Banda has scored four of her eight goals with her head, which equals the Pride record for most headed goals by a single player in history.
Banda’s outstanding performance has helped the Pride maintain an undefeated start in the 2024 campaign, which includes their current eight-game win streak, setting a new league record. The team currently sits at the top of the league standings with 27 points in 11 matches.
The NWSL Player of the Month, presented by EA Sports, is chosen each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association and the league’s on-air broadcast talent. These selections are made based on the exceptional performance and impact of a player during that month.