Banda Scores on Return as Orlando Pride Fall to Seattle Reign
Zambia Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda marked her return from injury with a goal, but Orlando Pride suffered a 2–1 home defeat to Seattle Reign FC in their opening match of the season at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday evening.
Banda, who had been sidelined since August 2025 due to injury, made an immediate impact on her comeback by scoring the Pride’s equaliser early in the second half.
Seattle took the lead in the 24th minute through veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock after she was played through on goal by Nérilia Mondésir. The visitors could have extended their advantage before the break, but Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse produced several important saves to keep the home side within reach.
Orlando thought they had equalised in the 42nd minute when Rafaelle Souza headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the box.
The match was then halted just before halftime due to inclement weather, resulting in a delay of more than two and a half hours.
After play resumed, the Pride found their equaliser six minutes into the second half. Midfielder Haley McCutcheon released Banda down the left flank, and the Zambian forward drove into the box before calmly finishing to score her first goal of the new season in her first appearance since August 16, 2025.
Despite the momentum from Banda’s strike, Seattle regained control late in the match and netted the winner seven minutes from time to secure all three points.
The encounter also saw several professional and club debuts for Orlando, including Seven Castain, who made her professional debut after signing from Texas Christian University. Reagan Raabe and Solai Washington also made their first professional appearances as second-half substitutes, while defenders Hailie Mace and Hannah Anderson recorded their first appearances for the Pride.
Orlando Pride will return to action at home on March 20 when they host expansion side Denver Summit FC.
