NWSL 2024: How a Barbra Banda-inspired Orlando Pride turned their fortunes around
From missing out on the play-offs by a single point to currently being unbeaten in the NWSL, the Orlando Pride have turned their fortunes in their favour. But what is the secret behind this turnaround?
Football
Last season, the Orlando Pride agonisingly missed out on a place in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) play-offs on goal difference.
The season before, they were closer to the bottom of the table than the top six.
But this term, things have drastically changed for the better.
A complete transformation in fortunes has seen the Florida-based club flying high at the top of the table, six points clear of closest rivals, the Washington Spirit.
More impressively, they are unbeaten in the league, winning 14 and drawing five.
With just seven games remaining, they are on the brink of reaching the play-offs for the first time since its inception – but what is the secret behind this season’s success?
The arrival of Barbra Banda
Orlando Pride’s roster has never lacked of talent, especially with the presence of the legendary Brazilian forward Marta. National teammates Rafaelle and Adriana have also made their mark, becoming mainstay members of the team.
But it is perhaps the arrival of Barbra Banda this summer that is the most influential move they have made. For a team that missed out on making the play-offs on goal difference, it made perfect sense to pay up for a prolific striker who can make the difference in front of goal.
As soon as she laced up for the Pride, the hefty price tag on Banda’s name was made all the more worth it when she scored game after game after game. In just 15 appearances so far, the Zambia captain has scored 12 goals and provided five assists.
The tally has contributed significantly to their 36 goals so far this campaign, which ranks as the third-best in the league behind only the Spirit and KC Current.
At just 24, Banda has age on her side and is still a fair few seasons away from her prime. This could mark the start of a dynasty under head coach Seb Hines.
Legendary Brazil forward Marta.
Orlando Pride’s defensive record
For all of their excellent work in front of goal, it is their defensive work at the back that has given them their foundation for success. Hines’ side run a tight ship and the numbers don’t lie.
In 19 outings this term, they have conceded just 12 goals – this currently stands as the best defensive record in the league to date.
To put into perspective just how good this improvement has been from them – in 22 games last season, the Pride were scored against 28 times as they finished seventh. They would need to concede 16 times in three games to match that record this time around.
Better yet, English goalkeeper Anna Moorehouse has had a direct hand in keep 10 cleansheets with the help of Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, Cori Dyke, and Kerry Abello, who have all, for the most part, been mainstays at the back.
That kind of consistency has allowed Hines’s side to establish core relationships in critical areas of the pitch, building connections and unity amongst his squad.
Just two years into their head coach’s tenure, the Pride seem to be on a fast track to success. From clever recruitment to a well-drilled side, Hines looks to be the coach to have finally unlocked their potential as they close in on their first piece of silverware.
Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines.
Orlando Pride: Remaining NWSL fixtures
Here are the Pride’s remaining fixtures as they look to secure a play-off place:
- 13 September: Orlando Pride vs KC Current
- 20 September: Bay FC v Orlando Pride
- 28 September: Orlando Pride v Houston Dash
- 06 October: Orlando Pride v Washington Spirit
- 11 October: Portland Thorns v Orlando Pride
- 20 October: Gotham FC v Orlando Pride
- 02 November: Orlando Pride v Seattle Reign