It’s back to winning ways for the Orlando Pride, who dominated expansion side Utah in a 6-0 NWSL home victory on Friday night.
The triumph boosted league-leading Orlando’s season-long unbeaten streak to 14 games.
Braces from Barbra Banda and captain Marta set the tone for Orlando (9-0-5, 32 points).
“Playing at home and having three points, we dedicated this game to the community,” Banda said. “It was very good for us because we dominated the game from the first to the end. As a team we really worked so hard.”
Orlando started the onslaught in the 27th minute with an excellent goal. Kerry Abello’s cross into the box found the head of an onrushing Banda, who easily put it away.
Summer Yates scored for a 2-0 edge shortly before halftime after Utah midfielder Agnes Nyberg’s pass backward landed right in the path of Yates’ press, and she had no trouble beating keeper Mandy Haught to double the lead.
Marta delivered a beautiful goal from outside the box to make it 3-0, needing just a quick touch to settle the ball before blasting it past Haught in the 47th minute.
Banda added a second in the 86th minute after another turnover by Utah (2-11-1, 7 points). A misplaced pass allowed Banda to get the ball before coolly slotting it in.
Marta scored in the 88th minute, getting the assist from Banda off a pass in the box before powering the ball into the net.
Ally Watt added a sixth goal in the 96th minute for the largest margin of victory and most goals in a game in Pride history.
Up next …
Orlando at Angel City
When: June 30 at BMO Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
TV: Bally Sports Florida
