The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season in the US kicked off this morning with the defending champions rallying to a resounding victory at home.
Zambia women’s national team captain Barbara Banda kicked off the new season in style as she scored a brace for Orlando Pride, who thrashed Chicago Red Stars 6-0 to begin their NWSL title defense at the Inter & Co Stadium.
Banda first delivered an assist to teammate Julie Doyle for Pride’s fourth goal in the 65th minute before netting twice in the final 10 minutes of normal time.
The reigning CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year made it 5-0 for the hosts in the 80th minute with a fine finish from inside the area after being set up by Copper Queens teammate Prisca Chilufya, who came off the bench to make her league debut in Orlando following her recent move from Mexico.
Banda then capped off her brilliant performance with a powerful long-range strike seven minutes later to complete the rout.
Meanwhile, midfielder Grace Chanda, who is the third Zambian under Pride’s ranks, played no part in the match as she was not in the matchday squad.
Rachael Kundananji and Bay FC will be in action on Sunday morning as they take on Utah Royals in their season opener in Sandy, Utah.
