Barbra Banda’s Injury Announcement
Barbra Banda, a key player for the Orlando Pride, will unfortunately miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to an abductor injury, as confirmed by the club on Saturday. The injury occurred during a match on August 16 against the Kansas City Current, resulting in what the Pride described as a “full thickness avulsion of her right adductor longus tendon.”
Club’s Response
Orlando Pride’s Sporting Director and Vice President of Soccer Operations, Haley Carter, expressed the organization’s sorrow, stating:
“We are devastated to announce Barbra Banda has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list following the soft-tissue injury she sustained during our recent match against Kansas City Current. Losing a player of her caliber is heartbreaking for the entire organization.”
Carter emphasized Banda’s significance to the team, highlighting her remarkable contributions both on the pitch and in team dynamics, and reiterated the club’s pledge to support her during her recovery process:
“Her contributions to this team have been immeasurable, and we know she will approach her rehabilitation with the same determination and professionalism she brings to everything she does.”
Banda’s Impact on the Season
Banda, who was named MVP of the NWSL Championship in 2024, made a significant impact this season with a total of eight goals across 16 matches, further bolstered by her record four playoff goals, clinching victory in the Championship match against the Washington Spirit. The Pride currently ranks fourth in the NWSL standings, a testament to the influence of players like Banda throughout the season.
