ORLANDO, Fla. — Barbra Banda made a significant impact by netting two goals as the Orlando Pride kicked off the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs with an impressive 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Friday evening.

Haley McCutcheon and the renowned player Marta also added to the scoreboard for the Pride, marking an historic moment as this is the first time the franchise has won a playoff match. The Pride are now set to face the winner of the upcoming semifinal matchup between the Kansas City Current and the North Carolina Courage.

“I’m excited for the next match and hope to score even more goals,” Banda expressed after the game.

After a five-year absence from the postseason, the Pride finished the regular season in first place and earned the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the best overall record. Orlando concluded their regular season with an outstanding record of 18 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses for a total of 60 points, a league record. Banda led the team with 13 goals during the season.

The Red Stars, who finished eighth in the standings, managed to clinch the final playoff spot despite ending the regular season on a three-game losing streak with a record of 10 wins, 14 losses, and 2 draws.

McCutcheon initiated the scoring for Orlando with a header in the 26th minute, marking her first goal of the season. Shortly before halftime, Banda showcased her speed by sprinting past two defenders and scoring, slipping the ball just past Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to give the Pride a 2-0 lead in the 39th minute. This goal came right after Summer Yates left the game due to injury, being replaced by Adriana.

Banda continued her impressive performance with another goal during first-half stoppage time, drawing cheers from the stands, including from former NBA star Grant Hill, who is part of the Pride’s ownership group. In the 56th minute, Marta stretched the lead further by converting a penalty, putting the Pride up 4-0.

The Red Stars managed to reduce their deficit with a goal from Jameese Joseph just a few minutes later.

The Pride’s history in the playoffs has been limited; their previous playoff appearance in 2017 resulted in a 4-1 defeat against the Portland Thorns.