ORLANDO, Fla. — The Pride's Barbra Banda was honored Thursday as National Women's Soccer League Player of the Month for May by the NWSL Media Association and the league's on-air broadcast talent.

Banda, who joined the team in mid-April, has scored eight goals, seven of which came in May, and had two assists in seven matches played. Four of her eight goals have come on headers.

The Zambian forward recorded three braces this past month, tying Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith for the league lead. Banda also tied a Pride record for braces in a single season, previously set by teammate and fellow forward Marta in 2017. 

She is among the leaders in the race for the Golden Boot as the league's top scorer.

Banda’s performance has helped the Pride to an undefeated start in 2024, including the club’s eight-game win streak to set a new league record. Through Week 10, Orlando sits atop the league’s standings with 27 points in 11 matches.  

The Pride acquired Banda in March for a team-record transfer fee of $740,000 from Chinese Women’s Super League club Shanghai Shengli FC.