Orlando Pride dominate Chicago Red Stars in 4-1 victory

The Orlando Pride, buoyed by Barbra Banda's two goals, beat the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday for their first-ever NWSL playoff victory. 

Haley McCutcheon opened the scoring for Orlando in the 26th minute with a header from close range, assisted by Ally Watt following a corner. Banda then doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Emily Sams. Just before halftime, Banda struck again with another right-footed shot from close range after being set up by Watt during a fast break.

Marta added to Orlando's tally early in the second half when she converted a penalty kick in the 56th minute after Banda was fouled inside the box. The goal put Orlando ahead 4-0 and effectively sealed their victory.

Chicago managed to pull one back through Jameese Joseph's left-footed effort from close range in the 60th minute, but it proved too little, too late.

The win lifts Orlando to a semifinal match against either Kansas City Current (the fourth seed) or North Carolina Courage (fifth seed). The Current face the Courage on Saturday.

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