Bay FC was every bit as good as the first place Pride most of the night, out-shooting them 13-12, and had several chances to win it in the final few minutes.

For a first-year franchise, Bay FC have often endured heartbreak. But Friday’s 1-0 loss to the undefeated Orlando Pride might be the most crushing moment in a sea of devastating defeats. Bay FC had two late chances to draw first blood against the Pride (15-6-0) on sharp passes into the box,

Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda scored a decisive header in the 84th minute for Orlando Pride in their 1-0 over Racheal Kundananji’s Bay FC at the PayPal Park in San Jose. It was Banda’s 13th goal of the season that helped Pride to their 15th win of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League in which they are unbeaten in 21 matches (15-6-0).

A late goal by Barbra Banda secured a 1-0 win for the Pride over Bay FC on the west coast.

The sides have only faced each other once before, with Orlando earning a 1-0 win at home in May. Bay FC was in the midst of a serious slump at the time, but its a much tougher opponent this time

From missing out on the play-offs by a single point to currently being unbeaten in the NWSL, the Orlando Pride have turned their fortunes in their favour. But what is the secret behind this turnaround?