Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda, the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP, has a hip abductor injury that will keep her out for the remainder of the season.
Banda was injured in a draw with the Kansas City Current on Aug. 16. The Pride said in a statement that Banda had ‘a full thickness avulsion of her right adductor longus tendon.’
“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,” said Haley Carter, Orlando Pride vice president of soccer operations and sporting director. “Barbra has been instrumental to our success and losing a player of her caliber is heartbreaking for the entire organization.
‘Her contributions to this team both on and off the field have been immeasurable, and we know she will approach her rehabilitation with the same determination and professionalism she brings to everything she does.”
Banda has eight goals in 16 appearances for the Pride, who are fourth in the NWSL standings and are looking to defend their title.
Banda had 13 goals in the 2024 regular season and a record four in the playoffs, including the winning goal in Orlando’s victory over the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship.
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