Orlando Pride and Denver Summit FC Battle to 1-1 Draw in NWSL Matchup
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 20, 2026) – The Orlando Pride and Denver Summit FC played to a 1-1 draw at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday evening in their first-ever meeting. Despite a disallowed goal early in the match, the Pride demonstrated offensive prowess with a league-high 23 shots attempted.
Early Goal Disallowed for Orlando
The Orlando Pride thought they had taken an early lead in the 12th minute when Jacquie Ovalle found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled offside.
Kössler Strikes First for Denver
Denver Summit FC opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Ayo Oke delivered a ball to Natasha Flint, who quickly passed to Melissa Kössler for the goal, beating Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.1 Kössler has scored both of Denver’s goals this season.4
Smith Shines in Goal for Denver
Denver goalkeeper Abby Smith had a standout performance, making a career-high 10 saves, including a diving stop on a long-range shot from Jacquie Ovalle in the 42nd minute.12
Banda Equalizes for Orlando on Her Birthday
The Pride found the equalizer in the 61st minute through Barbra Banda, who celebrated her 26th birthday. Ovalle provided the assist, fielding a cross from the right wing and heading it to Banda, who scored over Denver defender Ayo Oke.2 This marked Banda’s second goal in as many games this season and Ovalle’s first assist of the year.2
Looking Ahead
The Orlando Pride will continue their season with a two-game road trip, facing the Chicago Stars FC on Wednesday, March 25, and the defending NWSL champions, Gotham FC, on Sunday, March 29.2
Worth a look