Orlando Pride Earn 1–1 Draw Against Denver Summit FC in Historic First Meeting.

The Orlando Pride played to a 1–1 draw against expansion club Denver Summit FC on March 20, 2026, at Inter&Co Stadium. The match marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams, with both sides earning their first point of the season. Orlando appeared to take an early lead in the 12th minute when Jacquie Ovalle found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call during the buildup. Denver struck first in the 24th minute when Melissa Kössler finished a well-timed pass from Ayo Oke. The Pride responded with several scoring opportunities before halftime. Summer Yates hit the crossbar in the 32nd minute, and Ovalle forced a diving save from Denver goalkeeper Abby Smith in the 42nd minute. Smith delivered a standout performance, recording a career-high 10 saves. Orlando equalized in the 61st minute when Barbra Banda scored with a header off a cross controlled by Ovalle. The goal, Banda’s second of the season, came on her 26th birthday and marked a milestone achievement, as she became the first Pride player and the 13th in NWSL history to score on their birthday. Head coach Seb Hines acknowledged the team’s effort but emphasized the need for defensive improvement. He noted that while Orlando is creating numerous scoring chances, defensive mistakes have allowed opponents to capitalize. The Pride recorded 23 shots in the match, the highest total by any team in a single game this season. Hines also made one lineup change, starting Hannah Anderson at center back, marking her first start with the club. Orlando will next travel to face Chicago Stars FC at Martin Stadium on March 25, followed by a matchup against defending champions Gotham FC on March 29.