Macario ruled out for NWSL season as Banda secures Orlando future
San Diego Wave FC placed Catarina Macario on its season-ending injury list after a minor knee procedure, while Barbra Banda extended her Orlando Pride contract through 2029.
Catarina Macario will not play for San Diego Wave FC this NWSL season after the club placed her on its season-ending injury list on Monday. The United States women’s national team forward did not make a club appearance in 2026 and has no announced return timeline.
Macario said she underwent a minor procedure to address an ongoing knee issue. San Diego told CBS Sports that the knee problem, rather than the heel injury initially listed in its injury report, would keep her out for the remainder of the season.
The setback follows Macario’s move from Chelsea in a reported $300,000 transfer while she was recovering from the heel injury. Her San Diego contract was reported to be worth nearly US$8 million through 2030.
San Diego remain fourth in the NWSL with 42 points and are still in contention for the NWSL Shield and the playoffs. Macario scored eight goals and supplied two assists in 10 USWNT appearances in 2025.
At Orlando, leading scorer Barbra Banda has signed a contract extension through the 2029 season. Her previous deal was due to expire after the 2027 season.
Banda has scored 16 goals in 20 appearances this season, surpassing Marta’s stated club record of 13 goals. Orlando Pride said the extension secures the forward as part of the club’s long-term plans.
