With Scenery that was fitting for the start of the soccer season, as an incredible sunset was in the background of Inter&Co Stadium and a capacity crowd starting to fill the stands it was a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship that was about to be played.
As the Orlando Pride took to home turf for the first time since winning the trophy, there was a buzz and optimisim surrounding the stadium.
Both the Pride and opponents Washington Spirit had themselves a ton of new additions and changes to the sides after an emotional 2024 Season Concluded, as both franchises wrote tremendous stories and made the cities, they represented proud.
Fans are encouraged to view the following photo gallery from the match…by 1495Sports:
With the start of the action and the start of the NWSL season, things started in the best way possible as both squads showed the quality of play that they are going to have during the course of the year.
Fans are also encouraged to view the following highlights from the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship:
It was in the moments prior to the Half that the fans in Orlando had something to cheer for as Rafaelle Souza scored the first goal of the match at the 41′.
After an entertaining and festive halftime both squads jockied to see which of the two clubs would be crowned as the Challenge Cup Champions.
In the Second Half it was the Spirit, running the resilience that they had shown during the 2024 Season back, by tying things up at the 72′ on a goal by Leicy Santos.
The Pride seemed as if they were going to win another championship in the later parts of the matches, but unfortunately that goal got called back and the sides went to the ultra-exciting penalty kicks.
It was the Pride starting the penalties with a goal by Julie Doyle. Not to be outdone Ashley Hatch stepped up and much like she did during the 2024 Season buried one in the back of the cage to tie things up.
Things continued to be tied till the battle between Narumi Miura and Summer Yates that was won by Miura. It was in these moments that Spirit Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury stood the tallest as she put on a MVP performance for her squad.
It was when Ally Lemos was about to take the penalty for the Pride was when Kingsbury made her biggest save, and pumping her fist, as that set the stage for the Spirit.
With Tara McKeown going to the line to win the game, it was the defender that helped the ladies to lift the first ever Trophy for the 2025 Season.
The victory was a great way for both sides to start the NWSL Season, as the clubs got themselves a chance to taste competition and a Cup very early on in the season.
It is the lessons learned in the moments like these that are going to give both confidence as the NWSL Season Progresses.
Up next for both squads is going to be regular season play. Orlando starts on 3/14 by hosing Chicago at Inter & Co Stadium. That day is going to be a special one for those in the Flordia area as the team is going to unveil the banner for the 2024 Championship Season.
In addition, the team is already planning celebrations for the Home Opener as they are having a scarf celebration as well as many other events in the Florida area.
As for the Spirit they continue the NWSL season on the road as they take on the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium on March the 14 at 8:00 p.m.
For more information on the NWSL fans are encouraged to click the link below:
National Women’s Soccer League Official Site | NWSL
The Orlando Pride fans are encouraged to follow the team by clicking the link below:
The Washington Spirit fans are encouraged to follow the team by clicking the link below: