At last, the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup is here. In just a few hours, we’ll be witnessing the 6th edition of this emphatic tournament where Washington Spirit will be locking horns against Orlando Pride. Thousands are expected to flock at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida while others will make the best of catching up with the action in the comfort of their home. As the countdown to kick-off gets near, let’s take a look at all the key details for the match that one should be aware of.
Orlando Pride vs Washington Spirit: Preview
Starting with the hosts of this game, boy weren’t they lucky last season? With 18 victories, 6 draws, and just 2 losses, Orlando Pride clinched their hands on the NWSL Shield with a tally of 50. Behind them saw Washington Spirit secure the second spot with just a 4-point deficit. Securing the regular season crown, they quickly shifted their focus to the NWSL Championship trophy.
In order to reach their main goal, the Pride initially faced the Chicago Red Stars, which completely turned out to be a one-sided affair. Marta and Co. had battered the Red Stars 4-1 to progress to the next stage where they faced KC Current. This time, it rather turned out to be a challenging affair as Seb Hines-led Pride managed to secure a 3-2 win.
As for Washington Spirit, they had a rather successful yet unsuccessful season. Having lost their chance to lift the Shield by inches, Jonathan Giraldez and Co.’s only chance was to showcase themselves in the Championship. In fact, they didn’t fail; initially securing a 2-1 win over Bay FC. It was followed by a 1-1 draw against 10-player Gotham FC, which was decided via penalties, which the Spirit won 3-0 fair and square.
However, it was the final where Trinity Rodman and Co. ended up facing yet another upset at the hands of their arch-rivals. Orlando Pride managed to steal the Championship from the Washington DC-based club through a narrow win. Now, both sides again square off against each other to decide yet another crucial silverware piece.
The ball is definitely in the Spirits’ court, who must be desperate to take their revenge against the Pride. But that surely won’t be a walk in the park. Speaking of which let’s take a look at who are the players that can make a lot of difference.
Players to watch in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup
Orlando Pride
Barbra Banda: This is one of the first names that surely scares the Washington Spirits’ defense. With over 17 goals, the magisterial forward finished the 2024 campaign as a runner-up in the top-scorers list behind KC Current’s Temwa Chawinga, who retained the top spot with a tally of 21. But it’s Banda who has a chance to showcase her goalscoring prowess in the Challenge Cup. So expect her boots to shoot some bangers.
Marta: The iconic No. 10 was also a threat throughout the 2024 season, netting 11 goals. One may question the playing ability of the 39-year-old. But not only age is just a number for the Brazilian icon, she is literally aging like a wine. So don’t be surprised when you see her dribbling past the young Washington Spirit stars in the upcoming match. To justify Marta in her own words “I’m not done yet,” stay cautious Spirit!
Washington Spirit
Trinity Rodman: The 2024 Olympian who won the gold medal by ironically defeating Marta’s Brazil in the final is currently in a precarious situation. That’s because, since the end of the last season, she has been curing her back injury that had relapsed following the Summer Games. So far, there has been no official update on whether she’ll be present in tomorrow’s clash. But if Trin is there, expect some madness from her as well!
Ashley Hatch: If there turns out to be a negative update surrounding Trinity Rodman, then Spirit fans shall count on Ashley Hatch. The natural goal scorer notched 7 goals and 3 assists last season, albeit it fell short in front of Trin’s tally of 8 goals and 6 assists. If both are present tomorrow, then expect Pride to face some challenges.
Head-to-head for Washington Spirit vs Orlando Pride
Total matches: 26
Won by Orlando Pride: 10
Won by Washington Spirit: 9
Draw: 7
Catch the NWSL Challenge Cup live
The 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit will take place on Friday 7 March 2025. The kick-off is at 8 PM ET at the Inter&Co Stadium. Fans can catch the action live by streaming the match on Amazon Prime Video.
Who are you supporting? Also, do you think Washington Spirit will be able to take their sweet revenge over Orlando Pride this time? Let us know in the comments.
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