The Spirit Come Out On Top in the 2025 Challenge Cup

The 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup game featured a thrilling rematch between the league winners the Orlando Pride and the runners up, the Washington Spirit. The NWSL season opener, the Challenge Cup was held on March 7, 2025, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. 

The Challenge Cup was originally established in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a league-wide tournament that facilitated the return of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Initially conceived as a temporary competition, the success led to the continuation of the Cup in subsequent seasons. In 2024 the format transitioned to the current single match “super cup” format, which pits the previous season’s NWSL Championship winner and the NWSL Shield holder (team with the best regular season record). In 2024 both titles were secured by the Orlando Pride. In this case the Challenge Cup features a rematch of the NWSL Championship Final.   

The game unfolded as a tightly contested battle between the two formidable teams. Orlando Pride struck first, with defender Rafaelle scoring the match’s opening goal. The Washington Spirit, looking to avenge their NWSL final’s loss equalized off a free-kick made by midfielder Leicy Santos. 

With the score tied at the end of regulation, the Challenge Cup was decided on penalty kicks, per the competition’s rules no extra time was added. The Spirit converted all four of their penalty attempts. The Pride were not so lucky, missing two. Spirit keeper Aubrey Kingsbury played a pivotal role, making a decisive save that earned her the MVP of the match and her team the win. 

This win was particularly significant for the Spirit’s head coach, Jonatan Giraldez. Having just taken the helm six months prior, his leadership culminated in his first title in the United States. 

The 2025 Challenge Cup served as a testament to the resilience, skill, and passion inherent to women’s soccer. The Washington Spirit’s triumph over the Orlando Pride set a precedent for the competitive spirit that will define the NWSL in the coming season. As the league progresses, fans and investors alike can anticipate more exhilarating encounters and higher stakes than ever before.