Mar 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, US; Washington Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos (10) waits for free kick in the second half against the Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium. Photo Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
The Washington Spirit took the first National Women’s Soccer League trophy of 2025, edging the Orlando Pride on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship looked nothing like its forerunner.
Here are three thoughts from the first match of consequence in 2025.
Soccer can be cruel
Last November, the Pride found an early goal, and then absorbed pressure most of the rest of the way in a 1-0 win. Chaotic as it may have looked at times, they mostly kept the Spirit from any high-level chances, and coach Seb Hines said it was always measured and confident. This time, the Pride sat just off the Spirit back line and created a slew of midfield turnovers from which they created the bulk of the offense in the first half.
To the Spirit’s credit, they…
