Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit, NWSL Challenge Cup: Photo Gallery

The Orlando Pride played their first meaningful game of 2025 in the NWSL Challenge Cup Friday against the Washington Spirit. While the Pride looked sharp, they couldn’t quite earn their third trophy in a row at the expense of the Spirit, with regulation ending in a 1-1 draw, and Washington taking the competition in penalties, 4-2.

Both teams brought back most of their rosters from last year, so instead of new faces, anticipation more revolved around the return of several key players from injury. Center back Rafaelle made an impactful return from an injury-marred 2024, scoring Orlando’s only goal in her 45 minutes. New Pride signing Prisca Chilufya made her debut in the second half, almost pulling Orlando back into the lead in the 85th minute. Grace Chanda and Trinity Rodman did not see the field but were on the bench for their respective teams, indicating promise for the 2025 campaign.

Rafalle’s goal stood up until a set piece late in the game gave the Spirit the opportunity to equalize, and they did. Leicy Santos delivered a great free kick, but Anna Moorhouse got two hands to it and will likely think she should have kept it out. The game went straight to penalties, where the Pride got off to a good start with strikes by Julie Doyle and Angelina, but neither Summer Yates nor Ally Lemos were clinical and the Spirit prevailed.

The Pride will open their 2025 campaign at 8 p.m. Friday at Inter&Co Stadium. The pre-game will include a celebration of the record-smashing 2024 season, including raising banners for the the NSWL Shield and the NWSL Championship.

We hope you enjoy this gallery of photos from the NWSL Challenge Cup.