Washington Spirit Claims NWSL Challenge Cup, Defeats Orlando Pride on Penalties

In a thrilling rematch of last year's NWSL championship, the Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 2025 Challenge Cup. The Pride initially took the lead with a goal from Rafaelle, but the Spirit equalized thanks to Leicy Santos' impressive free kick. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a critical save during the penalty shootout, allowing Tara McKeown to secure the victory with the decisive penalty. This win marks the Spirit's first trophy since their 2021 NWSL championship and serves as a significant rebound from their previous loss to the Pride in the finals. Orlando's midfielder Morgan Gautrat reflected on the loss as a motivational experience for the season ahead. The Challenge Cup, now held as a single match, offers teams a chance for revenge and a trophy to compete for, akin to other international preseason tournaments.