On the third time of asking, Washington Spirit finally edged Orlando Pride in a battle for silverware, winning the NWSL Challenge Cup 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time at the Inter&Co Stadium.
The NWSL Challenge Cup is a contest between the Shield holders, who finished top of the regular season, and the Championship winners who won the playoffs.
With Orlando Pride winning both titles, they faced Washington Spirit, who finished as runners-up on both occasions. Spirit suffered a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pride in the Championship final in November, with Barbra Banda scoring the lone goal.
2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda, a scorer of 17 goals in 25 matches last year, started upfront for Pride on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, new signing Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda, who just recovered from a long-term injury, made the substitute bench.
Returning from a lengthy layoff, Brazilian defender Rafaelle broke the deadlock in the 41st minute for the hosts with a beautifully dispatched half-volley. She was the first to react to the loose ball in the penalty area after compatriot Marta struck the ball into Washington Spirit’s defensive wall.
Prisca Makes Pride Debut, Grace Waits.
72 minutes into the contest, Washington Spirit responded with a stunning goal from a direct freekick. Leicy Santos pulled a rabbit out of the hat, beating Anna Moorhouse with a glorious strike that kissed the woodwork on its way in.
Barbra Banda was substituted for Prisca Chilufya in the 82nd minute, making her Pride debut, before the match went to penalties.
Grace Chanda watched from the dugout as Pride lost in the penalty shootout after misses from Summer Yates and Ally Lemos.
The Pride have missed out on being the first team to win the NWSL Shield, Championship and Challenge Cup in a single campaign.
The regular season of the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicks off on March 15, with Pride hosting Chicago Red Stars at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
