NWSL Challenge Cup Returns for 2025: Pride and Spirit Clash in Championship Rematch
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is set to ignite the 2025 season with the highly anticipated Challenge Cup, featuring a compelling rematch between the reigning champions, the Orlando Pride, and the Washington Spirit, who will lock horns in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. This matchup is a repeat of last year’s closely contested championship final, adding an extra layer of intensity and intrigue to the contest.
Orlando Pride enjoyed a historic season in 2024, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league. They suffered only two defeats in 26 regular-season games, a testament to their exceptional consistency and unwavering determination. Leading the charge for the Pride is the iconic playmaker Marta, who at the age of 38, delivered arguably the best season of her illustrious NWSL career. Her creativity, vision, and unwavering passion for the game were instrumental in guiding Orlando to unprecedented success.
Adding to Orlando’s attacking prowess is striker Barbra Banda, widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. Her lethal finishing, blistering pace, and relentless work ethic made her an unstoppable force up front, terrorizing opposition defenses and consistently finding the back of the net. USWNT coach Emma Hayes has publicly acknowledged Banda’s exceptional talent, further solidifying her reputation as a world-class striker.
The Pride’s defensive unit is equally formidable, anchored by a collection of experienced and talented players. Head coach Seb Hines has further bolstered the defense with the addition of Spain’s Oihane Hernández, a 2023 World Cup winner. Hernández’s experience, composure, and tactical awareness will undoubtedly enhance what was already arguably the best defensive unit in the league.
Washington Spirit, on the other hand, are determined to build upon their impressive 2024 season and establish themselves as a consistent force in the NWSL. They are a young and dynamic team with a wealth of talent and potential. Trinity Rodman, a key player for the Spirit, is expected to feature in the Challenge Cup after recovering from a nagging back injury that sidelined her from recent USWNT call-ups. Rodman’s pace, skill, and creativity make her a constant threat to opposition defenses.
Washington fans are also eager to witness the integration of new signings Narumi Miura, a midfielder from the Japan national team, and Rebeca Bernal, the captain of the Mexico national team. These additions will undoubtedly add depth, experience, and quality to an already strong roster.
The NWSL Challenge Cup has undergone several transformations over the years, each with its own distinct format and purpose. In 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup was introduced as a bubble tournament, providing a much-needed competitive outlet for the league when sports had largely ground to a halt nationwide.
In 2021 and 2022, the Challenge Cup transitioned to a round-robin, regional format, taking place before the regular season. However, this iteration of the Challenge Cup failed to fully capture the imagination of teams and fans, who viewed it as something between preseason experimentation and a noteworthy trophy to pursue.
In 2023, the Challenge Cup was peppered in throughout the regular season, but this format also failed to resonate with fans and players alike.
Starting in 2024, the NWSL adopted a stripped-down Challenge Cup format, taking place one week before the regular season as a curtain-raiser akin to the Community Shield in English soccer. The NWSL champions host the winners of the NWSL Shield, a trophy awarded to the regular-season champion. In 2024, the San Diego Wave defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC 1-0 on a late goal from Alex Morgan.
The NWSL has decided to maintain this format for the 2025 Challenge Cup. However, a new challenge arose when the Orlando Pride won both the 2024 championship and the NWSL Shield. To address this, the league opted for a straightforward solution, selecting the Washington Spirit, who finished as runners-up in both the playoffs and regular season, as Orlando’s opponent.
The NWSL Challenge Cup between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit promises to be an exciting and entertaining match. The game will be held at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted exclusively on Prime Video.
Both teams are packed with talent and have a strong desire to win. The Orlando Pride will be looking to defend their title and continue their dominance in the league, while the Washington Spirit will be eager to prove themselves and avenge their championship loss. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the NWSL’s top teams.
