Washington Spirit Clinch 2025 NWSLChallenge Cup in Penalty Shootout
The Spirit secured their second-ever trophy with a dramatic win over defending champions Orlando Pride after a 1-1 draw in regulation.
- The Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup final.
- Orlando’s Rafaelle scored the opening goal in the first half, marking her return after a long injury absence in 2024.
- Washington’s Leicy Santos equalized with a stunning free kick in the 72nd minute, forcing the match into penalties.
- Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a crucial save in the shootout, setting up Tara McKeown to convert the decisive penalty for the Spirit.
- The victory serves as redemption for the Spirit, who lost to the Pride in last year’s championship game and finished as runners-up in the 2024 standings.
EssentiallySports 
Orlando Sentinel 
