SHOOTOUT CHAMPIONS: Spirit defeats Pride for NWSL Challenge Cup

Overview:

Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a vital save in the shootout and the Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride on penalties, 4-2, after playing to a 1-1 draw to win the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup on Friday night.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a vital save in the shootout and the Washington Spirit defeated the Orlando Pride on penalties, 4-2, after playing to a 1-1 draw to win the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup on Friday night.

Kingsbury denied Ally Lemos’ attempt before Tara McKeown converted Washington’s fourth penalty kick, for the game-winner at Inter&Co Stadium.

The Spirit avenged its loss to the Pride in the 2024 NWSL championship game.

Rafaelle lifted the hosts just prior to halftime. Making her first appearance for the Pride since July, put away a rebound from a free kick by Marta with her left foot.

The Spirit equalized at it 1-1 on a direct Leicy Santos’ 30-yard free kick in the 72nd minute.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 28 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.

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