The 2025 NWSL season kicks off with a thrilling showdown as the reigning champions, Orlando Pride, host Chicago Stars FC at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, FL. This highly anticipated season opener will be broadcast live on Prime Video at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST on Friday, March 14. With the excitement surrounding the new season, all eyes will be on the Pride as they aim to defend their title and set the tone for another championship campaign. Meanwhile, the Stars are eager to prove themselves as contenders, looking to shake off last season’s struggles and make an early statement against the league’s top team. The opening match will serve as a litmus test for both squads, offering a glimpse into their form and aspirations for the year ahead.
NWSL: Orlando Pride’s Title Defense Begins
Orlando Pride enters the new season with momentum after claiming both the NWSL Shield and Championship in 2024. Their attack is headlined by Zambian forward Barbra Banda, who had an outstanding debut season, scoring 17 goals in 25 matches—ranking second in the league behind Kansas City Current’s Chawinga. Banda’s versatility and ability to track back defensively make her a crucial asset for Orlando’s lineup. Another key figure for the Pride is Brazilian legend
Marta , who returns for her ninth NWSL season. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year added two missing trophies to her illustrious career last season, further solidifying her place in the record books. Despite speculation about retirement, Marta signed a two-year extension with the club, ensuring her leadership and playmaking abilities remain at the heart of Orlando’s title defense. Orlando Pride sporting director Haley Carter emphasized the importance of Marta’s re-signing as reported by
ESPN , stating, “The impact she has made on our team, our locker room and our community is evident, of course through her incredible skill as a player, but even more so through her selfless and exemplary leadership style.” With the pressure of being reigning champions, the Pride will aim to set the tone for another successful season with a dominant opening performance.
NWSL: Chicago Stars FC Aiming For A Fresh Start
The Chicago Stars FC enter the season looking to improve upon their eighth-place finish in 2024. However, they face a tough challenge in their season opener, especially with star forward Mallory Swanson ruled
out for the match. Swanson’s absence leaves a significant void in Chicago’s attack, but they will look to other players to step up in her place. Defensively, Chicago will rely on veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to hold off Orlando’s dangerous front line. Naeher, an 11-year NWSL veteran and longtime USWNT goalkeeper, has been a rock for the club since joining in 2016. In 2024, she was ranked 30th on ESPN’s list of the top 50 women’s soccer players in the world, underscoring her importance to the team. Chicago also bolstered their backline with the
signing of rookie defender Justine Gaynor from Michigan State. A standout in college, Gaynor contributed 17 goals and 20 assists in 83 matches for the Spartans and was named to the All-Big Ten first team in both 2022 and 2023. Her addition provides a much-needed boost to Chicago’s defensive unit.
NWSL Season 2025 Opening Weekend Matchups
With the Pride looking to make a statement in their first NWSL match as defending champions and the Stars seeking a strong start to the season, this opening night showdown promises to be an exciting battle.
