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Week 1 Talking Points: Pride roll, youth movement taking hold

Last year’s table-toppers pick up where they left off, Dash show promise, rookies make an impact, and more

Photo Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The 2025 NWSL season is officially underway, and Match Day 1 offered several interesting narratives.

Orlando was the most magical place on earth on Friday night

Inter & Co Stadium played host to an epic party on Friday night. The venue hosted the Orlando Pride’s loss to the Washington Spirit in the 2025 Challenge Cup merely a week prior. It appeared to be a distant memory. After witnessing the Spirit’s revelry, the Pride would have its own fireworks and fêting.

Raising banners to commemorate winning the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship served as the prelude to a 6-0 triumph over Chicago Stars FC (who endured an absolute nightmare). It marked the widest margin of victory on an opening weekend in league history.

Haley McCutcheon continued her newfound penchant for opening the scoring, as she did in the Pride’s 2024 NWSL quarterfinal and semifinal matchups. Dating back to last season, 75% of McCutcheon’s goals scored in her 132 total appearances have come in her past four matches!

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