The 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is set to kick off with an exciting matchup between reigning champions Orlando Pride and Chicago Star FC at Inter & CO Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video on Friday, March 14th, at 8 PM EST (5 PM PST).

This opening match is crucial for both teams as they embark on a new season filled with ambitions and challenges.

Orlando Pride: Defending Champions

Coming off a successful 2024 season, where they clinched both the NWSL Shield and the Championship, Orlando Pride is eager to maintain their winning momentum. The team is buoyed by standout performances from Zambian forward Bar Brabanda, who scored 17 goals in 25 matches during her debut season. The pride also features Brazilian star Marta, now entering her ninth NWSL season. After adding two trophies to her collection last year, she further solidified her status as one of the greatest in women’s soccer. Despite prior retirement rumors, Marta signed a two-year extension, highlighting her integral role in the team’s aspirations for another title.

Hailey Carter, the Sports Director for Orlando Pride, emphasized Marta’s impact on the team, stating, “The impact it had on our team, our locker room and our community is obvious through her incredible skills as a player, but through her selfless, exemplary leadership style.” With such talent and leadership, the Pride is eager to set a strong tone for the season with an impressive opening performance.

Chicago Star FC: Aiming for Improvement

Chicago Star FC enters the new season with the ambition to improve their previous eighth-place finish. While they face challenges, including the absence of key player Swanson, the team aims to rally behind other teammates to fill the gap.

Veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is expected to play a pivotal role in defending the net against Orlando’s formidable offense. Highly regarded for her performance, Naeher was ranked among the top 50 women’s soccer players by ESPN in 2024. Additionally, Chicago’s acquisition of rookie defender Justin Gaynor aims to bolster their defensive capabilities. Gaynor had an impressive collegiate career, contributing significantly to the Michigan Spartans with 17 goals and 20 assists over 83 games, earning All-Big 10 First-Team honors twice.

Upcoming Matches in the NWSL Opening Weekend

The highly anticipated match between Orlando Pride and Chicago Star FC marks the beginning of an eventful opening weekend for the NWSL. Additional matchups include:

• Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit on March 14th at 5 PM PST (NWSL+)
• Seattle Reign vs. Gotham FC on March 15th at 10 PM EST (AEON)
• Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave on March 16th at 6:50 PM EST (ESPN2/ESPN+)

As the defending champions, the Orlando Pride will look to assert their dominance, while the Chicago Star FC seeks to make a statement and start the season on a positive note. This intriguing matchup promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.