The Washington Spirit showed real menace at times, but couldn’t solve the Orlando Pride in a physical 0-0 stalemate to open the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. Despite a dominant start to both halves, the Spirit couldn’t quite turn their chances into a goal, while the game had a surprisingly chippy edge given the early stages of the season.
The Spirit were favorites on paper, and behaved that way from the jump. Tara McKeown’s ball from the right was gloriously heel-flicked by Ashley Sanchez into Trinity Rodman’s path in the 4th minute, but the NWSL Rookie of the Year was denied by a fingertip save by Erin McLeod.