It was a major occasion for the Orlando Pride as they kicked off the 2025-26 Concacaf W Champions Cup with a crucial battle against Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. Leading up to the match up, the Pride also made their first appearance in the continental competition at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
Having made a remarkable 2024 season with a win of both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship, Orlando is already in the tournament. The domestic success brought the Pride to the top of the pack in the Concacaf region in women’s soccer. The rest of the Group A was made up of Club América Femenil, CF Pachuca Femenil and the FC Chorrillo.
Alajuelense kicked off their campaign in Orlando not defeated, having drawn them with Club América in their first group game. That result was fundamentally helped by goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez, who did not allow Mexico to score any goals, making nine saves. So the Costa Rican club was a challenge to an Orlando side who tasted Champions Cup football for the first time.
The Pride also came into the competition with a lot of experience. Brazilian star Marta led the way, and it was comprised of players both nationally and internationally experienced. The presence of Orlando provided extra experience for the club to face teams from a different football culture and competition level.
Each team from the Champions Cup group stage played four games with five teams in each group. The top two teams from each group progressed to the blend and eliminated teams, making each group match-up count for more.
The Alajuelense coming to Orlando was more than an opening tournament game for Orlando. It marked the start of the club’s quest on a larger regional level, and allowed for fans to watch the Pride play outside the confines of the NWSL. The show also showcased the growing impact and competitiveness of women’s club football in the Concacaf region.
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