All systems go as Orlando Pride take first win of season from Chicago Stars | OneFootball

It took three games, but the Orlando Pride placed the first win on their 2026 NWSL season record.

Defeating the Chicago Stars in an away match, the Orlando Pride now have the first of many wins in this 2026 NWSL season. It ends the Stars' nine-game unbeaten streak at home and marks the Pride's record at 1-1-1.

The Pride’s 3-0 shutout victory took goals from striker Barbra Banda (Ally Lemos assist), winger Jacquie Ovalle (Solai Washington), and defender Hannah Anderson (Ovalle). But the match wasn’t just a show of turning on the purple offense fully.

The Pride didn’t just wait for chances. They executed sharply, employing fine concentration in both halves. That’s how the scoring started early by banking on a Chicago turnover. That’s the ball snatched by Lemos and delivered to Banda for a contested shot into the net in the 13th minute.

It was the first assist of Lemos’ professional career. It was Banda’s third score in as many matches.

Washington proved the coaches were right, awarding her first professional start. She drove the ball to the endline, delivered a low cross into the box, where Ovalle netted it from her back heel in the 22nd minute. It was Washington’s first pro assist and Ovalle’s first score of the season.

Thirteen minutes later, Ovalle sent an inswinging corner toward Anderson, who had just shaken a defender. Anderson’s volley got her the first professional goal of her career, matched with Ovalle’s second assist.

Ovalle now has three goal contributions in her past two matches.

Mar 25, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC defender Michelle Alozie (5) and Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington (29) go for the ball during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Head Coach Seb Hines said the team prepared for Chicago to wage a storm against the Pride in the second half. That’s what the team prepared for, and the result was a shutout win.

The most encouraging development is that Pride's developing players already contribute at a high level. Forward Solai Washington came to the squad with scouts cheering her promise to break lines and show versatility matched with a competitive edge.

In her first professional start, she delivered on that promise and got her first professional assist. And she’s one member of the best Orlando Pride roster yet.