The NWSL is SO back! Teams returned from the summer break and were ready to fight for critical points. With young talent like Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson continuing to shine, seasoned veterans like Jess Fishlock anchoring their squads, and Orlando’s continued dominance, it’s apparent the final stretch of the season is sure to be an interesting one. We have all the details in case you missed the action this weekend!
Friday, August 23
Houston Dash 0, Orlando Pride 1
The Orlando Pride added another chapter to their historic run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash, extending their unbeaten streak to a record 18 games. Summer Yates delivered the game-winning goal in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Brazilian midfielder Angelina, whose playmaking has been crucial this season. The win also saw goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse set a new club record for clean sheets, making key saves to secure her eighth shutout of the season. Despite a few rusty moments, the Pride's resilience shone through, leaving Houston with three valuable points to maintain their spot on top of the table.
Bay FC conceded two quick goals early in the second half and couldn’t complete a comeback, falling 2-1 to fellow expansion side Utah Royals FC on Friday night. After Utah took a 2-0 lead with a strike from Paige Monaghan and an own goal, Bay FC responded in the 83rd minute when Racheal Kundananji scored her third goal of the season, assisted by Rachel Hill. Despite a late push and a near equalizer in stoppage time, Bay FC had their final shot cleared off the goal line, leaving them just short of securing a point on the road.
Saturday, August 24
NJ/NY Gotham FC 2, Portland Thorns 0
NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a solid 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns at Red Bull Arena, with goals from Ella Stevens and Yazmeen Ryan leading the way. Stevens opened the scoring early in the seventh minute, heading in a cross from Bruninha for her sixth goal of the season. Gotham extended their lead in the 70th minute when Ryan fired a powerful shot from outside the box, sealing the win. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger earned her fifth shutout of the season as Gotham maintained their dominance over Portland, finishing the regular season unbeaten against them.
San Diego Wave FC 1, Angel City FC 2
Angel City FC defeated San Diego Wave 2–1 on the road in the second match of the day. Forward Alyssa Thompson delivered a brace, opening the scoring in the 20th minute by dribbling past goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan for an easy finish, and doubling the lead in the 29th minute with a shot that slipped through Sheridan's grasp. Despite San Diego's late push, including a stoppage-time goal by Abby Dahlkemper, Angel City held on for the win. Thompson's performance marked her first professional brace and made her just the second teenager in NWSL history to score multiple goals in a regular-season game.
Racing Louisville FC 3, Chicago Red Stars 1
Racing Louisville secured a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night, moving back into playoff position. Uchenna Kanu opened the scoring early with her third goal of the season off of an assist by newly acquired Bethany Balcer, while Marisa DiGrande and Kayla Fischer added second-half goals to seal the win. Chicago’s Jameese Joseph got the Red Stars on the scoreboard in the 59th minute with a tying goal but it wasn’t enough to secure points for the away team. Janine Beckie, recently traded to Racing from Portland, made her debut for Racing in the 69th minute. Racing now sits in 8th place in the standings.
Sunday, August 25
Washington Spirit 4, Kansas City Current 1
The Washington Spirit secured a dominant 4-1 win over Kansas City Current, solidifying their spot near the top of the NWSL standings. Paige Metayer opened the scoring early, with Ouleye Sarr doubling the lead shortly after, thanks to Croix Bethune's tenth assist of the season, a record she now shares with Tobin Heath. Trinity Rodman added a third goal in the second half, and Leicy Santos sealed the victory with her first NWSL goal in her debut. Despite a 64th minute goal from Kansas City's Temwa Chawinga, the Current were unable to mount a comeback and left the field with their second defeat of the season.
Seattle Reign 1, North Carolina Courage 0
In their first NWSL match since July 7, the Reign secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over North Carolina with a game-winning own goal in stoppage time, thanks to Emeri Adames. Despite North Carolina's first-half dominance, holding the Reign shotless, Seattle’s defense held firm. The Reign’s attack, led by Jess Fishlock and with significant efforts from Ji, Jordyn Huitema, and Tziarra King, finally broke through in the dying moments when Adames's header forced an own goal. The match celebrated the retirement of the number 15 jersey in honor of Megan Rapinoe and marked the club’s first win over North Carolina since September 2022.