The NWSL is entering its second weekend back since the Olympic break this weekend promises a thrilling slate of matches that could shape the playoff picture and set the tone for the final stretch. With key players hitting their stride, historic streaks on the line, and teams fighting for crucial points, every game carries significant implications. From record-setting performances to fierce rivalries, here's what to watch for in each of the upcoming matchups.

How do I watch live games from the 2024 NWSL Regular Season?

• Friday night matches airing on Prime Video are available to US fans here.
• Saturday night double-headers airing at 7:30 and 10 p.m. ET on Scripps-owned ION network are available to US fans here.
• For games airing on CBS, US fans can watch here. US Fans can also stream on Paramount+ here.
• For games airing on ESPN, US fans can watch here. Matches on ESPN and ESPN2 will also stream on ESPN+.
• For games airing on NWSL+, US fans can watch here.
• Fans outside of the US can watch on NWSL+.
• Fans in Australia can watch on Optus.

All times in EST.

Friday, August 30

Matchup: Portland Thorns vs Bay FC - 10:00 PM
Where to watch: Prime Video

Portland Thorns and Bay FC start off the match action this week with a Prime Video matchup on Friday evening. Both clubs saw defeat last weekend in the first weekend back from the Olympic break and will be eager to find points this weekend. Bay FC are dangerous late in games, with seven of their 20 league goals coming after the 76th minute, including Racheal Kundananji's 83rd-minute strike against Utah last weekend. Portland’s Sophia Smith, who netted a brace against Bay FC in May, will be a key threat, especially as the Thorns have won seven of their last eight home games, keeping clean sheets in five of the last six. This match marks the second-ever meeting between these teams, with Portland having defeated Bay FC 3-2 in their previous encounter in San Jose. However, Bay FC has bolstered their defense with the likes of veteran defender Abby Dahlkemper.

Saturday, August 31

Matchup: Racing Louisville FC vs Seattle Reign - 7:30 PM
Where to watch: ION

Racing Louisville and Seattle Reign are set to clash in a match where both teams have something to prove. Seattle recently snapped a nine-match winless streak with a 1-0 victory over North Carolina. Their lineup has also changed with the trade of longtime Reign player Bethany Balcer to Racing Louisville for Jaelin Howell, a move that could shake up both teams’ dynamics. Louisville, on the other hand, is coming off a dominant 3-1 win over the Red Stars, where they controlled nearly 60% of possession and completed 87.3% of their passes, including a 19-pass build-up to Uchenna Kanu’s early goal—the longest in the NWSL this season. Historically, this fixture has been tightly contested, with the last six regular-season meetings ending in draws.

Matchup: Houston Dash vs Utah Royals FC - 9:30 PM
Where to watch: ION

Houston Dash and Utah Royals are set for a rematch after their scoreless draw in April. Utah comes into this match on a high, having won three straight matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals in the process—more than their total from their first 17 games. Houston is scoreless in their last six regular-season matches, a drought they’ll be desperate to end. This a crucial match for both sides as they seek to make a come back in Houston’s case and in Utah’s, keep the momentum going.

Sunday, September 1

Matchup: North Carolina Courage vs Kansas City Current - 2:00 PM

Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+

North Carolina Courage will put their undefeated home record on the line as they face Kansas City Current, who have already beaten them this season in Kansas City. The Courage have been dominant at home, winning 8 games, drawing twice, and have only lost twice at home since the beginning of last season. Key to their success has been their control in possession, with Ryan Williams, Kaleigh Kurtz, and Malia Berkely leading the league in touches. However, Kansas City has proven to be a formidable opponent, having won both encounters with the Courage this season, including a shutout victory in the NWSL x Liga MXF Summer Cup Semifinal. Despite a recent 4-1 loss to Washington, Kansas City remains one of the teams to beat this season and will surely be a strong competitor on Sunday.

Matchup: Angel City FC vs Chicago Red Stars - 4:00 PM
Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+

Angel City comes into their home matchup against the Chicago Red Stars riding high after a 2-1 win over San Diego, where 19-year-old Alyssa Thompson scored her first career brace, becoming only the second teenager in NWSL history to achieve a multi-goal game. Since June, Angel City has held a multi-goal lead in four matches, demonstrating their offensive prowess. However, Chicago has been equally impressive on the road, scoring in each of their last 13 away matches, but having tasted defeat last weekend in Louisville. This match is also another benchmark for Christen Press, who will be making her first regular season home appearance since returning from injury.

Matchup: Orlando Pride vs NJ/NY Gotham FC - 6:00 PM
Where to watch: NWSL+, Golazo, Paramount +

NJ/NY Gotham FC and Orlando Pride are set to clash in a high-stakes matchup, with both teams in incredibly dominant form and likely to make the postseason. Gotham FC, fresh off a 1-0 win over the Thorns, has won 12 of their last 16 matches, five of which were shut outs. Ella Stevens has been a standout, leading the team with seven goals this season. On the other hand, Orlando Pride has been equally formidable, riding a 21-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, the longest in NWSL history. With both teams in peak form, this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the league's top contenders.

Matchup: San Diego Wave FC vs Washington Spirit - 8:00 PM
Where to watch: NWSL+, Golazo, Paramount +

In the last match of the weekend, San Diego Wave will host Washington Spirit and are in desperate need of a turnaround, as they are winless in their last 10 league games. Meanwhile, Washington comes into this match on a high, having won their last two games by at least three goals for the first time in their history, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Kansas City. Croix Bethune has been the creative force behind Washington's success, tying Tobin Heath’s NWSL record for most assists in a single season with 10. The fixture between these two teams has never seen a clean sheet, with home teams unbeaten in all five previous meetings. As the Wave try to snap their losing streak and the Spirit aim to keep their momentum going, this match promises to be the perfect way to close out an entertaining weekend for fans across the league.