2025 NWSL Season Kick Off
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By: NWSL Editor
NWSL Week 8 Preview: Buckle Up for More Chaos

Last weekend delivered peak NWSL chaos—stoppage-time stunners, breakout rookie moments, and a history-making sister-to-sister goal. Topping that energy won’t be easy, but if there’s one thing this league guarantees, it’s that every weekend there’s potential for more fun. Here’s what to expect in Week 8!

How do I watch live games from the 2025 NWSL Regular Season?

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

Friday, May 9

Racing Louisville FC vs. Gotham FC – 8:00 PM ET

How to watch: Prime Video

Louisville returns home after a rain-delayed comeback win in Houston, buoyed by goals from Kayla Fischer and Emma Sears and a strong performance by goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer in her NWSL debut. Gotham, meanwhile, is coming off a frustrating draw at home, despite strong chances and another clean sheet from Ann-Katrin Berger. Rookie Sarah Schupansky and Esther González continue to shine and will likely be a nightmare for the Racing defense, with Midge Purce’s creativity also a problem. Gotham’s midfield engine, Emily Sonnett, leads the league in passing accuracy, and with both teams boasting reliable defenses, this one could come down to a single moment—or a spot kick.

Angel City FC vs. Utah Royals FC – 10:30 PM ET

How to watch: NWSL+, Paramount+, Golazo

Angel City is coming off one of the wildest wins of the season—a 4–3 thriller in D.C. that had everything: a brace from rookie standout Riley Tiernan (including the stoppage-time game-winner), a vintage impact play from Christen Press, and NWSL history as the Thompson sisters connected for the league’s first-ever sister-to-sister goal. The result? A confident, energized squad returning to one of the most electric home atmospheres in the league. Utah, still in search of rhythm and consistency, will need a standout showing from Ally Sentnor and the creativity of Claudia Zornoza to spoil the party in Los Angeles. With Angel City’s attack firing and the home crowd behind them, it’s a tall task—but not impossible in this league.

Saturday, May 10

Chicago Stars FC vs. Washington Spirit – 12:50 PM ET

How to watch: ABC, ESPN+

Chicago held Gotham scoreless last week behind Alyssa Naeher’s brilliance, giving the veteran goalkeeper her 50th career regular season shutout. They’ll be hoping to repeat that performance against the Washington Spirit, one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Washington arrives off a wild loss to Angel City, with Esme Morgan netting a brace, Gift Monday grabbing a goal as well, and Croix Bethune seeing more game time. Expect this one to be tight and physical, with Hatch, Leicy Santos, and Morgan all dangerous in the final third.

North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride – 7:30 PM ET

How to watch: ION

Previously winless before Week 6, North Carolina is now coming off back-to-back wins, thanks to game-winners from Ashley Sanchez in both games and a milestone shutout for Casey Murphy in the most recent. With Kaleigh Kurtz’s ironwoman streak still alive, Denise O’Sullivan anchoring the midfield, and Ryan Williams getting involved in the offense, the Courage are starting to hit their stride. Orlando will look to bounce back after their first road loss of the year. Marta and Barbra Banda remain the heartbeat of the Pride’s attack despite not having scored in recent games, and they lead the league in goals after the 75th minute—so don’t turn the game off early .

San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns FC – 10:00 PM ET

How to watch: ION

Three wins in a row have San Diego climbing fast, and rookie Trinity Armstrong’s stoppage-time winner last weekend only added to the momentum. With 11 different goal scorers and Kailen Sheridan in top form, the Wave have all the answers. Portland, fresh off a 1–0 win over the reigning champs, continues to lean on young contributors like Jayden Perry and Reilyn Turner. Jessie Fleming opened her NWSL account via PK the week prior—expect more set-piece danger here in a clash between two of the league’s most balanced rosters.

Sunday, May 11

Kansas City Current vs. Bay FC – 12:50 PM ET

How to watch: ESPN, ESPN+

Despite suffering two straight losses, Kansas City remains atop the table thanks to early-season dominance and the fewest yellow cards in the league. Temwa Chawinga is still searching for her next goal, while Debinha and LaBonta pose constant threats. Bay FC enters with Jordan Silkowitz fresh off a PK save and rookie Taylor Huff quietly logging every minute this season. With both teams among the league leaders in shots and corners, expect end-to-end action—and maybe a goal-of-the-week contender.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Houston Dash – 8:00 PM ET

How to watch: NWSL+, Paramount+, Golazo

Seattle handed Kansas City its first scoreless match of 2025 last week behind Lynn Biyendolo’s first Reign goal and clutch saves from Claudia Dickey and return home this weekend to welcome the Dash. Houston experienced defeat last weekend against Racing and before that, a gutsy win over Utah. They now turn to Jane Campbell—who just hit 40 career clean sheets—and sophomore Avery Patterson to keep things on track. With both sides ambitious to make up for a poor start to the season, this one could be a statement win in the making.

2025 Season Schedule - Add to Calendar