No matches were played across the NWSL this weekend as the league entered an international break, giving teams a chance to reset and fans an opportunity to reflect on the season’s early trends. With 101 NWSL players called up to represent 31 national teams across the globe, all 14 clubs saw at least a couple players depart for international duty.
Leading the way in international representation are Portland Thorns FC with 11 players away, while Angel City FC, Gotham FC, Kansas City Current and Seattle Reign FC each sent nine players. San Diego Wave FC and Washington Spirit followed Portland closely with 10 players each.
Other clubs with key absences include the Houston Dash and Orlando Pride (seven each), Utah Royals FC and Chicago Stars FC (five each), North Carolina Courage (four), and both Bay FC and Racing Louisville FC with three.
The break arrives shortly after a shake-up at the top of the standings. Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current sit tied in first place on nine points, each holding a perfect record through three games. Orlando leads the league in goal differential with a staggering +9, having scored 10 goals and allowed just one. Kansas City has been dominant at both ends of the pitch as well with eight goals scored and only one conceded for a +7 goal differential.
Washington Spirit trails just behind with six points (2-1-0), while Angel City FC rounds out the top four with five points and an unbeaten record through three matches (1-0-2). Five teams are tied with four points, including San Diego Wave FC, Seattle Reign, Houston Dash, Bay FC and Racing Louisville FC. At the bottom, Chicago Stars FC remains winless and pointless at 0-3-0, having scored just once and conceded nine times.
Despite the pause in league play, individual performers have already begun to stand out in the early weeks of the season. Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit) and Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) lead the Golden Boot race with three goals each through three games. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride) and Marta Silva (also Orlando) have scored two goals apiece as well.
Banda has also contributed as a creator, tallying one assist in addition to her goal-scoring output. She trails only Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC) and Kennedy Fuller (Angel City FC), who both have two assists in three matches and sit atop the assist leaderboard.
In goal, Angelina Anderson (Angel City FC) leads the league with 14 saves in three games, followed by Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC) with 12 and Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage) with 11.
With national teams in action and key NWSL players gaining international experience, this break could prove to be both a blessing and a challenge. For some clubs, it’s a chance for stars to sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the world stage. For others, it’s a disruption to team chemistry and rhythm, especially for those with a heavy load of international call-ups. The return to club play will reveal which teams adapted best—and which may need to find their footing all over again.
As league action resumes next weekend, every club will be looking to either build on their early momentum or reset after a rocky start. With the standings tight and breakout performances just beginning to surface, the next few weeks could be season-defining. Stay locked into this column for updates, insights, and everything you need to follow the NWSL’s top talent—whether they’re shining at home or abroad.
All games this week will be streamed live on NWSL+:
Friday, April 11
- Utah Royals vs. Portland Thorns at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 12
- Racing Louisville vs. Washington Spirit at 3 p.m. Louisville looks to hold off a rising Washington side in this early showdown.
- Houston Dash vs. Angel City at 3 p.m. Two high-energy teams meet deep in the heart of Texas. Expect goals, and maybe some upsets.
- Seattle Reign vs. Orlando Pride at 5:30 p.m. Seattle’s defense meets Orlando’s firepower in a must-watch clash.
- San Diego Wave FC vs. Kansas City Current at 8 p.m. A battle of heavyweights on the West Coast, with Current eyeing the top of the table.
Sunday, April 13
- Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage at 2 p.m.
- Bay FC vs. Chicago Red Stars at 5 p.m.