The NWSL returned from its international break this past weekend with six matches that reshuffled the table and sparked early season storylines. Portland and Gotham each earned their first wins of the season, while Kansas City and Orlando extended perfect starts in a weekend packed with goals where rookies also came up big in a few long-awaited breakthroughs.
Portland Thorns FC finally notched its first win of the 2025 season, edging Utah Royals FC 1-0 on the road Friday night at America First Field. Reilyn Turner scored the lone goal in the 14th minute, tapping in a low cross at the far post after Hina Sugita picked off a pass in midfield, sparked the break and linked up with Deyna Castellanos to create the chance. Portland showed more urgency in the box than in previous games, and Sugita’s sharp reading of the game set the tone early. Bella Bixby made her long-awaited return to goal after 18 months away on maternity leave and secured the clean sheet. While the Thorns controlled the first half, Utah began to find rhythm in the second, with Ally Sentnor and Brecken Mozingo generating promising chances. Still, the Royals couldn’t convert, remaining scoreless through four matches as they continue to search for their first points this season.
At the opposite end of the table from Utah, Washington Spirit continued its strong form on the road in a 2-0 win over Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium, maintaining the team’s unbeaten away record this season. Despite a scoreless and somewhat disjointed first half from both sides, the second half brought energy and quality after the Spirit made key substitutions. Trinity Rodman, Leicy Santos and Gift Monday came on and immediately lifted the tempo, helping Washington take control of the match, which the Spirit dominated in possession, keeping the ball for 61.9% of the match. Santos opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a signature strike from just outside the box, curling a perfectly placed shot into the top left corner. Ashley Hatch added a goal with a header in the 74th minute—again. While Racing Louisville pushed forward late and created more chances, Louisville struggled to finish in the final third. Rebecca Bernal, usually a center back, stepped into a defensive midfield role and adapted well despite the shift. Washington Spirit also handed some first starts of the season to Courtney Brown, Brittany Ratcliffe and Heather Stainbrook.
Angel City FC defeated the Houston Dash 3-1 on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium. Macey Hodge opened the scoring in the 13th minute with her first regular-season NWSL goal, and rookie Riley Tiernan doubled the lead in the 29th minute. Houston responded in the 61st minute with Barbara Olivieri’s goal, but Alyssa Thompson sealed the win for Angel City in the 86th minute. Despite Houston dominating possession with 68.4%, Angel City capitalized on its chances. The win moved Angel City into fourth place in the standings with eight points, just behind the Washington Spirit.
At the top of the table, Orlando Pride remained unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over Seattle Reign at Lumen Field. Barbara Banda’s 41st-minute goal made all the difference, as she was in the right place at the right time to tap in a cross from Summer Yates, who beat her defender on the right flank to deliver a perfect ball into the box. Despite Seattle’s early threat—most evident in the 11th minute when Jordyn Huitema nearly caught Orlando goalkeeper off her line—the Pride defense held firm, recording another clean sheet. Orlando controlled 60% of possession, with Yates setting the tone for the match before being forced off with an injury. Oihane Hernández also made her NWSL debut for Orlando in the win, as the Pride continued its strong start to the season.
Kansas City Current also secured a 2-0 road win over San Diego Wave FC, despite the Wave holding 63% possession. Midfielder Debinha opened the scoring in the 16th minute, marking the 50th goal of her NWSL regular-season career. The play began when defender Izzy Rodriguez delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Debinha volleyed it past the goalkeeper. Just nine minutes later, Kansas City doubled its lead when Lo’eau LaBonta converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute. The penalty came after a shot from Claire Hutton took a deflection off Kristen McNabb, leading to a foul in the box. Kansas City remained composed throughout the match, controlling the tempo and preventing San Diego from creating chaos, ultimately earning all three points on the road.
Gotham FC earned its first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over North Carolina Courage at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Forward Esther González led the way with a brace, giving Gotham a 2-0 lead. Rookie defender Lilly Reale added a third goal early in the second half—her first professional goal. Assists came from Ella Stevens and Bruninha. Gotham controlled the game but missed several chances to extend its lead, needing to be more clinical in front of goal. North Carolina’s Brianna Pinto pulled one back for the Courage, but it wasn’t enough to prevent her team from suffering its first road loss of the season. Midge Purce and Geyse made their season debuts, with Purce returning after a yearlong recovery from an ACL tear. Rookie Brooklyn Courtnall, a former USC defender, also made an appearance and showed promise as a player to watch.
Bay FC fell short to Chicago Stars FC in a 2-1 defeat at PayPal Park, despite dominating possession with 67.8% compared to Chicago’s 32.2%. Bay FC also outshot Chicago, but struggled to capitalize on its opportunities. Chicago took the lead early when Ludmila got in behind the Bay FC defense in the fifth minute, and the initially ruled-offside goal was allowed after a review. Just before halftime, Ludmila struck again, doubling Chicago’s advantage with a goal inside the box. Bay FC pulled one back in the 58th minute when substitute midfielder Caroline Conti converted a penalty, marking her first professional goal. Bay FC’s substitutions injected new energy into the game, but they couldn’t find the equalizer, leaving Chicago with all three points.
If you miss any of the action, don’t worry—we’ll be right here to break it all down. From big goals to breakout stars, we’ve got you covered on what happened and what’s next.
This weekend’s schedule:
Friday, April 18:
- Utah Royals FC vs. Chicago Stars at 6:30 p.m.
- Seattle Reign FC vs. Portland Thorns at 7 p.m.
- Angel City FC vs. Gotham FC at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 19:
- Racing Louisville vs. San Diego Wave FC at 12 p.m.
- Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit at 2 p.m.
- North Carolina Courage vs. Bay FC at 4 p.m.
- Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash at 4:30 p.m.