Another match weekend for the books. From last-minute goals to stunning saves, each game this weekend brought its own drama and excitement, further enforcing the love NWSL fans have for the iconic NWSL After Dark. Here’s a recap of all the match action!
Friday, June 14
Kansas City Current 2, Chicago Red Stars 2
One of the two unbeaten teams in the league, Kansas City remained undefeated at the final whistle of their match against visitors Chicago Red Stars. Mal Swanson opened the scoring in the 6th minute after she received a through ball from Sarah Griffith, sending in a shot that magically seemed to slip through AD Franch’s arms.
In the second half, goals from Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga put the home team in the lead. But in the final minutes of the match, a leaping Sam Staab found the end of Swanson’s corner kick, tying the match and ending the Red Stars’ three-match losing streak.
Watch the full highlights here.
Saturday, June 15
Racing Louisville FC 0, NJ/NY Gotham FC 2
Racing Louisville’s three-game unbeaten streak ended with a loss to reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday. Gotham FC capitalized on early pressure, opening the scoring in the 21st minute with a goal from Yazmeen Ryan, her first of the season. In the 53rd, Ella Stevens doubled their lead when she half-volleyed a deep cross from Mandy Freeman. Despite Racing’s attempts to rally, Gotham FC’s defense held firm, keeping Racing to 5 shots all match and ending the match with a clean sheet.
Watch the full highlights here.
Washington Spirit 1, San Diego Wave 1
Audi Field saw a record-breaking crowd of 19,897 fans as the Washington Spirit drew 1-1 with San Diego Wave FC in a hard-fought match. San Diego took the lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Jaedyn Shaw, her 13th career goal in all competitions. However, the Spirit sent Audi Field into a frenzy when they managed to equalize late, with rookie Croix Bethune scoring in stoppage time, her fifth of the season. The goal ended a near perfect match for Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who made seven saves during the entire match.
Watch the full highlights here.
North Carolina Courage 0, Orlando Pride 0
The North Carolina Courage and Orlando Pride played to a scoreless draw at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday night. This result marked the first point earned by a visiting team against the Courage this season and the second game in a row the Pride have settled for a draw. Goalkeepers Anna Moorhouse and Casey Murphy both delivered stellar performances, making five crucial saves each and ensuring no one got on the scoresheet. Despite only coming away with a single point, the Pride are still unbeaten this season and ended the weekend in second in the standings.
Watch the full highlights here.
Houston Dash 0, Angel City FC 0
Angel City and the Houston Dash drew 0–0 in Houston on Saturday night. The match featured strong defensive performances and crucial saves from both goalkeepers, but Houstond’s Jane Campbell in particular denied several key attempts, including a penalty kick from Claire Emslie in the 54th minute. Despite opportunities from both sides, neither team managed to break the deadlock.
Watch the full highlights here.
Sunday, June 16
Seattle Reign FC 0, Portland Thorns 0
Back at Lumen Field for the first time since May 19, Seattle Reign FC battled to a lively 0-0 draw against their biggest rivals, Portland Thorns FC, in front of 9,052 enthusiastic fans. Despite the scoreline, the match was thrilling, with the first half seeing shots from both sides.
In the second half, relentless attacking from the Reign, including a high press that forced a turnover leading to a shot from Bethany Balcer, kept fans on edge. Despite continuous efforts and several dangerous crosses, the Reign couldn’t find the decisive touch, and the match ended in a goalless draw for the fifth time in the head-to-head series. Key moments included a last-minute goal-line save by defender Kelli Hubly in stoppage time. The draw extended the Reign’s unbeaten streak and showcased the defensive prowess of both teams in a hard-fought clash.
Watch the full highlights here.
In the last match of the weekend – one that NWSL fans have eagerly been anticipating since both clubs entered the league this season — Kate Del Fava scored in the 89th minute in PayPal Park to lead the Utah Royals to a 1-0 victory over fellow expansion club Bay FC. This win snapped Utah's six-match losing streak, marking their first road victory and first goal in four matches.
Bay FC, who had won two of their last three matches, dominated the attack in the first half but by the second half, the Royals had settled in and out shot their opponents seven shots to Bay FC’s one. The tides turned in the Royals’ favor in the final minutes of the match when they won a free kick in dangerous territory. Reading her teammate well, Del Fava received Ally Sentnor’s ball with a leaping header, diverting it past Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland’s gloves. Bay FC had 9 minutes of stoppage time after that to convert an opportunity into a goal but were unable to do so, leaving them with things to work on ahead of their next match against Angel City FC.