Alex Morgan
By: NWSL Editor
Match Previews 6/28-6/30

This weekend’s NWSL action promises thrilling matchups as teams scramble for crucial points before the Olympic break. With high stakes and playoff implications on the line, fans can expect intense battles and plenty of drama. Here's what to look forward to!

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 is 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.

Friday, June 28

Matchup: Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash - 8:00 PM ET

Where to watch: Prime Video

Starting off the weekend action, Houston Dash (3-6-5) is taking on the undefeated Kansas City Current (9-0-5) on Kansas City’s turf. Leading the league in goals, shots, and shots on target, momentum favors the Current so the Dash will have their work cut out for them despite being equipped with one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Furthermore, while the Dash settled for a draw at home last weekend, the Current had a resounding win against the Portland Thorns. Keep an eye on Current forward Temwa Chawinga, who’s only a goal away from tying league leaders Sophia Smith and Barbra Banda.

Matchup: San Diego Wave vs. Chicago Red Stars - 10:00 PM ET

Where to watch: NWSL+

The San Diego Wave (3-5-6) are in a surprising slump, struggling to recapture last season's Shield-winning form despite securing the Challenge Cup earlier this year. Winless since early May, they will be eager to turn things around this weekend at home, where their loyal fans will be cheering them on. Meanwhile, the Chicago Red Stars (5-7-2), buoyed by Mal Swanson's scoring prowess, will be determined to collect crucial points to strengthen their standings ahead of the upcoming Olympic break.

Saturday, June 29

Matchup: Racing Louisville FC vs. Bay FC - 4:00 PM ET

Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+/ESPN Deportes

Racing Louisville FC (3-4-7) are hosting expansion team Bay FC (5-9-0) this weekend in the first matchup between the two clubs in league history. Last weekend, Racing was able to secure a point in Seattle after a late stoppage time goal by Reilyn Turner, and Bay FC was able to snatch all three points after Tess Boade’s first half goal went unanswered by Angel City FC. Don’t expect either squad to coast though – the winner of this match could break into playoff considerations.

Matchup: Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage - 7:30 PM ET

Where to watch: ION

The top three teams in the standings are starting to distance themselves from the rest of the league, with Washington Spirit (10-3-1) among the frontrunners. The Spirit’s youthful squad secured a victory against Gotham FC last weekend, creating an ideal backdrop for the arrival of head coach Jonatan Giráldez from Spain. On the other side, the North Carolina Courage (6-7-1) boast one of the league's most formidable defenses. Fresh off a victory marked by three impressive goals, the Courage could pose a significant challenge to the Spirit, potentially disappointing their fans now that they've found their scoring stride.

Matchup: Utah Royals vs. Portland Thorns FC - 10:00 PM ET

Where to watch: ION

Last Friday evening’s Orlando Pride versus Utah Royals FC (2-11-1) match, where the Royals were soundly defeated and held to a clean sheet, had many takeaways for the young expansion team. They’ll be looking to implement all they learned this weekend at home when they host the Portland Thorns (7-5-2), who have recently experienced a disappointing defeat of their own. Key players to watch include Sophia Smith, who is in a tight race with Barbra Banda for the Golden Boot. She’ll be aiming to score against Mandy Haugh, who, despite last weekend’s lopsided scoreline, made six impressive saves. Rookie Lauren Flynn also stood out, making eleven clearances against a relentless Pride attack.

Sunday, June 30

Matchup: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC - 1:00 PM ET

Where to watch: ESPN 2/ESPN+/ESPN Deportes

In one of the most anticipated matches of the season, this Sunday’s action kicks off at Red Bull Arena with fourth-place Gotham FC (8-3-3) taking on thirteenth-place Seattle Reign FC (2-9-3). This marks the first meeting between the two clubs since last November's NWSL Championship in San Diego. While Gotham FC has maintained their strong form, Reign FC has faced a series of on-field disappointments, including a last-minute draw last weekend. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Reign FC to turn their season around, as three points could significantly boost their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Gotham FC, also coming off a disappointing result, will be eager to secure points at home before the Olympic break.

Matchup: Angel City FC vs. Orlando Pride - 7:30 PM ET

Where to watch: NWSL+

This Sunday, Orlando Pride (9-0-5) heads to Los Angeles for Angel City (4-7-3) FC’s Pride Night, closing out the weekend’s NWSL action. The two teams last met in late March in Orlando, where the Pride secured all three points. Since then, both squads have seen changes, most notably the arrival of Barbra Banda for Orlando. Banda's impressive performance last Friday, where she assisted two goals and scored two herself—tying Sophia Smith in the Golden Boot race—means Angel City FC and goalkeeper Didi Haračić will face a formidable challenge if the Zambian forward continues her stellar form. A win for ACFC could propel them into playoff contention and set a positive tone for their two-match homestand.

Match Previews and Recaps