The 2025 NWSL season kicked off in thrilling fashion, with fireworks in the very first match—literally. Friday night saw two of last year’s top teams—Orlando Pride, the reigning champions, and the 2024 runner-up Washington Spirit—dominate in their respective matches, while Saturday started off similarly with early goals. However, the rest of the weekend, the competition tightened, illustrating the league’s trademark parity, with closely contested draws proving that no result is guaranteed in the NWSL. Whether a team lifted silverware last season or finished at the bottom, every match is up for grabs. Here’s a look at everything you missed from opening weekend.
Friday, March 14
Orlando Pride 6, Chicago Stars FC 0
The Orlando Pride opened their season in dominant fashion at home, securing a 6-0 victory over the newly rebranded Chicago Stars FC (formerly the Chicago Red Stars). The win marked Orlando’s first-ever victory in a season opener and set a new record for most goals in an opening match. Barbra Banda led the attack with two late goals and an assist, tying Marta’s club record for matches with both a goal and an assist (4). Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, Julie Doyle, and a Chicago own goal rounded out the scoring. Marta, Morgan Gautrat, and Banda each recorded assists.
Orlando controlled the match from start to finish, outpacing Chicago in shots and possession. The Pride’s defensive effort stifled Chicago’s attack, allowing limited opportunities on goal. The result gives Orlando an early momentum boost as they look to build on last season’s successes and defend their title.
Houston Dash 1, Washington Spirit 2
At the same time, in the South, the Washington Spirit secured their first three points of the season with a 2-1 road win over the Houston Dash. Makenna Morris opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a rebound inside the box. Ashley Hatch doubled the lead in the 33rd minute after a shot from Chloe Ricketts bounced off the crossbar, allowing Hatch to tap in the rebound.
In the second half, Houston subbed on rookie Maggie Graham, a Duke product. She became the 1,000th player in NWSL history, and in fitting fashion, Graham scored in the 75th minute when she connected with a header off a Ryan Gareis cross. The Dash pressed for an equalizer, but Washington’s defense held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time to claim the victory.
Saturday, March 15
Kansas City Current 3, Portland Thorns 1
Kansas City Current started their season strong with a 3-1 victory over Portland Thorns at CPKC Stadium, in front of a packed stadium and also, three actors from Grey’s Anatomy and Current owners Brittany and Patrick Mahomes. Reigning MVP and Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga put the Current ahead in the first five minutes, while Michelle Cooper extended the lead in the 24th with a long-range strike. Debinha capped off the first-half scoring in the 38th minute, marking her 48th career NWSL regular-season goal.
Portland clawed one back early in the second half through Olivia Moultrie, but the Thorns missed a golden opportunity to close the gap when Moultrie’s 79th-minute penalty rattled off the crossbar. After a dominant three-goal first half, Kansas City couldn’t add to their tally, but their defense stood firm in the final stretch to secure the win.
Utah Royals FC 1, Bay FC 1
The NWSL’s two 2024 expansion teams, Bay FC and Utah Royals FC, played to a 1-1 draw in a hard-fought battle in Utah on Saturday afternoon. Utah opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Bianca St-Georges, assisted by goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. It was the fourth goalkeeper assist in NWSL regular season history. Bay FC responded in the 43rd minute when Kiki Pickett fired a long-range shot off the post and into the net.
The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither side could find the breakthrough. Utah had a late opportunity through Ally Sentnor, but Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, in her NWSL debut, made a crucial save to preserve the draw and bring one point home before their home opener next weekend.
Racing Louisville FC 1, North Carolina Courage 1
Racing Louisville FC and North Carolina Courage played to a 1-1 draw in rainy Louisville on Saturday evening. Louisville struck first in the 13th minute when Emma Sears finished off a corner kick sequence. The Courage found the equalizer in the 69th minute, with Riley Jackson capitalizing on a rebound.
North Carolina controlled much of the second half, outshooting Louisville 8-3 and dominating possession, but were unable to convert their chances. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy made key saves to keep the Courage in the match, while Louisville’s defense absorbed late pressure to secure a well-deserved point at home.
Seattle Reign 1, Gotham FC 1
Gotham FC earned a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign FC despite playing down a player late in the second half due to a red card. Gabi Portilho scored in the 47th minute, becoming the first Brazilian to score in her NWSL debut. Seattle equalized in the 71st minute through Emeri Adames, who capitalized on a loose ball in the box.
In the second half, Gotham FC midfielder Mak Whitham etched her name into the NWSL record books, becoming the youngest player in regular season history at just 14 years and 7 months when she subbed on. Gotham dictated the tempo in the first half, outshooting Seattle and dominating possession but couldn’t capitalize on a second goal. Defensively, the visitors kept the Reign in check, limiting them to just one shot on target.
Sunday, March 16
Angel City FC 1, San Diego Wave FC 1
To close out the 2025 Kickoff Weekend, in the year’s first SoCal Derby, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC shared the points in a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles. Gia Corley put San Diego ahead early, finishing a cross from Delphine Cascarino. Angel City responded in the second half when Alyssa Thompson broke free and slotted home the equalizer in the 54th minute.
Both teams had opportunities to take the lead late, with Angel City’s Angelina Anderson making key saves to deny San Diego’s María Sánchez and Melanie Barcenas. The match ended level, giving both teams a point to start the season.
