From huge upsets to record-breaking goals, this weekend's NWSL action was truly remarkable. Here's a speedy rundown, just in case you missed out on all the fun. And trust us, after this, you won't want to miss another match!
Friday, May 17
North Carolina Courage 1 vs. Utah Royals FC 0
This weekend's action began in Cary with a rematch between Utah Royals FC (1-8-1) and North Carolina Courage (5-5-0), the same teams that faced off in the season opener, which Utah won. This time, the outcome was different. The Courage dominated offensively, taking 20 shots against Utah goalkeeper Mandy Haught, with 6 on target. Haught managed to save all but one, a decisive 76th-minute goal by Kaleigh Kurtz, assisted perfectly by midfielder Brianna Pinto.
Looking ahead, the Courage will hit the road next Friday to face Houston, while the Royals return home to host the Kansas City Current.
Watch the full highlights here.
Houston Dash 0 vs. Portland Thorns FC 2
The Thorns (6-3-1) extended their impressive winning streak on Friday, defeating Houston (2-5-3) with a combination of resilient offense and solid defense despite a weather delay. Ana Dias celebrated her first NWSL goal, while Olivia Moultrie netted her third of the season. Thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan contributed significantly with three crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet.
The Thorns are now just one victory away from matching the NWSL record for consecutive wins, set by Seattle Reign in 2014, a record the Orlando Pride achieved with a Sunday win over the Reign. To achieve this milestone, next weekend they will need to overcome – you guessed it – the Pride.
Watch the full highlights here.
Bay FC 2 vs. San Diego Wave FC 1
At halftime on Friday night, Bay FC (3-7-0) and San Diego Wave (3-4-2) likely had contrasting discussions. With San Diego taking eight shots to Bay FC’s one, Casey Stoney probably emphasized the need for composure in front of the net to convert more chances. Albertin Montoya, on the other hand, likely stressed the importance of maintaining possession in the opponent’s half and creating more scoring opportunities.
The halftime adjustments bore fruit in the second half. In the 55th minute, Bay FC equalized when Kiki Pickett made a driving advance and delivered a pinpoint pass to a wide-open Scarlett Camberos, who calmly slid her shot past Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. In the 87th minute, Bay FC took the lead as Racheal Kundananji seized on a miscommunication in the box, nudging the ball just enough to force Wave defender Hanna Lundkvist into an own goal.
Next weekend, Bay FC will host an East Coast versus West Coast showdown against NJ/NY Gotham FC. Meanwhile, San Diego will face their rivals, Angel City FC, in a SoCal Clásico match on Thursday night.
Saturday, May 18
Washington Spirit 4 vs. Angel City FC 2
The Spirit (7-3-0) now sit in third place in the standings following a commanding victory over Angel City FC (3-5-1). Sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson made history by becoming the first sibling duo to start together in an NWSL regular season match. Trinity Rodman scored twice, followed by goals from Casey Kreuger and Ouleye Sarr, giving the Spirit an insurmountable lead. Angel City managed to respond with an own goal and a header from Sydney Leroux in the second half, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Next, the Spirit will face Seattle Reign FC on Friday, while Angel City FC will host the San Diego Wave on Thursday evening.
Watch the full highlights here.
Kansas City Current 3 vs. Racing Louisville FC 3
CPKC Stadium hosted its first NWSL After Dark match on Saturday as the Kansas City Current (6-0-4) faced off against Racing Louisville FC (1-2-6). The match lived up to expectations as the two teams traded goals all match. Racing's rookie forward Emma Sears opened the scoring, but the Current equalized with a penalty before halftime from Lo’eau LaBonta. In the second half, Michelle Cooper put the Current ahead with a stunning shot into the upper far corner. However, Abby Erceg leveled the score again, connecting with a corner kick from Carson Pickett. Gabrielle Robinson netted her first NWSL goal in stoppage time, but Racing midfielder Savannah DeMelo stunned the home fans by equalizing in the final moments of the match
The Current are second in league standings, though their gap over the Spirit is narrowing. Next weekend, the Current will aim to widen the lead as they travel to Utah, while Racing Louisville FC will be visiting Chicago.
Sunday, May 19
NJ/NY Gotham FC 2 vs. Chicago Red Stars 1
A record-breaking goal by Lynn Williams and a dramatic stoppage-time game winner with a crest kiss made for an unforgettable Sunday afternoon for Gotham FC (4-2-3) fans as their team hosted the Chicago Red Stars (5-4-1). The scoring began in the 57th minute when Lynn Williams netted her 79th goal, surpassing Sam Kerr’s record. Penelope Hocking equalized in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a rebound. However, Gotham FC's Ella Stevens, facing her former club, headed in a set piece from Jenna Nighswonger to secure three points and another home victory.
Looking ahead, Gotham FC faces back-to-back matches against California-based clubs, starting in the Bay Area next Friday. Meanwhile, Chicago returns home to host Racing Louisville FC.
Watch the full highlights here.
Seattle Reign FC 2 vs. Orlando Pride 3
If you listened closely, you might have heard the “BANDA BANDA BANDA” chants all the way from Orlando as the weekend’s action concluded in Seattle. After being shut out in their last two matches, Reign FC (2-7-1) seemed to have solved their scoring woes when they equalized in the 48th minute. However, Banda was unstoppable, scoring her second goal of the match – and her sixth of the season – in the 58th minute, putting the Orlando Pride (7-0-3) in a lead they wouldn’t give up the rest of the match.
Orlando faces the Portland Thorns next weekend at home. The Pride has clinched a league record-tying seven consecutive wins, while Portland sits just one win behind at six. If Orlando secures victory next weekend, they'll set a new record. However, if Portland wins, they'll match the record, ending Orlando's remarkable streak in the process.
