Week 17 of the NWSL season wrapped up with a weekend full of drama and excitement across the league. From dramatic game-winning goals and weather delays to monumental victories and heartbreaking defeats, this round had it all and we have everything you need in case you missed the action!
Friday, August 30
Bay FC earned a 3-1 victory over Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park, opening the scoring early with goals from Abby Dahlkemper and Rachel Hill within the first 20 minutes. Portland's Sophia Smith narrowed the gap in the 32nd minute after intercepting a clearance, but Bay FC sealed the win with a second-half goal from Joelle Anderson, assisted by Hill. The match marked Dahlkemper's debut for Bay FC, where she played the full 90 minutes and became the third player to score in their first game for the club and fifth to score back-to-back goals for two different clubs.
Saturday, August 31
Racing Louisville FC 2, Seattle Reign 3
Racing Louisville suffered a 3-2 defeat against Seattle Reign at Lynn Family Stadium in the first match of Saturday. Ary Borges and Taylor Flint scored for Louisville, who dominated much of the game, outshooting the Reign 17 to 5. However, Seattle capitalized on key moments, with Sofia Huerta converting a penalty and a late deflection off Arin Wright from a Huerta corner, sealing the Reign’s win and leaving Louisville outside a playoff berth yet again.
Houston Dash 1, Utah Royals FC 3
The Utah Royals extended their unbeaten streak to four matches with a 3-1 road victory over the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium. After a slow start, Utah took the lead in the 44th minute when Ana Tejada scored her first NWSL goal, cleaning up a rebound off the crossbar. Claudia Zornoza doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a penalty (her first in the NWSL as well), and minutes later, Paige Monaghan added a third, capitalizing on a perfect lead pass from Zornoza. Houston's Andressa pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but it wasn't enough as Utah held on to leapfrog Houston in the standings.
Sunday, September 1
North Carolina Courage 2, Kansas City Current 1
The North Carolina Courage secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against the Kansas City Current at WakeMed Soccer Park, extending their unbeaten home streak to 18 matches. After Kansas City's Temwa Chawinga scored in the 62nd minute, Cortnee Vine equalized five minutes later with a curling shot to the far post, assisted by Haley Hopkins. The match was halted for an hour due to weather but when it restarted, remained tied until the final minutes when Brianna Pinto scored the game-winner in stoppage time.
Angel City FC 2, Chicago Red Stars 1
Angel City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars at home, with Sydney Leroux’s stoppage-time goal clinching the win. Angel City opened the scoring early with Alyssa Thompson tapping in a rebound after Alyssa Naeher’s save on a Meggie Dougherty-Howard shot. Chicago equalized just before halftime through Bea Franklin's first professional goal, capitalizing on a well-executed corner. With the minutes ticking down, it seemed both teams would have to settle for a draw but Leroux finished a perfect cross from M.A. Vignola in stoppage time, handing Angel City the win.
Orlando Pride 2, NJ/NY Gotham FC 0
The Orlando Pride maintained their unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Adriana scored both goals in the first half, striking in the 6th and 19th minutes to give the Pride a commanding lead. Despite Gotham's efforts, including 16 shots, only two were on target and both were saved by Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. The win, Orlando's 5th straight and their 19th unbeaten match, also marked a milestone for Pride Head Coach Seb Hines, who set a new club record with his 26th win.
San Diego Wave FC 1, Washington Spirit 1
San Diego Wave FC and Washington Spirit played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday night in San Diego to close out the weekend’s matches. Washington took the lead in the 30th minute when a clearance attempt inadvertently deflected off a Wave player and into the net. San Diego equalized in the 68th minute when Kristen McNabb capitalized on a corner kick from María Sánchez, heading the ball into the lower corner. Despite a late surge from Washington, including a strong header from Leicy Santos in the 71st minute that was saved by Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, neither team could break the deadlock further.