March 21-23
Week 2 of the 2025 NWSL season delivered another round of tightly contested matchups, dramatic finishes, and standout individual performances. While a few clubs built early momentum with back-to-back wins, others earned their first three points of the campaign or debuted on home turf in front of record-setting crowds. From huge goals that shook the sports world to milestone appearances, each match added new energy to a season already brimming with excitement and promise.
Friday, March 21
Portland Thorns 1, Angel City FC 1
Angel City FC and the Portland Thorns played to a 1-1 draw at Providence Park in the opening match of the weekend. Kennedy Fuller gave Angel City the early lead in the ninth minute, receiving a pass and pivoting and no-look slotting it into the far corner of the net. Portland equalized in the 30th minute through Reilyn Turner, who redirected a corner kick delivery from Olivia Moultrie past the goalkeeper.
Both sides created multiple opportunities throughout the match, with goalkeepers Mackenzie Arnold and Angelina Anderson each recording huge saves. Portland had a late surge, while Angel City nearly found a winner through Alyssa Thompson, but both teams ultimately settled for a point.
Saturday, March 22
North Carolina Courage 1, Seattle Reign 2
Seattle Reign secured a 2-1 victory over the North Carolina Courage in front of a club-record home opener crowd. In her 200th career appearance, Jess Fishlock opened the scoring in the 35th minute, finishing a cross from Maddie Mercado, and Jordyn Bugg doubled the lead early in the second half with a long-range strike that made SportsCenter the following morning.
Aline Gomes cut the deficit for the Courage in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from close range. North Carolina pushed for an equalizer in the final half-hour, but Seattle held firm defensively to secure the result.
Washington Spirit 0, Kansas City Current 2
Kansas City Current earned its second win of the season with a 2-0 road result over the Washington Spirit in front of a sold out Audi Field, the Spirit’s third home sellout in a row. Following a scoreless first half, Lo’eau LaBonta converted a penalty in the 56th minute to break the deadlock. Temwa Chawinga added a second in stoppage time, scoring on a rebound after her initial shot was saved.
Washington controlled possession in the second half and had several close chances, including a disallowed goal from Trinity Rodman and a late penalty review, but could not find a breakthrough. The win marks Kansas City's second straight shutout to open the season.
San Diego Wave FC 3, Utah Royals FC 2
San Diego Wave delighted its home crowd to their first win of the 2025 season with a 3-2 victory over Utah Royals FC. San Diego opened the scoring with a Delphine Cascarino low skidding ball across the goal for María Sánchez to send home before Adriana Leon doubled the lead, set up by Gia Corley.
Utah responded in the second half with goals from Claudia Zornoza and Mina Tanaka to level the match. Corley had the final say, intercepting a goal kick and scoring the game-winner in the 74th minute. The match featured the first goal contributions of the season for several San Diego players, including Leon’s first for the club.
Bay FC 2, Racing Louisville FC 0
Bay FC earned its first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Racing Louisville FC in its home opener at PayPal Park. Bay Area native Joelle Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and rookie Karlie Lema, also a Bay Area native, doubled the lead with a coast-to-coast long-range strike just before halftime.
Bay FC maintained control for much of the match, and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz recorded three saves to secure her first NWSL shutout. Rookie Hannah Bebar made her professional debut in the second half.
Sunday, March 23
Chicago Stars FC 1, Houston Dash 2
Houston Dash earned its first victory of the season with a 2-1 comeback win over Chicago Stars FC. Jameese Joseph opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute, but Paige Nielsen equalized for Houston two minutes later following a corner kick sequence.
Maggie Graham netted the game-winner in the second half, scoring her second goal of the season. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell played a key role in preserving the lead with five saves on the day.
Gotham FC 0, Orlando Pride 2
Orlando Pride continued its perfect start to the season with a 2-0 win over Gotham FC. An early own goal gave Orlando the lead, and Marta extended the advantage in first-half stoppage time by converting a penalty kick.
The Pride earned their second consecutive clean sheet behind goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, who is now tied for 10th all-time in NWSL regular season shutouts. Rookie Zara Chavoshi made her NWSL debut as a late substitute in the win.