March 28-30
Week 3 of the 2025 NWSL season delivered drama, milestones, and breakout performances across the league before the action pauses for the FIFA international break. From Ashley Hatch climbing the all-time scoring charts to multiple clubs earning their first wins or clean sheets of the year, the weekend was packed with storylines that could shape the months ahead. As players now prepare to represent their national teams, here's how each match unfolded in Week 3.
Friday, March 28
Washington Spirit 2, Bay FC 0
Ashley Hatch stole the spotlight in the nation's capital, scoring twice in the first half to lift the Washington Spirit to their first home win of the season. Her brace not only secured the result but also elevated her to fifth all-time in regular season goals in NWSL history, passing Jess McDonald. Leicy Santos and Narumi Miura each notched assists, while Trinity Rodman looked dangerous throughout her first start of 2025. Bay FC’s best chance came from Taylor Huff, but her goal was overturned following a VAR review for a foul in the build up. The Spirit defense held firm through an intense second half where Bay FC looked increasingly dangerous, securing a clean sheet and victory before the international break.
Houston Dash 0, Gotham FC 0
In a tightly contested draw, the Houston Dash earned their first clean sheet of the season behind a composed performance from goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who made two key saves and recorded her 39th career shutout — fourth-most in league history. Gotham threatened through Ella Stevens, while Maggie Graham impressed in her first start of the year for Houston. Natalie Jacobs anchored a strong defensive showing, leading the team in recoveries and interceptions. Despite flashes of attacking intent from both sides, neither team could break through and the game ended in a draw.
Saturday, March 29
Orlando Pride 2, San Diego Wave FC 1
The Orlando Pride extended their perfect start to the season with a gritty 2-1 win over San Diego, marking the first 3-0-0 start in club history. Defender Haley McCutcheon opened the scoring after redirecting a loose ball in the box from a set piece and San Diego equalized through a well-placed header from Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who made her NWSL debut less than 2 minutes prior. Marta, with her iconic flair, delivered the game-winner from the spot with a cheeky Panenka penalty — her 13th career regular-season penalty conversion, second-most all-time behind Megan Rapinoe’s 14, all with the Pride.
Kansas City Current 3, Utah Royals FC 0
Kansas City remained unbeaten with another dominant first half, scoring three times before the break to dispatch the Utah Royals. Temwa Chawinga made history by scoring in her eighth straight regular season match, tying the NWSL record she set herself last season. Michelle Cooper added a goal and assisted Chawinga’s goal, while Debinha netted her 49th career regular season goal. The Current’s pressure was relentless, and their defense gave nothing away in the second half, not allowing a single shot from open play. Bia Zaneratto returned to the pitch after 175 days, adding depth to a team that looks every bit like a title contender this season.
Portland Thorns FC 0, North Carolina Courage 0
A hard-fought battle at Providence Park saw the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage share the points in a goalless draw, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. Casey Murphy stood tall in goal for the Courage, making two strong saves, and defender Natalia Staude impressed in her professional debut by playing all 90 minutes. Rookie Brooklyn Courtnall also made her NWSL debut for the Courage after missing the previous two matches with an injury. North Carolina’s best opportunity came in the 73rd minute when Ashley Sanchez earned a penalty, but the spot kick was saved by a diving Mackenzie Arnold. Both teams shared the points at the end of the match, with both probably also regretting missed opportunities.
Ahead of the match, the Thorns and their fans said thank you and farewell to a legend, with a pregame ceremony for beloved defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who retired at the end of the 2024 season.
Sunday, March 30
Chicago Stars FC 0, Racing Louisville FC 1
Emma Sears played the hero once again for Racing Louisville this season, scoring the lone goal in a gritty 1-0 win over Chicago that was initially delayed due to weather. Her deflected strike in the 27th minute was enough to lift Racing to its first victory of the year after Taylor Flint intercepted a Chicago pass, one touching the ball to Sears who converted easily. Behind a composed backline, Louisville limited the Stars to just three total shots all match and held firm, with goalkeeper Katie Lund playing her part in making key saves to not only hit 300 saves (all for Racing) but keep a clean sheet.
Angel City FC 2, Seattle Reign FC 1
Angel City earned its first win of 2025 with a strong performance against the Seattle Reign, powered by goals from young stars Alyssa Thompson and Riley Tiernan. Thompson opened the scoring in the 8th minute after a brilliant through ball from Kennedy Fuller, but Seattle answered quickly with a clinically-taken Ji So-Yun penalty. The hosts sealed the result in the 63rd minute when Tiernan headed home a pinpoint cross from Claire Emslie — her first professional goal. Despite a late push from Seattle, goalkeeper Angelina Anderson and the Angel City defense held firm to claim all three points before the break.