Week 5 was a quick one but it certainly gave league fans something to talk about. Three teams entered the weekend unbeaten, but only one made it out with their perfect record intact: the red-hot Kansas City Current. Across two days of action, we saw another Cascadia Rivalry chapter added to the history books, a new win streak record etched into league lore, and yet another brace from Esther González. We've got all the chaos and clutch moments here, in case you missed any of the fun.
Friday, April 18
Utah Royals FC 1, Chicago Stars FC 0
The Utah Royals FC earned their first win of the 2025 season on Friday night, defeating the Chicago Stars 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time penalty converted by Ally Sentnor. The late winner came after midfielder Dana Foederer was brought down in the box, prompting a VAR review and ultimately a decisive call in Utah’s favor. Sentnor stepped up and calmly buried the spot kick, the second latest game-winning goal in NWSL history. The win also marked Imani Dorsey’s return to the starting XI after a year-long injury absence.
Seattle Reign FC 1, Portland Thorns FC 0
An early goal from rookie Maddie Dahlien and 90 minutes of strong goalkeeping from Claudia Dickey proved the difference as Seattle Reign FC defeated their rivals, the Portland Thorns FC, 1-0, in their first home win in the rivalry since 2021.. Dahlien’s first pro goal came in the fourth minute off a long pass from Lynn Biyendolo, and while the Thorns pushed hard for an equalizer, they couldn’t find a breakthrough. The match marked Biyendolo’s first start for the Reign and first goal contribution, tying her with Sofia Huerta and Jess McDonald for career assists at 31.
Angel City FC 0, Gotham FC 4
Gotham FC cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Angel City FC to end the Los Angeles-based team’s four-game unbeaten streak. Esther González led the charge with her first goal of the night, a point-blank shot in the middle of the goal box, and Lilly Reale added a second via a forced own goal. Geyse scored her first NWSL goal late, with much of the work done by Midge Purce’s trademark quick footwork along the goal line, and González scored her second goal of the night, a header delivered by rookie Sarah Schupansky’s corner. The defense was just as dominant, holding Angel City to zero shots on target. It's a quick turnaround for Gotham as they head to Portland for a Tuesday evening match, the first midweek game of the season.
Saturday, April 19
Racing Louisville FC 1, San Diego Wave FC 4
San Diego Wave FC rolled to a 4-1 road win over Racing Louisville, led by a stellar showing from their French internationals. Kenza Dali opened the scoring with a perfectly placed free kick in the 17th minute before Louisville equalized on a VAR-awarded penalty just before halftime. But the Wave surged back in the second half, with 17-year-old Melanie Barcenas scoring the game-winner in her first start of 2025 thanks to a brilliant assist from Delphine Cascarino, who followed up with two goals of her own. San Diego dominated possession and shot efficiency, with first career assists from Kimmi Ascanio and Perle Morroni, who assisted Cascarino's first goal. Cascarino has a league leading three assists.
Orlando Pride 0, Washington Spirit 1
The Washington Spirit handed the Orlando Pride their first home loss in over 600 days with a gritty 1-0 win Saturday night. In her first NWSL start, Gift Monday scored the game-winner in the 64th minute after pressuring goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse into a costly turnover. Despite being out-possessed and outshot 20-9, Washington’s defense, led by Aubrey Kingsbury’s six-save effort in her 150th regular season appearance, held strong to secure a third straight clean sheet and Kingsbury’s 40th career shutout. By the end of the weekend, Orlando would lose its top spot in the standings to the Kansas City Current, with the Spirit still holding the third spot.
North Carolina Courage 0, Bay FC 1
Bay FC secured its first road win of the 2025 season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the North Carolina Courage on Saturday night in Cary, powered by a stunning first-half goal from Kiki Pickett. Pickett blasted a long-range half-volley off the post and in during the 33rd minute, assisted by Joelle Anderson for her third goal contribution of the season. Bay FC’s defense delivered a standout performance, limiting the Courage to just one shot in the second half and no shots on target after the break with goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz recording her second shutout of the year. Bay FC’s Taylor Huff played all 90 minutes and remains the only rookie in the league to playevery minute of the season so far.
Kansas City Current 2, Houston Dash 0
The Kansas City Current continued their record-setting tear on Saturday night, defeating the Houston Dash 2-0 in front of a sold-out crowd at CPKC Stadium to become just the second team in NWSL history to open a season 5-0-0, joining the 2014Seattle Reign FC.. Lo’eau LaBonta converted her third penalty of the year before Kayla Sharples added a second-half insurance goal, lifting the Current to sole possession of first place. The win marked Kansas City’s ninth consecutive regular-season victory—a new league record—and extended goalkeeper Lorena’s shutout streak to four straight matches and a club-record 401 minutes. Kansas City tied a league record with their seventh straight match scoring multiple goals.