1. Road Warriors Set a New Record

History was made in Week 4 as six of seven matches were won by the away team — setting a new NWSL record for the most road victories in a single weekend. From Portland’s commanding win in Utah to Chicago’s offensive outburst in the Bay Area, visiting sides took control across the board, flipping the traditional home-field advantage narrative on its head.

2. Debinha Hits 50 and Looks as Dangerous as Ever

Kansas City’s midfield magician is on a tear! Debinha scored her 50th career regular-season goal in KC’s 2–0 win over San Diego, becoming just the fifth player in league history to reach the 50 goals/25 assists milestone. With a composed finish and steady creative control, the three-time NWSL Shield winner, two-time NWSL Champion, and 2023 NWSL MVP finalist is bringing championship mentality to a KC team that’s playing like they’re ready to go all the way.

3. Stars Shine Bright in Bay Area Breakthrough

The Chicago Stars FC looked transformed in their 2–1 win at Bay FC. With sharp passing, organized defending, and clinical finishing, they dominated the opening half. The highlight? A dazzling brace from Ludmila, whose first goal was capped off by a cartwheel-to-backflip celebration — easily one of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

4. Comeback Queens: Bixby and Purce Return

Week 4 welcomed back two NWSL fan favorites. Portland Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby made her first appearance in 18 months due to maternity leave, securing a clean sheet in Portland’s 1–0 win. Meanwhile, Midge Purce returned to the pitch for Gotham after an ACL tear sidelined her for over a year. The 2023 Championship MVP entered to raucous applause and added another layer of depth to Gotham’s front line.

5. Gotham’s Spanish Star Delivers Again

Esther González reminded everyone why she’s one of the league’s most dangerous goal scorers, netting a rapid-fire brace in just six minutes to lead Gotham to its first win of the season. The forward now has 12 regular-season goals in Gotham colors.

Honorary Mentions:

Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current both improved to 4-0-0 — the first time ever TWO teams have started a season this perfectly through four weeks.

In her 50th career game, Alyssa Thompson recorded her first game with both a goal and an assist, officially joining the 10 goals/10 assists club at just 20 years, 5 months, and 5 days — the second youngest to do so in league history after Olivia Moultrie did it in March.