As the NWSL enters its first international break of the 2025 season, it’s a natural moment to pause and reflect. Through three weeks, teams have unveiled rising stars, tactical shifts, and statement performances across the board.

Here’s a look at the biggest storylines so far, with the NWSL returning for Week 4 action on April 11th when the Utah Royals host the Portland Thorns at 10 pm ET on Prime Video.

Angel City FC’s Youth Movement Driving Historic Start

Angel City FC is off to its best start in club history, unbeaten through three matches with two draws and a 2–1 win over Seattle last weekend. It’s a start led by two of the league’s brightest young stars: Kennedy Fuller and Alyssa Thompson. Thompson has scored twice, including the opening goal against the Reign, while Fuller has assisted both of those goals and scored a goal of her own in their draw against Portland in Week 2. She now sits tied for the league lead in assists alongside Delphine Cascarino. Their connection has been decisive and electric—and a clear signal that Angel City is building something powerful around its next generation.

Bay FC's Reliable Rookies

Bay FC has embraced its youth with confidence, leaning on a rookie core that has made an immediate impact. Local standout Karlie Lema, a Bay Area native and Cal product, scored in the club’s home opener in front of friends and family, while Taylor Huff has started all three matches and consistently looked dangerous in the midfield. Though Huff’s goal last weekend was ultimately disallowed due to a foul in the buildup, her influence has been undeniable. The club’s intent to integrate Hannah Bebar—currently finishing her master’s program at Duke—into the rotation further underscores Bay FC’s long-term vision and investment in its rising talent.

Jameese Joseph Providing Bright Spot for Chicago Stars FC

While the Chicago Stars are still searching for their first win of the season, forward Jameese Joseph has emerged as a key contributor. The rookie has already scored and remains one of the most consistent threats in the attacking third, generating dangerous chances in each match. As Chicago works to define its new identity, Joseph’s early performances suggest she will be a foundational piece for the future.

Graham Making Her Mark for the Houston Dash

Maggie Graham became the 1,000th player to appear in the NWSL—and quickly made history of her own. The Houston Dash forward scored just 15 minutes into her debut and followed it up with another goal in her second appearance. In her third match, she earned a start and provided a steady presence on the right flank, contributing critical defensive work to help preserve a clean sheet. Graham has wasted no time establishing herself as a rising talent and a valuable piece of Houston’s plans moving forward.

Kansas City Current’s Attack Continues to Thrive

The Kansas City Current are off to a perfect 3–0–0 start, and the duo of Michelle Cooper and Temwa Chawinga has been at the heart of that success. Cooper has already tallied two goals and an assist—setting up one of Chawinga’s finishes—as she continues to grow into her role as an attacking leader. Chawinga, the reigning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, extended her goal-scoring streak to eight consecutive matches in Week 3, matching her own record from 2024. She currently sits tied atop the Golden Boot race with Ashley Hatch, reinforcing her status as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

Gotham FC’s Rookies Step Up

In a transitional moment for Gotham FC, younger players have stepped up to keep the club competitive. Sarah Schupansky and Lilly Reale have both taken on larger roles and shown composure in key moments when needed. As Gotham works to reorient and find its rhythm, their early-season contributions are providing stability and valuable minutes.

Koyama and O’Sullivan Anchoring the North Carolina Courage’s Midfield

Shinomi Koyama delivered an assured performance in her first NWSL start for the North Carolina Courage. In the opening half, she completed 92.6% of her passes, created one chance, won 4 of 6 duels, and succeeded in both of her tackle attempts—highlighting her two-way capabilities in midfield. Alongside her, captain Denise O’Sullivan continues to be one of the league’s most effective central players. Through three games, O’Sullivan ranks first in the NWSL for tackles won and second for duels won while also leading the team in assists. North Carolina also welcomed back Talia Staude into the fold for her league debut. After spending much of 2024 finishing college and then on loan, the defender played a full 90 minutes against Portland and was a key presence in aerial duels while keeping the Thorns pinned in their own half for long stretches.

Orlando Pride Continues to Set the Standard

Orlando is one of three undefeated NWSL teams, having opened their 2025 campaign with three straight wins — a 6-0 record breaking season opener against Chicago, a 2-0 gritty victory against Gotham, and a tense 2-1 against San Diego. Marta is as larger than life as ever, converting her Week 3 penalty with a cheeky Panenka while Barbra Banda is already making her case for 2025 Golden Boot winner after finishing second last season. Defensively, the Pride are as resilient as ever despite a few hiccups last week. Emily Sams, Rafaelle, Kylie Nadaner, and Kerry Abello have set the standard for the rest of the league, forcing opponents to get creative to get anywhere near goal.

Portland Thorns’s Balance of Experience and Potential

The Portland Thorns are navigating early-season challenges with a balanced approach, relying on veteran presence and emerging talent. Forward Reilyn Turner has emerged as a promising attacking option, while goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has come up with critical saves to keep Portland in tight matches. Defensively, Reyna Reyes has been a stabilizing force, and new captain Sam Coffey continues to set the tone for the squad in her leadership role.

Racing Louisville FC’s Emerging Core

Racing Louisville has found early success through the play of two standouts. Forward Emma Sears has scored twice in her first three matches, including a game-winner, and remains a consistent threat on set pieces. In midfield, Taylor Flint has impressed with her defensive pressure and decision-making, earning the assist on Sears’ winner after a key interception. The duo has become an early engine for a Louisville team eager to take the next step, sitting now with a loss, draw, and win through Week 3.

San Diego Wave’s Front Line Finds Its Form

Forwards Gia Corley and Delphine Cascarino have started to build promising chemistry atop the San Diego Wave’s attack. Their movement, pace, and ability to combine in the final third have provided consistent threats, even as the team continues to find its rhythm after a busy offseason recruiting key new additions to the squad. If they continue on this trajectory, San Diego will be a team to watch heading into the heart of the season.

Seattle Reign FC Showing Progress Across the Pitch

Seattle Reign FC already looks like a revitalized team compared to 2024. Defender Jordyn Bugg earned Goal of the Week honors in Week 2 and has been a commanding presence in the backline. Forward Emeri Adames continues to make an impact off the bench, offering a spark late in games with Week 1 seeing her score a tying goal just two minutes after entering the field. Although they fell 2–1 in LA, a strong late push and steady improvement across all lines suggest the Reign are poised to make progress in 2025.

Sentnor Leads the Way for the Utah Royals

Ally Sentnor continues to show why Utah Royals FC made her the first overall pick in 2024. She assisted Mina Tanaka’s goal in Week 2 and remains the team’s most active shot creator, leading Utah in total shots and tied with Tanaka in shots on target. Tanaka, fresh off a SheBelieves Cup MVP performance where Sentnor also delighted, has carried that form into league play. Utah has made it clear they’re building around Sentnor—and the early returns are promising.

Bernal and Morgan Setting the Tone for the Washington Spirit

Rebeca Bernal has quietly become one of the most influential players in Washington’s possession-based system. She led the team in passes and chances created in their Week 3 win, and played a key role in Ashley Hatch’s goal with 6 touches in the 22-pass buildup. Alongside her, defender Esme Morgan has provided poise and precision, instantly meshing well with her counterpart from Mexico. Together with Tara McKeown, the trio has anchored a composed and cohesive back three, giving the Spirit a steady foundation to build from.