NOTES TO KNOW

THE UNBEATEN BATTLE

The Orlando Pride now hold the sole title of the only unbeaten team in the NWSL this season after defeating the Kansas City Current in front of CPKC Stadium’s ninth straight sellout crowd in a thrilling 2-1 victory last Saturday. The win for the Pride ending the Current’s 17-game unbeaten streak dating back to October 7, 2023. Orlando has not trailed during a game in 1,262 minutes.

Forward Barbra Banda opened the scoring for the match, notching her 12th goal of the season. The striker is now one goal behind midfielder Marta for the single-season club record of 13 goals set in 2017. One minute and 44 seconds later, Current forward Temwa Chawinga weaved her way through defenders and equalized for her 12th goal of the season, retaking the Golden Boot lead. With the equalizer, the Current tallied their 40th goal of the season, a feat only three clubs have achieved since 2021.

The difference maker came from a penalty kick in the 63rd minute as Marta became the fifth player in league history to convert 10 penalty kick goals for one club in the regular season. The goal from the spot also marked her 10th career game-winning goal. The Current’s 17-game unbeaten streak still stands as a regular season league record, with the Pride, on a 16-game unbeaten streak, looking to match the feat when action resumes in August.

GOTHAM FC IN HOLLYWOOD

NJ/NY Gotham FC took home all three points in a 2-1 victory over Angel City FC as midfielder Rose Lavelle tied her career high of five goals in one season and midfielder Delanie Sheehan scored her first regular season goal and second career goal. Angel City midfielder Claire Emslie pulled a goal back off a penalty kick, marking the first time Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger faced a penalty in the NWSL. Emslie is now three-for-four from the spot this season.

COMEBACK COURAGE

The North Carolina Courage secured a comeback victory over Racing Louisville FC after going down off a goal from rookie forward Reilyn Turner who has now scored in back-to-back road games. Courage striker Ashley Sanchez secured her third-straight goal in as many games, the second longest streak of her career after going on a four-game scoring streak in 2023. North Carolina forwards Olivia Wingate and Manaka Matsukubo recorded goals of their own to seal the win.

IZZY D’NAMITE

The Portland Thorns FC added another tally to the win column off a 1-0 victory over San Diego Wave FC with a goal from forward Izzy D’Aquila, her first game-winner and second regular season goal. With the shutout, Thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan recorded her seventh clean sheet of the regular season, tying her with Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse for most in the league.

SPIRIT SCORES

The Washinton Spirit continued its dominant run with a 3-0 road win over Bay FC, tying a club record set in 2021 with six straight road wins. Forward Makenna Morris recorded her first NWSL career goal in her first professional start. With Morris’ goal, Washington now has 10 rookie goals this season and five rookies to score this season, leading the league in both categories. Additionally, striker Ouleyemata Sarr recorded her seventh goal while Trinity Rodman notched the 20th goal of her career. With the shutout, Kingsbury recorded her 32nd clean sheet for the Spirit, tied for the fourth-most for a single club.

WEEK 15 MATCH RECAP

Friday, July 5

Portland Thorns FC vs. San Diego Wave FC |1-0| Match Recap

Saturday, July 6

Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash | 1-0 | Match Recap

Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride | 1-2 | Match Recap

Angel City FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC | 1-2 | Match Recap

Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit | 0-3 | Match Recap

Sunday, July 7

North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC | 3-1 | Match Recap

Seattle Reign FC vs. Utah Royals FC | 1-1 | Match Recap