The National Women’s Soccer League was back in action this weekend as all fourteen teams got their 2025 campaign underway.

Gameweek one brought all of the action, as the 2024 NWSL Shield and Championship winners Orlando Pride picked up right where they left off with an emphatic victory over Chicago Stars.

Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current were back on the winners list, firing past Houston Dash and Portland Thorns respectively.

Eight teams had to settle for a point as Utah Royals and Bay FC drew level at America First Field, before a ten-player Gotham were able to hold Seattle Reign to a draw. North Carolina Courage were able to strike out an early opener from Racing Louisville’s Emma Sears in order to salvage a point on the road. Closing matchday one off was a draw between Angel City and San Diego Wave in Los Angeles.

The Halfway Line breaks down everything that you may have missed in NWSL gameweek one.

Orlando Pride 6-0 Chicago Stars

The Champions did what Champions do at Inter&Co Stadium, flattening the Chicago Stars in an emphatic 6-0 demolition.

Chicago were unable to recover from Haley McCutcheon’s seventh-minute opener, hanging their heads in what was a poor showing from Lorne Garfield Donaldson’s side. The Stars had to do without star forward Mallory Swanson, and the lack of attacking edge was glaringly prevalent.

Prized forward Barbra Banda was back doing what she does best, slotting home a brace in the closing ten minutes to secure the win in style.

Houston Dash 1-2 Washington Spirit

A close encounter at Shell Energy Stadium ended in glory for the visitors as first half goals from Makenna Morris and Ashley Hatch got the job done for Washington Spirit.

Trinity Rodman made her return to match time action after a bothering back injury kept her sidelined over the offseason period. The USWNT star was met by warm welcomes from the travelling Spirit fans inside of the stadium.

22-year-old Maggie Graham opened the door for Houston Dash in the 75th minute, finding the back of the net to bring her side back in contention. But it wasn’t enough, as Spirit ran out the game and grabbed the three points.

Kansas City Current 3-1 Portland Thorns

It looked as if it may be one way traffic at CPKC Stadium after an early opener from the inevitable Temwa Chawinga had Portland Thorns looking dumfounded within just four minutes.

Debinha was close to making matters worse for the Thorns fans, but her tap-in was disallowed for an offside offence in the build up.

It was young USWNT prospect Michelle Cooper who doubled the Current’s lead with an astonishing strike from distance in the 23rd minute.

Debinha returned to haunt Portland in the closing stages of the first half, giving the Current their third goal of the afternoon with a clinical finish.

The visitors were awarded a chance to put themselves back in the conversation after a penalty was given, but Olivia Moultrie sent her spot kick into the woodwork.

Portland came out the better of the two sides in the second half, and were awarded a goal for their efforts as Moultrie drew one back in the 49th minute.

Utah Royals 1-1 Bay FC

It all ended level at America First Field after a tight contest in Utah. The Royals were the first to break the deadlock, after a visionary ball from goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn split open the Bay defence and fell into the path of Bianca St. Georges. A cool finish from the former Courage forward was enough to give the hosts an early lead.

Bay FC were able to drag one back in the 44th minute as Kiara Pickett send a tremendous strike into the top left corner. Curling and thunderous, there was nothing that any goalkeeper in the world could have done to save it.

Ally Sentnor nearly made herself the hero at the death, but her impressive strike from range flew just over the bar.

An even contest meant that both sides were forced to settle for a draw in Sandy.

Racing Louisville 1-1 North Carolina Courage

Despite a strong start from North Carolina Courage, Emma Sears was fast to open the scoring at Lynn Family Stadium after a brilliant display of build up play opened the gates for Racing Louisville.

A pin-point delivery from Janine Sonis was met brilliantly by Ary Borges at the back post, but a strong intervention from Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy prevented the hosts from doubling their lead.

Dominating the ball possession but failing to create big chances, North Carolina would have to bide their time before drawing terms level away from home.

It was a blundered save from Katie Lund that led to the 1-1 draw, as Riley Jackson poached the rebound and slotted home the equaliser.

Seattle Reign 1-1 NJ/NY Gotham

The rain was belting down in Seattle as the Reign hosted Gotham FC at Lumen Field.

Jess Fishlock was eager to draw the hosts ahead in the opening minutes, but her ambitious strike was fired up and over the crossbar from distance.

Clever link-up play from Gotham almost saw them take the lead on the 30 minute mark, as Emily Sonnett played the ball up the spine. Esther got herself on the edge of a through ball from Ella Stevens, but was unable to make strong contact with her shot.

The visitors broke the deadlock just two minutes after the interval as Portilho sent a first-time half volley firing into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

A blundered save from Ann-Katrin Berger awarded Seattle with an opportunity to get themselves back in the game as Gotham struggled to clear the play away from danger. Emeri Adames capitalised on the scuffle, tapping in a close range shot to draw the scores level.

The game was closed out by a contentious VAR review that resulted in Mandy Freeman being shown a red card for a challenge on Nérilia Mondésir.

Angel City 1-1 San Diego Wave

A strong start to the Jonas Eidevall era saw San Diego Wave lead within just five minutes as Gia Corley opened the scoring. Delphine Cascarino did well to storm the right channel before teeing up Corley with a brilliant low ball into the area. The German made no mistake converting her strike into a goal to put the Wave ahead.

Angel City were eager to respond as Alyssa Thompson worked play well down the left side before cutting a promising cross into the area. Claire Emslie’s volley had the crowd on their feet before a tremendous save from Kailen Sheridan preserved San Diego’s lead.

The young star had her moment in the second half as Kennedy Fuller split the Wave defence with a visionary ball in and behind. Thompson picked up possession with determination before slotting her strike into the bottom left corner.

Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson put on a phenomenal display in the second half in order to preserve the scoreline, denying San Diego on more than one occasion. The best chance arrived when Melanie Barcenas shot from distance, only to be denied by the fingertips of an outstretched Anderson.