Kansas City Current Starts Strong with Victory Over Portland Thorns
Reigning NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga wasted no time making her mark on the new season, scoring just two minutes into the match as Kansas City Current defeated the Portland Thorns 3-1 in their season opener on Saturday.
Chawinga, who led the league with 20 goals in 2024, capitalized on a chipped pass from Debinha before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner.
Michelle Cooper extended Kansas City’s lead in the 23rd minute, and Debinha added another goal in the 36th minute to give the home side a commanding lead before halftime.
Portland responded early in the second half as Olivia Moultrie pulled one back in the 49th minute, but the Thorns couldn’t mount a full comeback. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold finished with three saves for Portland, while Kansas City’s Lorena recorded two stops to secure the win.
Seattle Reign, Gotham FC Settle for Hard-Fought Draw
Seattle Reign and Gotham FC kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw, thanks to an immediate impact from substitute Emeri Adames.
Two minutes after coming off the bench, Adames scored in the 71st minute, finishing a left-footed shot to the bottom left corner past Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Gabi Portilho had given Gotham the lead early in the second half with a 47th-minute goal, finishing a right-footed shot from the center of the box after a corner kick.
Seattle’s Claudia Dickey recorded three saves, helping the Reign hold off Gotham’s late push for a winner.
Dominate Soccer Bets—Start Winning with Our Service Plays Now!"
Late Goal Helps North Carolina Courage Earn Draw Against Racing Louisville
The North Carolina Courage battled back from a second-half deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville in their season opener.
Louisville struck first when Emma Sears converted in the 13th minute, finishing off a corner kick from Arin Wright.
North Carolina responded in the 69th minute when Riley Jackson pounced on a rebound after a shot from Ryan Williams was initially saved by Louisville’s Katie Lund.
Lund finished with five saves for Racing Louisville, while Casey Murphy was solid in goal for North Carolina with six stops.
Utah Royals and Bay FC End in Stalemate
The Utah Royals and Bay FC closed out their season openers with a 1-1 draw, with both teams finding the net in the first half.
Utah opened the scoring in the 12th minute when goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn played a long pass to Bianca St-Georges, who got behind the defense and finished clinically.
Bay FC responded just before halftime, as Kiki Pickett struck a stunning goal in the 44th minute, curling a left-footed shot from outside the box into the top left corner off an assist from Joelle Anderson.
McGlynn made four saves to keep Utah level, while Bay FC’s Jordan Silkowitz recorded three stops
Don't just watch—win! Sign in to SportsHub and stay on top of the game. Login Here
What’s Next in the NWSL?
With the NWSL season officially underway, teams will look to build momentum in the coming weeks.
Kansas City will aim to keep its attacking firepower rolling, while Portland looks to regroup. Seattle, Gotham, North Carolina, Racing Louisville, Utah, and Bay FC will seek their first wins after competitive season-opening draws.
Which teams will make an early statement in the NWSL? Stay tuned as the action unfolds.
