Photo Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
This past weekend in the National Women’s Soccer League featured four thrilling matches, all concluding with a score of 2-1. The action kicked off on Friday with Seattle finally breaking its five-match winless run by claiming a victory in Boston. Saturday continued with North Carolina topping Louisville, Utah extending its unbeaten streak with a win over Denver, and Houston overcoming Angel City to end its own six-game drought.
Houston Celebrates Stoppage-Time Triumph
The Houston Dash last tasted victory on April 3 against Racing Louisville, and a six-game winless spell—during which they lost four times and drew twice—came to an end on Saturday. The Dash opened the scoring in the 17th minute, as forward Kat Radar found the net with help from Kate Faasse. This marked Radar’s fourth goal of the season, tying her with Lia Godfrey for the highest tally among rookies this year.
Angel City leveled the match with a penalty from Maiara Niehues in the 26th minute, marking her second goal of the current season. Houston’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle, saw her make her starting debut in the NWSL.
In an electrifying finish, Houston regained the lead during stoppage time. A series of intricate one-touch passes unlocked Maggie Graham, who skillfully dribbled into the box and planted a shot into the far corner, securing her third goal of the season.
Seattle Breaks Free from Goal Drought
Though Boston’s debut match was a milestone for the Legacy, it was Seattle Reign who emerged victorious on Friday night. Having struggled without a goal or a win in five outings, the Reign opened the scoring early when Sofia Huerta converted a penalty for a handball in the 12th minute, marking her milestone 200th career start. Huerta’s achievement underscores her unique record of scoring in every NWSL season since her rookie year in 2015.
Seattle doubled its lead shortly after halftime, as Maddie Dahlien capitalized on a cross from Madison Curry, scoring her first goal this season. However, the Legacy didn’t go quietly, reducing the deficit with a late goal from Aïssata Traoré, but not before Seattle secured their long-awaited victory.
Utah’s Unbeaten Streak Continues with Palacios’ Milestone
Utah Royals are now on a club-record nine-game unbeaten streak, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Denver Summit. The Royals, sharing points with Portland at the top of the standings, demonstrated tactical prowess with a counterpress strategy that bore fruit when Cloè Lacasse forced a turnover. Kiana Palacios pounced on the loose ball and delivered a left-footed strike that marked her first NWSL goal since joining from Club América with a significant transfer fee.
Denver momentarily equalized just before halftime, thanks to a well-executed exchange between Delanie Sheehan and Yazmeen Ryan. However, Utah regained control in the 72nd minute with a composed penalty conversion from Mina Tanaka.
North Carolina Celebrates 100th Win
On Saturday, the North Carolina Courage achieved a landmark victory as they visited Racing Louisville, marking the franchise’s 100th regular-season win. The Courage became the first non-original NWSL team to reach this impressive milestone.
Evelyn Ijeh scored the opening goal in the 17th minute, continuing her scoring streak from the prior week. Adding to the tally, Ashley Sanchez sealed the victory with a well-placed shot in the 78th minute, further extending her impressive form this season, standing second in the Golden Boot race behind Barbra Banda.
Despite a late goal from Racing Louisville’s Arin Wright during stoppage time, the damage was done, and North Carolina walked away with all three points.
Concerns for Racing After Goalkeeper’s Injury
In a worrying turn of events for Racing Louisville, goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer had to be substituted out just 22 minutes into the match due to a reported leg injury. Maddie Prohaska stepped in, making her NWSL debut after being acquired from the Seattle Reign, stepping into a challenging role at such a critical moment in the game.
