The National Women’s Soccer League was entertaining once again for a strong weekend slate of matches that delivered on many fronts. Here are my personal favorite moments from the seventh weekend of matches.
1. Barbra Banda scores her eighth goal in eight matches and gets a special message from mom
The North Carolina Courage managed to hold off the Pride for nearly the entire match and could have been happy with a draw thanks to a couple of key saves by Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, but Barbra
Banda is inevitable.
To cap off the broadcast While Banda was being interviewed she was surprised with a heartwarming video of her mom after the match to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend.
2./3. Southern California rivalry matchup delivers in the second half
San Diego Wave and Angel City FC both coming off consecutive losses looked to right the ship in their first meeting of the season. Angel City FC forced the Wave to play outside their style, but the Wave turned it around in the 49th minute. Wave forward and potential NWSL MVP candidate, Dudinha, got a ball on the left wing and dropped Ary Borges with her footwork then cut past Emily Sams before shooting a ball off Sarah Gorden that deflected into the back of the net for a goal.
The Angel City defenders got their revenge only a few minutes later in the 54th minute. Gorden sent in a cross to Sams making a run on the back post to head it in and equalize.
The San Diego Wave went on to win the match 2-1 with more great play by Dudinha on the attacking end sending in a perfect cross to Mimi Van Zanten to head it in the first NWSL goal of her career.
4. Temwa Chawinga Hat trick in 3-0 win over Chicago
When Temwa Chawinga is right, the Current can dominate the NWSL. Saying that it’s surprising that a player doesn’t have a hat trick would be crazy to say about most players, but not Chawinga. The rest of the KC offense may have been able to do a little more, but a healthy and in form Chawinga is a threat to any team and could push the Current back up the standings.
5. Boston Legacy spoil Mayor Mamdani’s Gotham FC visit with draw
The reigning NWSL champions had big weekend ahead of them hosting their newest rivals, Boston Legacy for the first time in the TS Area, and even hosting their mayor. The Legacy were ready to spoil the party with an equalizing goal by Olivier in the 40th minute just minutes after Jaedyn Shaw tapped in the first goal.
6. Claudia Martinez second-straight game winner and Spirit’s fifth-straight victory in 1-0 win over Seattle Reign
7. Claire Emslie returns from maternity leave on Mother’s Day weekend
Angel City’s all-time leading scorer returned to the pitch for the first time since May 9, 2025 . Emslie got a loud reception from the home crowd as she substituted on in the 89th minute. The attacking midfielder’s minutes will likely be protected as she returns but her presence could push the Angel City attack forward during a time the Southern California club could use a boost.
8. Katie O’Kane brace puts Racing Louisville over Portland Thorns
Racing Louisville with only seven points so far in the 2026 NWSL season were the team that proved the common NWSL saying that any team can beat any other on any given match day. Louisville was boosted by a Katie O’Kane brace for the 3-1 victory including a beautiful goal by O’Kane in a set piece opportunity.
9. Denver Summit FC pull off biggest win in club history against Houston Dash
Denver Summit put up four goals, the most they’ve ever scored in a match, on the road agains the Houston Dash to secure a 4-1 victory. The goal-scorers included Tash Flint, Delanie Sheehan, and Summit captain Janine Sonis with two to end a four match winless streak.
10. Utah Royals continue unbeaten streak
Since the first two matches of the season the Royals have gone unbeaten (5W-2D) including a scoreless tie against Bay FC. Zero goals is not ideal for either side, but the result may be underrated considering it continues the strong streak by the Utah squad.
