The NWSL if officially back and for the first time, with 16 teams.
Expansion sides, Boston Legacy and Denver Summit both made their debuts, but unfortunately with red cards.
Who is at the top after matchday one?
Here are our first power rankings of the regular season:
16. Chicago Stars
All NWSL matches on opening week were decided by one goal. The only exception? The Chicago Stars, who were routed 0-4 in their season opener at BMO Stadium to Angel City FC. Head coach Martin Sjögren has a ton of work moving
forward.
15. Boston Legacy
30,207 fans at Gillette Stadium set the new record for largest inaugural attendance record.
On the pitch, they had their moments, but a second yellow card to Bianca St-Georges put the hopes of an equalizer to rest.
It’ll take time for it all to come together, but head coach Filipa Patão already has the team forming an identity of toughness and grit.
Could a new NWSL rivalry be brewing between Boston Legacy and NJ/NY Gotham FC? The teams combined for seven yellow cards, one red card, 33 total fouls, and over 14 minutes of stoppage time.
14. Denver Summit
In the 20th minute, Melissa Kössler equalized and scored the first ever goal in Denver Summit history.
Captain Janine Sonis, who provided the assist on the goal, was sent off with a red card in the 27th minute for a reckless challenge on Alex Pfeiffer.
That would change the entire complexion of the game and result in a 1-2 debut loss for the expansion side.
Fortunately, reinforcements are coming with Yuzuki Yamamoto, Yazmeen Ryan, and Delanie Sheehan
13. Utah Royals
Tatumn Milazzo made a dream return to play with the opening goal in the 35th minute to take the 1-0 lead.
URFC came out strong in the first half, but it was all KC Current in the second half.
They’re hoping to avoid another slow start in 2026, but have San Diego Wave and Washington Spirt next…
12. Bay FC
Head coach Emma Coates started her Bay FC tenure with a win with scores from Alex Pfeiffer and Joelle Anderson. Pfeiffer led the way a goal and assist.
After Sonis’ red card in the 27th minute, they immediately took advantage and dominated the rest of the way. However, they could not find another breakthrough.
11. Houston Dash
Jane Campbell led the way with nine massive saves and Makenzy Robbe scored the game’s only goal against her former team, San Diego Wave.
Make no mistake, it was a historic opening day result for the club, but it was unconvincing.
Now with the trade of Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan, expect the youth movement.
10. Angel City FC
Kennedy Fuller and Ary Borges had a goal and assist apiece in the opening day demolition of Chicago Stars 4-0.
They put on the best performance of the weekend, but it was against the team that finished last in 2025.
Could Alex Straus and ACFC surprise folks this season?
It also marked the return of the inspirational Savy King.
9. Racing Louisville
Another late goal conceded left Racing Louisville without a point in a 1-2 road loss at NC Courage.
They’ll now head back home to face Washington Spirit, with both teams pushing for their first result of the season.
8. San Diego Wave
In typical fashion, Jonas Eidevall’s side dominated possession, but had nothing to show for it.
Former San Diego Wave forward Makenzy Robbe gave Houston Dash the lead and they never let it go.
Good news? USWNT forward Catarina Macario is reportedly joining and will help provide the consistent attack the team desperately lacks.
7. North Carolina Courage
Welcome to the Ashley Sanchez show! She opening the scoring in the 29th minute, and had the late game winner in the 87th minute. It was the midfielder’s first ever brace.
The Mak Lind tenure is off to a winning start.
6. Orlando Pride
Barbra Banda is back! The forward tallied the equalizer in the 51st minute. However, the Orlando Pride could not find another score, before allowing the late game-winner to Seattle Reign.
The team had 22 shots, eight on target, and five big chances.
If Ovalle can start scoring alongside Banda, the attack would could catapult them higher up the table.
5. Seattle Reign
Laura Harvey’s side showed a side rarely seen in 2025 with a relentless attack early on and late in the match. Thanks to Nérilia Mondésir’s two assists and goals from the legend Jess Fishlock and new signing Brittany Ratcliffe, the Seattle Reign opened up with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride.
It doesn’t matter how you pick up three points, but they were out-generated in xG: 1.02 to 1.67, with the home team squandering many chances.
4. Washington Spirit
The defensive shape of the Portland Thorns gave them a lot of fits and it showed. Adrián González’s side will figure it out, but is the departure of Croix Bethune too much to overcome?
3. Portland Thorns
Robert Vilahamn started his tenure as Portland Thorns head coach with a massive upset win on the road over 2025 finalist, Washington Spirit.
Olivia Moultrie continues her terrific form, this time with the game-winner in the 52nd minute.
The first touch from the USWNT midfielder is as good as it gets.
Also, the team welcomed back their superstar and supermom, Sophia Wilson.
2. NJ/NY Gotham FC
The defending NWSL Champions did what they needed to do to spoil the Boston Legacy’s debut opener at Gillette Stadium with a 1-0 win.
Esther González did what she needed to do.
1.Kansas City Current
Chris Armas’ debut as KC Current head coach did not go as planned, but they came back for the 2-1 win over Utah Royals.
After surrendering the opener, USWNT midfielders, Croix Bethune and Ally Sentnor responded emphatically.
Sentnor’s dribbling ability was on full display for the game-winner.
