Most results went as expected in the National Women’s Soccer League, but they still delivered another entertaining weekend of great matches. Here are eight moments from the week that was in the NWSL.
1. Kimmi Ascanio scores game-winner late to end Washington Spirit eight-match undefeated streak
San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit had a match of the year candidate in a hard fought physical chess match between two teams at the top of the table. The Wave lost the possession battle for the first match all
season, and were still able to pull out a great result late in the match. After multiple short corner kick set pieces by the Wave Kenza Dali sent in a a long cross in the perfect spot for Kimmi Ascanio to head it in to make it the final score of 2-1.
2. Temwa Chawinga gets a brace against Houston Dash
Last week the star forward for the Kansas City Current got a hat trick, and she kept her hot streak moving with a brace against the Houston Dash. Chawinga scored her first goal in the 16th minute just two minutes after the first goal of the day, then another in the 67th minute.
3. Tierna Davidson scores in injury return and Jaedyn Shaw scores in third match in a row in 2-0 win against Seattle Reign
The reigning NWSL champions remain one of the toughest teams in the NWSL and kept their five match undefeated run rolling with a 2-0 win against the defensively sound Seattle Reign.
While donning the captain’s armband Tierna Davidson scored her first goal since her return from injury.
Jaedyn Shaw also continued a streak with her third goal in three consecutive matches.
4. Mallory Swanson returns from maternity leave
Mallory Swanson played her last match in on November, 8, 2024, in the NWSL quarter-finals and has made her return to the pitch. The attacking star for the USWNT may not be enough to turn the Stars season around, but it is an important step for her and the front line a little more than a year away from the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
5. North Carolina Courage dominates Chicago Stars
The Swanson 2026 debut was the only bright spot for the Stars who have had a abysmal season and the Courage took advantage of it. North Carolina had four different goal-scorers over the course of the second 45 minutes. Manaka Matsukubo earned NWSL goal of the week honors with her skill moves inside the box before putting the Courage up 4-0.
6. Bianca St-Georges earns another red card in Boston Legacy draw against Bay FC
Not every moment has to be positive, but should be memorable. The tackle by Bianca St-George in the 42nd minute against Bay FC was a clearly dangerous tackle and obvious red card, but hard not to watch over and over again. Another reason I felt fine watching it again was knowing that Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton did not get injured and continued playing the match.
7. Mina Tanaka strikes game-winner against Racing Louisville
The Utah Royals dominated nearly every stat and kept their foot on the gas. After giving up the equalizing goal in the 68th minute the Royals turned it around and scored in the 77th minute with a goal by Mina Tanaka. Utah currently hold the number two spot in the the NWSL standings, and are undefeated through their last eight matches.
8. Boston Legacy get second win of the season against Orlando Pride with late penalty
Neither Boston nor Orlando have had a great season thus far, but it was still exciting to get two teams matching up on a Tuesday night. The Pride took the early lead, but Boston equalized later near the 70th minute and earned a penalty in the final minutes of stoppage time. Bostons star forward, Amanda Gutierres stood at the spot and scored easily to earn three points at home for just the second time this season.
