The National Women’s Soccer League has returned after an international break and CBA-mandated break with the same action and excitement the league is known for. From surprising upsets, game winners, and golazos here are some of the top moments from the league’s return to NWSL action.
1. Rodman scores twice including late game-winner against Houston Dash
The NWSL invented a rule to keep Trinity Rodman for a reason, and the Spirit must be glad for it. Trinity Rodman scored both goals for the Spirit in their
return to NWSL action including a game winner in the third minute of stoppage time.
Just as Rodman entered the attacking third she faced three defenders ahead of her, but still moved up the pitch and took a shot on goal that rolled past the goalkeeper on the far post.
The Spirit currently hold third place in the NWSL standings, but have two games in hand compared to the top two teams because of their inclusion in the Concacaf W Champion’s Cup.
2. Ashley Sanchez continues race for NWSL Golden Boot with brace against Seattle
Ashley Sanchez shortened Barbra Banda’s lead in the NWSL Golden Boot race to two thanks to her brace against the Seattle Reign in the return to NWSL action. The 27-year-old forward scored her first goal in the 22nd minute shooting it off a Seattle defender inside the box to bounce into the back of the net. Later in the 72nd minute after her teammate, Evelyn Ijeh, let the ball go through her legs for Sanchez who was already behind Seattle’s line.
The three points put the Courage in sixth place on the standings and sets up an exciting match against Sanchez’s former club, the Washington Spirit.
3. Chicago Stars stun Utah Royals with 3-2 win
The Chicago Stars made the case for being the most disappointing team for the first part of the NWSL season finishing in 15th place, but the Stars surprised many with their 3-2 win at home against the Utah Royals.
All three of Chicago’s goals came during or immediately after set piece opportunities. The first followed a free kick from outside the box that saw the rebound returned in from the opposite side, the second via a direct free kick by Sam Staab, and the third following a corner kick.
Staab’s shot seemingly took Utah by surprise as she and USWNT star Mallory Swanson stood over the ball. Swanson arched down into an athletic stance as if to begin her run-up, but Staab took the shot over the Royal’s wall and though Mandy McGlynn managed to reach the shot it still the back of the net.
4. Melanie Barcenas honors her idol with left-footed banger
San Diego Wave had an open spot on the front line following the unfortunate ACL injury to Dudinha, creating an opening for 18-year-old homegrown talent Melanie Barcenas to get a start on the wing. Just before the end of the first half Barcenas took a beautiful left-footed shot from distance to give the Wave the lead in their 2-0 victory against Gotham FC.
Barcenas has been with the Wave since she was 15 years old and considers Alex Morgan an idol and honored her former teammate with her famous tea-sipping celebration with Morgan in attendance.
5. Croix Bethune and Michelle Cooper combine for two in KC Current 3-0 win
Croix Bethune and Michelle Cooper made an impact for the Current in their first ever win against the Denver Summit. The two only needed one to earn the victory, and the first was impressive and started with an aggressive press by the Current’s striker. Haley Hopkins put pressure on Denver’s young center back Eva Gaetino forcing a turnover. Bethune recovered the ball and pointed to where she wanted Cooper to be then sent the ball there for Cooper to score.
The two later connected in the 81st minute, then Temwa Chawinga scored in the 87th minute.
6. Thorns trounce Racing Louisville with 4-0 win
Not even a full season after making the NWSL playoffs, Racing Louisville appear to be in a tough place, and were dismantled by the Thorns offense with three first half goals, all of which came from different players. Pietra Tordin ultimately came out on top with two assists and a goal at the end of the night. The goal came in the 37th minute after Tordin brilliantly juked a defender with a spin.
7. Angel City FC wins first match under interim head coach against Orlando Pride
Angel City played a sold defensive match seeding the possession to the visiting side earning a victory in their return NWSL action. The first goal came in the 36th minute as Angel City kept knocking on the door with shots before a rebound landed in front of Maiara Niehues that she sent in easily. Sveindís Jónsdóttir scored the second in the 56th minute with a shot right through the goalkeeper’s legs for her fourth goal of the season.
Angel City Assistant Coach, Leif Gunnar Smerud, led the squad for the first time since taking over as Interim Head Coach though the match was ultimately marred in controversy with a post game firework show incident that saw multiple incendiaries land in the stands.
8. Claire Hutton scores first goal with Bay FC in 2-2 draw
Claire Hutton joined Bay FC to start 2026, and finally got on the scoresheet in the NWSL regular season thanks to a penalty in the fifth minute of the match against Boston Legacy. Alex Pfeiffer received a long through ball for a one-on-one opportunity against Boston goalkeeper, Casey Murphy. Pfeiffer took a touch, but Murphy came off her line and clearly slide tackled the forward resulting in a penalty.
There are still many matches left in the NWSL season, and Bay FC made some changes during the midseason break like bringing in Kennedy Fuller which could change their fortunes.
