NWSL action for October 17-19

Below are the recaps. The final regular-season week features all action taking place on Sunday, November 2. We'll see you then.

Friday, October 17, 2025

Bay FC vs. NC Courage Courage, 4-1

PayPal Park on Prime Video at 10:00 p.m.

North Carolina erupted, er, we should say Manaka Matsukubo erupted with a hat trick as she scored early (3' assist Sanchez and 8' assist Speck) and late (80' unassisted) and Bay was never really in this one, although Penelope Hocking (45+3' from Malonson) added a goal off a cross following a corner near the end of the first half. The Courage also got a goal by Shinomi Koyama (74') when Lussi headed a beautiful assist her way and she knocked it in from close range. With the 3 points, North Carolina is within striking distance (behind by a point) of that all-important No. 8 seed.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Utah Royals FC Seattle, 2-1

Lumen Field on NWSL+ at 10:00 p.m.

About the same time the Mariners (MLB) were sending the ALCS back to Toronto, the Reign got a pair of goals from Ainsley McCamron, with a finishing header from about 6 yards out (45+2 assist Dahlien') and Sofia Huerta (67' PK) to beat Utah and nab 3 points to vault into the No. 4 spot on the table. Utah's Paige Monaghan (61') did equalize when she finished a fast break with a goal, but that was the only offense for the visitors.

The MLB facility is just north of Lumen Field and one can only imagine how much Seattle sports fans were enjoying the evening!

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride Orlando, 3-2.

Audi Field on CBS at 12:30 p.m.

This one featured the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds, respectively, and it was the Pride that escaped with the 3 points. Washington got on the board first when Kerry Abello (35') was charged with an OG. Abello redeemed herself three minutes later with a goal (38' from McCutcheon) who headed her the assist following a set piece. Spirit's Sofia Cantore (42' cross and assist from Metayer) slipped the ball into the back of the net to retake the lead, 2-1, heading into the half.

Washington's Naruni Miura suffered an OG to open the second half (46') which served as the equalizer until Marta (you remember her) converted a PK at 72' to finish out the scoring for the night.

Houston Dash vs. Kansas City Current Dash, 1-0

Shell Energy Stadium on ION at 7:30 p.m.

With No. 1 seed Kansas City, comfortably ahead at the table, resting several starters, Houston took advantage and earned the win on Ryan Garies' goal (69' assist by Y. Ryan) with a cross following a fast break.

San Diego Wave FC vs. Chicago Stars FC Wave, 6-1

Snapdragon Stadium on ION at 10:00 p.m.

Hapless. That's the word that comes to mind as Chicago yielded 6 goals and was throttled by San Diego. The scoring got underway early, when Delphine Cascarino's (7') close-range shot broke things open. Sam Staab (15' OG) tried to knock a Wave attempt out of bounds, but it found the back of the net. San Diego's Dudinha scored a pair (a brace) at (18' and 57' assist to Corley). Kristen McNabb (44' from Dali's cross following a set piece) and Kenza Dali (83' from Leon on a fast break) were the others who poured it on. For Chicago a Bea Franklin (71' assist by Schlegel) goal was nice, but it kind of just prolonged the agony of defeat.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Gotham FC vs. Racing Louisville FC Draw, 2-2

Sports Illustrated Stadium on NWSL+ / P+ at 3:00 p.m.

The teams leave with a point for their efforts as Gotham's Jaelin Howell (15') and Rose Lavelle who equalized at 85' and Louisville's Janine Sonis (29' cross and assist to Sears) and Sarah Weber (65') accounted for the goals.

Angel City FC vs. Portland Thorns FC Thorns, 2-0

BMO Stadium on ESPN at 5:00 p.m.

Portland's Olivia Moultrie scored (23' assist to Spaanstra) and then again when she converted a PK (60') to lead the Thorns to the win in the final match of Week 25.

Live Standings (The Table)

Individual Leaderboard (For some reason the NWSL chose to change their stats section this week. So, there's no link.)