Week 8 in the NWSL

Here are the match ups and results for this weekend's action.

Friday, May 9, 2025

Racing Louisville FC vs. Gotham FC  Racing Louisville, 1-0.

Lynn Family Stadium on Prime Video at 8:00 p.m.

In a bit of a flurry in front of the goal, Taylor Flint used a pass, and assist, by DeMelo to bury a goal just under 10 minutes into the second half, to give the home team a win and three points in front of 5,495 fans. A missed attempt preceded Flint's heroics, also at 56'.

Angel City FC vs. Utah Royals FC Angel City, 2-0.

BMO Stadium on Paramount+ and NWSL+ at 10:30 p.m.

In the late match from the west coast, Angel City FC used a pair of goals in the second half to beat Utah and bank three points for themselves. It was Christen Press (66' from Kennedy) who broke through with the game-winner and Alyssa Thompson (90+7' unassisted) who knocked in another during the 13-minute stoppage time assessed.

Controversially, the match continued after around the 75th-minute mark when Angel City defender Savy King collapsed and required chest compressions. Players and coaches, alike, were visibly shaken and the decision to play on was made. Following the match, Angel City FC released an update, saying that the young player (20 years old) was "... responsive and undergoing further evaluation."

Notably, as reported by prosoccerwire.com from social media accounts, Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit and USWNT player who is out for health reasons this season) criticized the move saying: "In no world should that game have continued." Likely the league will now be forced to adjust policies for such an incident.

Note from May 16th, it took a week, but the announcement finally came from the league office:

By the way, the teams are officially Angel City FC and Utah Royals FC. At least this former sports information person wonders why the league doesn't appropriately refer to their own teams, given their commissioner's audacious vision for the NWSL. Perhaps they should hire us?

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Chicago Stars FC vs. Washington Spirit Spirit, 3-2

SeatGeek Stadium on ABC / ESPN+ at 12:50 p.m.

The scoring opened in the 31st minute when Chicago's Ally Schlegel was tagged with an own goal (OG) off a corner. The Stars equalized five minutes later when Julia Grosso (36') scored from the right side of the top of the box off a pass (assist) by Biegalski. Rosemonde Kouassi used her left foot to score (41') when McKeown sent a cross in and she was credited with the assist to send Washington into the locker room ahead, 2-1.

Stars' Sam Staab scored her first goal (54') of the season, from close range, unassisted, as the defender was playing up for a corner kick. The score remained knotted until Gift Monday (83' assist by Kouassi) crowded into the box and tapped one in from close range off a Spirit corner. Washington sits in third on the table with the win, while Chicago remains at the bottom of it.

North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride Draw, 1-1.

First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on ION at 7:30 p.m.

It took until 3 minutes into second-half stoppage time for Prisca Chilufya's header off a cross by Angelina following a corner, for Orlando to equalize sending both teams home with a point. Feli Rauch had scored (27' unassisted) when she put back a missed shot by Courage teammate, Matsukubo.

San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns FC Draw, 1-1.

Snapdragon Stadium on ION at 10 p.m.

The early match on ION Saturday featured the equalizer at 3 minutes into additional time. So Portland thought it would do one better and equalize 8 minutes into second-half stoppage time when Jayden Perry converted a penalty kick opportunity (90+8').

San Diego scored early when Kimmi Ascanio headed in a goal from close range (6' from an assist by Morroni). Both teams pick up a point and ION's loyal viewers were up late to enjoy the NWSL madness on a Saturday night from the west coast.

Sunday, May 11, 2025 (Happy Mother's Day)

Kansas City Current vs. Bay FC Current, 4-1.

CPKC Stadium on ESPN / ESPN+ at 12:50 p.m.

As if Kansas City recognized the opportunity in front of them, the team got goals from Bia Zaneratto (3' from Mace, assist), followed by a pair of goals by Debinha (33' from Hutton on a fast break, then at 38' off a set piece free kick) and added a Temwa Chawinga (62' another assist to Mace) for good measure. Penelope Hocking scored the lone goal (53' from Conti, following a corner kick) for the visitors. With the three points on the afternoon, Kansas City moved into first place with a two-point cushion over No. 2 Orlando.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Houston Dash Dash, 1-0.

Lumen Field on Paramount+ and NWSL+ at 8 p.m.

Houston's Maggie Graham scored the game's only goal in the 57th minute from close range off a pass and assist by Gareis to beat host, Seattle Reign FC to close out the Week 8 action.

Here is the live table (standings) from the NWSL site.