The wait is finally over. The best league in the world is back, and the opening weekend of the NWSL did not disappoint. One thing is certain: the parity within the league will be the highest it’s ever been. Any team can win in the NWSL on any given day. That’s what makes this league the best. The teams at the top flexed their muscles with some easy wins, but how the rest of the teams will fall in the standings is anyone’s guess by the end of the season.
Top Teams Remain Elite in the NWSL
One of the biggest takeaways from this weekend was the teams at the top showing how dominant they’re set to be this season. Defending champs Orlando, Washington, and Kansas City all started the season with wins. The Pride destroyed Chicago 6-0, putting the rest of the league on notice to say the title still goes through Orlando. Barbara Banda is almost unfair in trying to stop at this point.
A certified Barbra Banda banger™️ pic.twitter.com/s2pr4CUTVI
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 15, 2025
Kansas City made their statement by handling the Thorns 3-1. Clearly, Temwa Chawinga will have another huge season.
New year, same Temwa
A beautiful assist from Debinha sets Temwa Chawinga up for her first goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/rGn4VwUEMj
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 15, 2025
The Spirit faced a tougher test with an upstart Houston team that played well for stretches but didn’t have the finishing touches to force a draw against the Spirit. Between the growth of Chloe Ricketts, Makenna Morris, Croix Bethune, and others, Trinity Rodman was barely needed in the game, showing how good this Spirit team will be when they are all clicking.
Chloe Ricketts had a goal taken away from her on a nice move and strike; the Spirit are incredibly tough to beat.
These three teams look like the early title contenders, barring serious injuries to star players.
Nothing to Separate the Remaining Teams So Far
What happened in the remaining matchups of NWSL opening weekend is truly a rare sight. All four matches ended 1-1. The probability of all four games ending with the same score is incredible, to say the least. More importantly, it highlights how tightly contested this year will be for the remaining 11 teams. All eight teams did enough to win their respective games, but the tenacity and resilience that everyone showed to have four 1-1 draws in the same week should be appreciated. A tie might not be the most glamorous result for us as fans, but when both teams refuse to back down or give up, it deserves to be brought into the spotlight.
Strap in NWSL fans because the league will only get better from here.
Featured image via Mel Levin
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