The 2024 NWSL season kicked off with a bang, showcasing an abundance of goals, packed stadiums, and a whirlwind of action. Starting April 20, fans have the opportunity to catch select NWSL regular season matches on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
This year marks the 12th season of the NWSL, which began with an exciting twist to the Challenge Cup. The competition, previously a tournament, was transformed into a single championship game held before the season’s start. The match featured a face-off between the NWSL Champions, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the NWSL Shield winners, San Diego Wave FC, with the Wave securing a 1-0 victory. Both teams are set to commence their regular season in the second week.
The opening weekend was nothing short of spectacular, especially for Kansas City Current, who celebrated a 5-4 victory against Portland Thorns FC at CPKC Stadium. This stadium is notable for being the first constructed specifically for an NWSL team. Vlatko Andonovski, the former USWNT manager now leading Kansas City, marked his return to the league with this win, with goals scored by five different players, including 16-year-old Alex Pfeiffer.
The Chicago Red Stars also had a memorable weekend, welcoming Mallory Swanson back to the field after her recovery from a torn patellar tendon. Under the guidance of their new head coach, Lorne Donaldson, they secured their first victory. The league also greeted two new teams, Bay FC and Utah Royals FC, with Bay FC emerging victorious in their first weekend match.
Here’s a quick look at the standings after the first week of the NWSL regular season:
1. North Carolina Courage
2. Chicago Red Stars
3. Kansas City Current
4. Bay FC
5. Seattle Reign FC
6. Orlando Pride
7. Racing Louisville FC
8. NJ/NY Gotham FC
9. San Diego Wave FC
10. Portland Thorns FC
11. Angel City FC
12. Washington Spirit
13. Utah Royals FC
14. Houston Dash
The results from the first week include:
– Kansas City Current defeating Portland Thorns FC 5-4
– Racing Louisville FC and Orlando Pride drawing 2-2
– North Carolina Courage beating Houston Dash 4-1
– Chicago Red Stars winning against Utah Royals FC 2-0
– Seattle Reign FC securing a 1-0 victory over Washington Spirit
– Bay FC triumphing over Angel City FC 1-0
Looking ahead to the second week’s schedule:
Friday, March 22:
– Orlando Pride vs. Angel City at 8 p.m. on Prime Video
– Utah Royals FC vs. North Carolina Courage on NWSL+
Saturday, March 23:
– Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC at 4 p.m. on NWSL+
– Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC at 7:30 p.m. on ION
– Houston Dash vs. Racing Louisville FC at 8:30 p.m. on NWSL+
– San Diego Wave FC vs. Kansas City Current at 10 p.m. on ION
Sunday, March 24:
– Portland Thorns FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC at 7 p.m. on ESPN2/ESPN+
This season is already shaping up to be an unforgettable one, filled with thrilling matches and remarkable talent. Fans are in for a treat as the NWSL continues to showcase the very best of women’s soccer.