2026 NWSL Season thread

[Ed H in Pasadena]

So I know some of us watch NWSL matches regularly. Felt it was time for a thread to talk about it.
Out here in LA, my team is Angel City. I've been more than pleasantly surprised at the good start to the season. Even the heartbreaking loss to Orlando tonight (98' goal) doesn't dampen my delight with the team performance thus far. Sveindis Jonsdottir is really making an impact up front, the midfield looks comfortable and the back four has been mostly solid. Gisele Thompson is thriving not having to play in her older sister's shadow, and Savy King, who nearly died on the pitch last season, has been a huge inspiration and has provided some rock solid defending.

I'll allow others to comment on their teams. I've seen a handful of other games but didn't feel comfortable commenting on them except to say San Diego? They're going to be a handful for everyone, especially when they add Catarina Macario.

 

[Ed H in Pasadena]

Upcoming Matchweek 4 Schedule (April 3-5, 2026)

• Fri, Apr 3: Boston vs. SD (4:00 PM, NWSL+)
• Orlando vs. LA (5:00 PM, Prime Video)
• Houston vs. Louisville (5:30 PM, NWSL+)
• Utah vs. Chicago (6:00 PM, NWSL+).
• Sat, Apr 4: Kansas City vs. Gotham FC (1:00 PM, CBS/Paramount+)
• NC Courage vs. Portland (3:30 PM, ION)
• Seattle vs. Denver (5:45 PM, ION).
• Sun, Apr 5: Bay FC vs. Washington (2:00 PM, NWSL+).

 

[jeffbear]

It’s looking to be kind of a wild season early on. With two expansion franchises stepping in so soon after the last round of expansion and yet another batch of top talent leaving for Europe, the parity of the league is getting stretched a bit, which has led to some weird results early. Some teams that really looked dead in the water last year are hot to start the season, even if they didn’t make a bunch of additions, but there are so many young players in key roles that it’s hard to predict who’s going to take a huge step up and who’s going to grow more slowly.

I’m a Courage guy and I think they had a low-key strong summer, even though most local fans lost their minds when they shed a lot of veterans. The thing is, most of those vets, while beloved, were slowing down with age and it was past time for a serious roster refresh. New coach, new systems, fresh legs, and an emerging force up front in Manaka. Could be a fun year.