-
Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Get ready for some analysis, everyone: The NWSL report cards from the first round, following a two-week international break, are in. Some teams are reveling in an exhilarating start, while others find themselves in deep trouble that may prove difficult to rectify so early in the season.
While the NWSL season is still in its infancy, with only a handful of games played, early-season results can often be misleading. We are experienced enough to take this into account. Our grading system reflects the diverse expectations that various teams had before the season began.
Teams that exceed expectations and shed their previous negative identities will score higher on this progress report. Conversely, clubs with championship aspirations will be closely scrutinized and face tougher evaluations if underperforming.
Let’s get to the assessments.
– Columbus Crew’s owners acquire 18th NWSL franchise at record cost
– Insights from the USWNT’s Japan series ahead of the World Cup
– Jess Fishlock of Seattle Reign to retire after 14 seasons
Boston Legacy FC (16th place; 0W-0D-4L, 0 pts.)
Grade: D-
Expansion teams typically have low expectations, but starting the season with four losses and only one goal scored from 1.99 expected goals is disappointing.
Boston took a global approach in building its roster, including hiring international head coach Filipa Patão, but the transition has been challenging. The team has employed a sophisticated five-at-the-back formation, often asking players to fit roles outside their comfort zones.
One area of struggle for the team appears to be adjusting to the NWSL’s pace. Boston often appears sluggish on the ball and is hesitant to take advantage of transition opportunities.
Racing Louisville (15th place; 0-1-3, 1 pt.)
Grade: D
Louisville, the only returning franchise without a win, is struggling. The stats are grim, ranking second-to-last in possession, touches, and passing attempts.
However, those familiar with Louisville’s playing style know they prefer to dictate games without the ball and capitalize on counterattacks. They have generated chances, scoring seven goals, which tie them for fifth in the league.
The real issue lies in their defense, where depth problems have forced midfield stalwart Taylor Flint into an unfamiliar center-back position, while goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer has made concerning errors.
Chicago Stars (14th place; 1-0-4, 3 pts.)
Grade: D
After an opening-day blowout in Los Angeles, Chicago’s hopes were briefly lifted by a win over defending NWSL Shield champions Kansas City Current, but two subsequent losses, including a disappointing defeat in San Diego, present serious concerns.
Chicago managed only a single shot on target in that match, which came late in injury time. They will need to improve significantly to change their fortunes.
Gotham FC (13th place; 1-2-2, 5 pts.)
Grade: D+
That opening-day win over Boston feels like a long time ago for the defending champions, as Gotham has yet to secure another victory, managing only two goals in five games. Errors, including a blunder by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger in a home match against Denver, have contributed to their struggles.
Despite being in familiar territory, Gotham possesses considerable talent—augmented by the recent addition of Guro Reiten from Chelsea—but their current challenges are disheartening after last year’s initial struggles, raising concerns about whether they can turn it around in 2026.
Despite having modest expectations heading into this season, the Courage’s performance thus far has them falling into the “meeting expectations” category.
The Courage find themselves in the middle of the pack in several statistical categories, which seems fair based on offseason changes. Ranking ninth in expected goals doesn’t meet the standards of new head coach Mak Lind, who is focused on scoring, though the early season performance of Ashley Sanchez is a positive sign.
A recent home win against Gotham FC spared the reigning NWSL Shield champions from a failing grade after suffering three consecutive losses on the road, matching the total number they lost last year.
The return of Temwa Chawinga is rejuvenating, but they continue to face other availability challenges, and defensive inconsistencies—especially on set pieces—are worrisome.
The Current aims to be the leading team in the world, having had a record-breaking season in 2025, while Concacaf competition looms. The expectations here remain high.
Bay FC (10th place; 2-0-2, 6 pts.)
Grade: B-
Bay FC started strong with a season-opening win against Denver, profiting from an early red card, and followed up with a solid 3-1 victory in North Carolina.
While Bay appears to be embarking on a multi-year development plan under new head coach Emma Coates, accruing points early on is beneficial for building confidence. The squad features promising teenage forward Alex Pfeiffer and key offseason signing Claire Hutton, a USWNT international who has fortified Bay’s midfield.
Denver Summit FC (9th place; 1-3-1, 6 pts.)
Grade: B+
Denver may have settled for three draws thus far, but they have shown they can be a competitive expansion team right from the start. A road win over Gotham has boosted their momentum leading into a significant home opener, and the Summit is proving to be a challenging opponent.
Early performances from forward Melissa Kössler have been promising, while defender Kaleigh Kurtz and goalkeeper Abby Smith have maintained a solid defensive line.
However, the inability to create quality scoring opportunities needs addressing and should be remedied with the upcoming addition of USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps this summer.
Washington Spirit (8th place; 1-3-1, 6 pts.)
Grade: C+
Spirit supporters need not worry just yet. Washington currently ranks high in expected goals and chances created, despite their struggles to convert scoring opportunities—five goals in five matches.
Furthermore, they have a solid defensive record, with just four goals conceded. The data and the talent pool on their roster indicate that they are merely having a slow start, not a downward spiral. However, they seem to lack the dynamic impact previously provided by midfielder Croix Bethune, who transferred to Kansas City this offseason.
While Washington’s performance has been underwhelming so far, it feels less disheartening compared to similar early struggles faced by rivals Gotham and Kansas City.
Utah Royals (7th place; 2-1-2, 7 pts.)
Grade: B
It’s essential to keep perspective here. While Utah’s wins have been against teams struggling in the standings, securing any positive start is crucial for the Royals.
Since their return, Utah has consistently been inconsistent, showcasing drastic differences between their first and second halves of each season. Previously, it took them about 13 matches to reach seven points in the prior season, having snapped a losing streak in June.
Though concerns remain about their propensity for errors and passing accuracy, it’s encouraging for Utah to have a decent showing in April.
Orlando Pride (6th place; 2-2-1, 8 pts.)
Grade: B+
Orlando has displayed solid defensive capabilities, allowing only four goals across five matches. This is particularly noteworthy considering the offseason loss of center-back Emily Sams, and highlights new signing Hailie Mace‘s effective contributions.
Midfielder Haley McCutcheon‘s role continues to be essential, quietly propelling the Pride to a strong start to the season.
Moreover, the return of Barbra Banda has made a notable impact, scoring three goals and leading the league in shots taken, shots on target, and drawn fouls. If Orlando is to secure another trophy, Banda will be pivotal in achieving that goal, and early efforts are promising.
Houston Dash (5th place; 3-0-1, 9 pts.)
Grade: A-
It’s noteworthy that the team that ranks lowest in the NWSL for possession, touches, and passing attempts is off to such a phenomenal start. But bear with me.
The Dash have identified themselves as a high-pressure team that excels in quick transitions, punishing opponents’ mistakes inside their territory. Houston ranks third for expected goals in the league and have netted nine times.
Even in their solitary defeat this year, Houston showcased their superiority, and defender Avery Patterson remarked that the team culture has stabilized under head coach Fabrice Gautrat after years of high turnover. Whether the Dash can maintain this momentum through the season remains to be seen, but their aggressive tactics are reaping early rewards.
Angel City FC (4th place; 3-0-1, 9 pts.)
Grade: A-
Given the team’s recent struggles and diminishing attendance in LA, Angel City’s impressive early-season performance stands out as one of the top stories of the NWSL this April.
Forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir has shone up front with three goals and two assists. Meanwhile, teammates Riley Tiernan and Kennedy Fuller have excelled in new wide positions, and Emily Sams has provided stability in defense alongside a rotating cast of Sarah Gorden and Savy King.
Angel City has successfully balanced possession and direct play, appearing cohesively dangerous as a unit, rather than relying solely on individual talent.
Seattle Reign FC (3rd place; 3-1-1, 10 pts.)
Grade: B+
Seattle’s victories over the past two NWSL Shield champions (Orlando and Kansas City) warrant commendation, but the dismal loss to a nine-player Portland Thorns and a scoreless draw with Denver call for caution.
Nonetheless, it’s been a largely encouraging season start. Head coach Laura Harvey indicated the performance in the three matches following the loss to Portland reflects the team’s identity. Seattle’s underlying metrics are solid, and players like Sam Meza have stepped up in the midfield. Notably, they have played without rising star center-back Jordyn Bugg thus far.
2:30
Jess Fishlock reflects on her decision to retire at the conclusion of the season.
Jess Fishlock discusses her retirement at the end of the NWSL season.
Portland Thorns FC (2nd place; 3-1-1, 10 pts.)
Grade: A-
Even minimal early-season returns for Portland would have been promising, given the delayed hiring of a coach who arrived less than two days prior to the season opener. Their current position, just two points behind the leaders, speaks volumes of new head coach Robert Vilahamn and first assistant Sarah Lowdon, who navigated a challenging preseason.
The Thorns have already etched a memorable moment into NWSL history, defeating Seattle Reign FC 2-0 despite going down a player early on and being reduced to nine players later. Sophia Wilson is also returning to full fitness. Whether this success is sustainable is uncertain, but they could not have wished for a better start.
San Diego Wave FC (1st place; 4-0-1, 12 pts.)
Grade: A-
San Diego’s only loss occurred in the season opener to Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell during an impressive performance. Following that, they have clinched four consecutive victories with style, driven by winger Dudinha who has been pivotal in both pressuring the opponents and finishing chances, complemented by midfielder Kenza Dali pulling the strings effectively in early-season fixtures.
According to ESPN Research, they lead the league in expected goals (10.13), chances created, and passing accuracy, among other metrics.
Defensively, Kennedy Wesley has distinguished herself at center-back, contributing significantly to both the Wave and the USWNT, and mitigating the impact of last year’s departure of Naomi Girma. Additionally, Mimi Van Zanten has performed well in a full-back role, which was initially a question mark, while rookie Lia Godfrey continues to deliver game-winning goals.
The Wave’s strong performance diminished the impact of losing winger Delphine Cascarino and goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan during the offseason; this could have severely affected the team’s creativity and stability. Additionally, Catarina Macario is set to make her debut for San Diego shortly.