Exciting Start to the NWSL Season
In an exhilarating start to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, the Seattle Reign secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against the Orlando Pride, overcoming delays caused by inclement weather on Sunday.
Match Highlights
The Reign drew first blood in the match, thanks to a well-placed 24th-minute pass from Nérilia Mondésir to Jess Fishlock, who skillfully navigated the defense to score and give Seattle an early lead.
However, the Pride fought back fiercely. Just before halftime, a corner kick taken by Jacquie Ovalle led to a potential equalizer from defender Rafaelle, only for the goal to be ruled out due to a foul. After a significant three-hour weather delay, Orlando managed to level the score in the 51st minute when Barbra Banda, recently removed from the season-ending injury list, was set up by Haley McCutcheon.
The match took an exciting turn in the 83rd minute when Brittany Ratcliffe, who had just come off the bench, found the net with a powerful header to seal the win for the Reign, with Mondésir assisting once again.
Angel City FC’s Dominant Performance
Meanwhile, across the coast in Los Angeles, Angel City FC marked their season opener with an impressive 4-0 triumph over the Chicago Stars. Key to this overwhelming victory were midfielders Kennedy Fuller and Ary Borges, both contributing a goal and an assist.
Fuller found the back of the net in the 33rd minute when Chicago’s goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher misjudged a shot, allowing the ball to slip through her fingers. Following a series of corner kicks, Evelyn Shores added to the tally with a header resulting from Chicago’s defensive lapse.
The Stars’ efforts to recover were thwarted in the 66th minute when Borges intercepted a pass and confidently scored to make it 3-0. The final goal of the match was delivered by Sveindís Jónsdóttir, assisting Maiara Niehues for the decisive strike.
Historical Moments and Player Returns
This match marked a historical moment for Angel City, as their four goals were the most since a high-scoring encounter with the Washington Spirit back in May 2025. Notably, defender Savy King made her return to the field after a heart surgery several months prior, coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute. Additionally, forward Jordyn Huitema made her debut for Chicago following a recent trade from Seattle.
The league’s opening weekend showcased not only thrilling gameplay but also the resilience of players returning from injuries and the intense passion that defines the NWSL.
