Orlando Pride 6 – 0 Chicago Stars FC
The 2024 NWSL Champions began the 2025 season with a home game against Chicago Stars FC. Orlando Pride took an early lead, with Haley McCutcheon initiating the scoring in the seventh minute. The defensive midfielder finished the game with four shots. She was joined on the score sheet for the first half by Ally Watt, who scored in the 36th minute by heading the ball from a corner kick. As the second half resumed, Hannah Anderson, a defender for the Chicago Stars, accidentally scored an own goal while trying to prevent Barbra Banda from scoring.
Banda finished the game with six shots on target and managed to score two in the final ten minutes, specifically in the 80th and 87th minutes. Julie Doyle also found the net for the Pride in the 65th minute. It was a challenging defensive day for the Stars, who ended the match with 25 shots on target against the 2025 champions. The Stars struggled offensively, directing most efforts toward defense. The Chicago Stars have never defeated the Pride, marking this their sixth consecutive loss to the young club.
KC Current 3 – 1 Portland Thorns
The KC Current secured a victory in their season opener. Temwa Chawinga, the record holder for the most goals scored in a season, kicked off the year in style by scoring in the second minute. She evaded the defense and found herself in a one-on-one situation with the Thorns’ keeper, Mackenzie Arnold. In the 22nd minute, KC doubled their lead with an assist from Temwa to Debinha, but the goal was ruled offside and did not count.
In less than a minute, Michelle Cooper scored another goal, making it 2-0. Cristiane Debinha, who assisted Temwa in scoring the first goal, also scored in the 36th minute.
The Portland Thorns strengthened their attack in the second half, netting one goal in the 49th minute by Olivia Moultrie. Portland was awarded a penalty in the 80th minute due to a handball in the penalty box by Kayla Sharples. Unfortunately for Moultrie, she struck the crossbar and missed the chance to secure a second goal for the Thorns.
Other Games
Houston Dash 1 – 1 Washington Spirit
Utah Royals 1 – 1 Bay FC
Racing Louisville 1 – 1 North Carolina Courage
Seattle Reign FC 1 – 1 Gotham
Angel City 1 – 1 San Diego Wave
