NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week2

Two weeks into the National Women’s Soccer League season, the early storylines are coming into focus—but not necessarily clarity. If anything, Matchday 2 reinforced just how unpredictable this league remains.

Things We Learned:

• Chaos is already a defining theme, with red cards and wild swings shaping results across the league.
• Portland Thorns FC continue to set the pace—even winning under extreme adversity—while Angel City FC look like a legitimate contender after a fast start.
• Houston Dash are emerging as an early riser, while several expected contenders are already slipping.
• Tactically, early data shows teams experimenting heavily, and expansion sides are proving competitive faster than expected.

Below is a curated roundup of the coverage from across the web.

ShePlays NWSL Week 2 Team

Ok. Let's do this. Let's look at my GW1 team and try to figure out which two (kidding myself that I'll limit it to two) transfers ahead of GW2.

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week 1

📰 Match Reports & Club Coverage

Orlando Pride — “They Said It” (Post-Match Reactions)
https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/they-said-it-seb-hines-barbra-banda-and-seven-castain-share-their-thoughts-following-draw-with-houston-dash
Post-match quotes from Seb Hines, Barbra Banda, and others following Orlando’s draw with the Houston Dash.

Orlando Pride — Match Report: Loss to Seattle Reign FC
https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/news/match-report-orlando-pride-falls-2-1-to-seattle-reign-fc-in-season-opener
A match report covering Orlando Pride’s 2–1 defeat to Seattle Reign FC in the season opener.

Bayou City Soccer — Houston Dash at San Diego Wave FC Player Ratings
https://www.bayoucitysoccer.net/dash/houston-dash-at-san-diego-wave-fc-player-ratings
Player ratings and analysis from Houston Dash’s matchup against San Diego Wave FC.

Yahoo Sports — 6 Takeaways from Boston Legacy Debut
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/6-takeaways-boston-legacy-fall-204959695.html
Key takeaways from Boston Legacy FC’s debut, including early impressions and standout moments.

📈 Rankings

ESPN — NWSL Power Rankings: Portland Thorns Go No. 1
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224238/nwsl-power-rankings-portland-thorns-go-no-1-2026-first-week
Updated power rankings after the first week, with Portland Thorns FC moving into the top spot.

Women’s Football Talk — NWSL Power Rankings After Matchweek 1
https://womensfootballtalk.substack.com/p/nwsl-power-rankings-after-matchweek
Power rankings evaluating team performances following the opening round of matches.

🔑 Week 1 Takeaways, Analysis & Data

The Athletic — Opening Week: Comebacks, Stadiums, Fans, Goals
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7122331/2026/03/16/nwsl-season-opening-comebacks-stadiums-fans-goals/
A look at opening-week action, highlighting comebacks, atmospheres, and defining moments.

The East Stand — Week 1 Recap
https://www.theeaststandnwsl.com/post/week-1-nwsl-recap-portland-shock-the-spirit-a-boston-debut-and-a-new-look-angel-city
A recap of Week 1, including Portland’s result, Boston’s debut, and a new-look Angel City FC.

Between the Vines (BTV) — Pass Networks & Shot Charts (Week 1)
https://btvc.beehiiv.com/p/2026-nwsl-week-1-pass-networks-shot-charts
A data-driven look at Week 1 featuring pass networks, shot charts, and tactical trends across matches.

ShePlays — NWSL Fantasy & Player Insights
https://sheplays.com.au/news/23d616b347a5e989c63b07a2
Fantasy-focused insights and player analysis based on early-season performances.

NWSL This Week — Episode 77: “The Legacy Begins…”
https://nwslthisweek.substack.com/p/episode-77-the-legacy-begins-in-front
This week the crew reviews Week 1 including a massive crowd in Boston, the return of Savy King (heart surgery) and Sophia Wilson (maternity), and the rough start of the season for the Spirit and Stars.

I’m Curious (Edition 45)
https://im-curious-roey.beehiiv.com/p/im-curious-edition-45
This week, Triple Espresso is back at full strength, and its returning Thorn provides a great birthday gift. Plus, the Spirit struggle to break through, and fans of Renee Good's favorite soccer team honor one of their own.

🔁 Transfers & Moves

Sportico — Catarina Macario Contract with San Diego Wave
https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/
Coverage of Catarina Macario’s move to San Diego Wave FC, including details of a record-setting contract and its implications for the league.

SI Soccer — Denver Summit Add Ryan & Sheehan from Houston Dash
https://www.si.com/soccer/denver-summit-yazmeen-ryan-delanie-sheehan-from-houston-dash
Coverage of Denver Summit FC adding Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan from the Houston Dash.

Angel City FC midfielder Hina Sugita (ACL) will be placed on season-ending injury (SEI) list
https://www.allforxi.com/nwsl/13877/angel-city-fc-midfielder-hina-sugita-acl-will-be-placed-on-season-ending-injury-sei-list-nwsl-acfc-nadeshiko
ACFC and Japan Women’s National Team (Nadeshiko) midfielder Hina Sugita has been placed on the SEI List.

2026 NWSL Preview Roundup

On Bluesky the other day I asked, "Where are the NWSL previews? Other than @xowngoals.com is anyone guessing the final table or (more pressing to me) teams’ week one lineups?"

I got some great responses, and of course now that the league is a day away from kicking off, the media machine has begun to churn. As it only makes sense — and as a long-time soccer blogger, it's what I do —to share, below is what I've found.

ShePlays NWSL Week 13 Team

The most boring thing in the world is someone else's fantasy team.

But hey, you're already here so let me tell you about mine.

I hate my team this week. I really do. I also hate that this is the last round before a month-long break. That means that if I do poorly, I stew on it for a month.

I'm a fun person, honest! I just have certain failings as a human being. Focusing on the negative is one of those failings.

Now this may be even more annoying than hearing about my fantasy team... hearing the overall number two complain about their fantasy team. And for that, I apologize.

But hey, you're already here so let's talk about my fantasy team. As the man (whom we won't name) said, "If you're not careful, you may learn something before it's done".

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week 12

First no kings first. Last weekend was a whiplash of bright and dark spots in American life. Welcome to life under the current order. One of the hopeful moments was seeing the Angel City team kitted out in "Immigrant City" tshirts. See above. The team also put 10,000 shirts on seats for their home match against the Courage.

Now you can buy one of the same shirts, with net proceeds going to Camino Immigration Services.

If you're so inclinded, and like me love a good tshirt, you can also purchase a "Trans People Belong" one put together by a collections of NWSL supporter groups for the Transgender Law Center. I bought a set of these for my family, and they're honestly the softest, most comfortable shirt I've worn in a long time. And I'm proud to wear it. Bonus.

[Update: Forgot to include a link to a fundraiser from Christen Westphal and Madison Pogarch for Encircle, a LGBTQ+ youth and family resource in Utah.]

Finally, and this one is on-field focused, the Washington Spirit signed Sofia Cantore from Juventus. Presumably she's coming in to start. What does that mean for Ashley Hatch, Gift Monday, and eventually Ouleymata Sarr? The July transfer window is going to be fascinating.

And now, the reason you're all here... a roundup of analyses and rankings from Week 12 of the 2025 NWSL season to inform your fantasy picks going forward. Featuring standout performances, tactical breakdowns, and more.

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week 11

Here's a roundup of analyses and rankings from Week 11 of the 2025 NWSL season to inform your fantasy picks going forward. Featuring standout performances, tactical breakdowns, and more.

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🕵️ Match Reviews

• NWSL Review | Matchweek 11 — Women's Football Talk
  Week 11 of the 2025 season produced yet more late chaos and VAR drama, with some important wins for Seattle Reign, Racing Louisville and Kansas City Current.
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Week 11 Recap- Utah trip over own feet again, Seattle frustrate San Diego, and Chicago robbed in LA — The East Stand NWSL
  No Week 10 Recap two weeks ago. My apologies. I somehow managed to make it through nine weeks without missing an NWSL match, but all good things come to an end....and I don't like to do recaps for game weeks where I can't get to at least 75% viewership on. Since my bye week was followed by last week's NWSL bye week, we've had a full two week break from the recaps. But it's Week 11, and we're BACK.1. Utah's self-destructive nature strikes again I don't really know what to say anymore about this
  👉 Read more

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📊 Power Rankings

• 2025 Week 11 NWSL Power Rankings — It's me, Brian!
  From Kansas City’s continued dominance to the gritty flashes from last-place Utah, this week’s power rankings reflect not just results, but the deeper trends pushing each team forward or holding them back.
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Power Rankings: KC overcomes injuries, Gotham to stay top — ESPN
  Kansas City added Lo'eau LaBonta to its injury list but still beat Gotham to stay on top of ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings.
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Power Rankings Week 11: The ‘Big Three’ dominate and tons of movement — All for XI
  The Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, and Orlando Pride are where they should be.Also, many teams moved in the power rankings this week. Who are this week’s risers and fallers?
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Power Rankings: Rose Lavelle Can’t Prevent Gotham’s Fall After Matchday 11 — SI
  A poor run of form has Gotham plummeting in the rankings, while Racing Louisville is starting to turn some heads.
  👉 Read more

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📈 Statistical Deep Dives & Tactical Analyses

• Outliers: Matchday 10 — Stateside Stats
  Moultrie makes waves
  👉 Read more

• 2025 nwsl week 11: xG race charts & g+ pass networks — BTVC
  chaos reigned
  👉 Read more

• What “Where Goals Come From” Says about your NWSL Team after 10 Games — American Soccer Analysis
  We’ve reached the roughly one third mark of the NWSL season where we can actually have some takes! Enjoy.
  👉 Read more

• Can Rose Lavelle save Gotham FC? — Beyond the Touchline
  NJ/NY Gotham FC seem to be in a slump.
  👉 Read more

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🎭 Vibe Check

• Week 11 Vibe Ranking — Blonde Ponies
  Here now, the news
  👉 Read more

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week 10

Here's a roundup of analyses and rankings from Week 10 of the 2025 NWSL season, featuring standout performances, tactical breakdowns, and more:

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🕵️ Match Reviews

• NWSL Review: Matchweek 10 – Women's Football Talk
  Victories for all the top four teams but defeats for Angel City and Seattle Reign, plus the winless runs go on for Utah Royals and Chicago Stars. This is our review of Matchweek 10 in the NWSL.
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Weekend Take-Off: Racing Louisville on the move, Wave and Spirit impress
  The NWSL was all gas, no brakes over the weekend, with 27 goals across six games. We break down how Racing, the Wave, and the Spirit notched wins.
  👉 Read more

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📊 Power Rankings

• 2025 Week 10 NWSL Power Rankings – It's me, Brian!
  Another week, another shake of the table. While Portland and Gotham got a breather from NWSL action, the rest of the league delivered fireworks. Barbra Banda recorded a first-half hat trick. San Diego dropped five on North Carolina. Racing and Bay fought through chaos for valuable points. The model kept humming underneath it all, picking up trends and recalibrating expectations.
  👉 Read more

  (Revised) 2025 Week 10 NWSL Power Rankings – It's me, Brian!
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Power Rankings: San Diego Wave starting to look ominous – ESPN
  It's Monday, and another week of NWSL action is in the books, which means it's time for ESPN's Power Rankings. Who's climbing the table? Who's in free fall? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 10 to come up with this week's order of all 14 teams in the league. Let's dive in.
  👉 Read more

• NWSL Power Rankings Week 10: Barbra Banda is back and the San Diego Wave hits hard – All for XI
  10 weeks have been completed in the National Women’s Soccer League. Who are the contenders? Who are the pretenders? Find out on this week’s NWSL power rankings.
  👉 Read more

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📈 Statistical Deep Dives & Tactical Analyses

• Outliers: Matchday 10 – Stateside Stats
  An analytical look at standout statistical performances and anomalies from the week's matches.
  👉 Read more

• 2025 NWSL Week 10 xG Race Charts & Pass Networks – BTVC
  Detailed visualizations of expected goals and passing patterns, offering insights into team strategies.
  👉 Read more

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🎭 Vibe Check

• Week 10 Vibe Ranking – Blonde Ponies
  A unique take on team energies and morale, offering a fresh perspective beyond traditional stats.
  👉 Read more

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Round 9

🚑 Injury Watch: KC Current

Debinha and Cook are out for at least the medium term. I'm not sure what "Temwa is getting evaluated as we speak to determine the significance of it." means, but I don't like the sound of it.

• 🔗 KC Current Injury Updates – All For XI
  KC Current head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, shares crucial injury updates with the media.

🔝 Power Rankings: KC Current Still on Top

Man, these hit different considering the above news.

• 📰 NWSL Power Rankings – ESPN
  If you make a single mistake against Temwa Chawinga and the Current, you're likely to get punished. That and more in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings.

• 🏅 KC Current Strides Ahead on Matchday 9 – Sports Illustrated
  Temwa Chawinga broke more records as the NWSL’s top team solidified its frontrunner status.

📊 Numbers & Tactics: The Analytical Deep Dives

• 📈 NWSL Outliers: Matchday 9 – Substack (Stateside Stats)
  Who's overperforming? Who's underdelivering? This post highlights the statistical outliers of the week.

• 🔍 2025 NWSL Week 9: xG Race Charts & g+ Pass Networks – BTVC
  Visualize team structure, ball movement, and attacking efficiency.

• 🚀 NWSL Weekend Take-Off: KC Current post statement win, Spirit get 'wake-up call' vs. Utah
  The NWSL saw the KC Current and Seattle Reign underline why tactics matter, while Spirit-Utah was yet another bonkers game for Washington.

✨ Weekly Vibes Check

• 🌈 Week 9 Vibe Ranking – Blonde Ponies

ShePlays NWSL Week 9 Team

Week 9 is fast approaching, with four (!) matches tonight. After a week where I over-thought and mostly got it wrong (benching Chawinga, mostly) we're looking to bounce back quickly.

My first thought was to get Sav Demelo in for Olivia Moultrie. I'm still needing to rid myself of Bats and Thorns after their week five double and before their week 10 blank. Demelo has come back from her injury earlier in the season to average just over 10 points per game over the last three weeks. With Seattle making the long trip east, this seems like a good spot for her. She should get lots of chances for crosses and chances created against a physical Reign side that will surely foul her a ton. As everyone does.

NWSL Weekend Roundup

Get well soon, Savy!

🔝 Kansas City Current Reclaim the Throne
All For XI breaks down the Week 8 Power Rankings, highlighting Kansas City's return to the top and a Brazilian-led goal fest featuring Debinha and company.
Read more

🎯 Perry’s Tactical Brilliance
Thorntown’s Perry Precision dives into the meticulous play and impact of one of the league's sharpest minds on and off the pitch.
Check it out

📝 Full Week 8 Recap: Dominance and Development
The East Stand details how Louisville outclassed Gotham, Chicago showed flashes of brilliance, and North Carolina continues its tactical evolution.
Full recap here

⚽ ESPN Power Rankings Update
Kansas City leapfrogs Orlando and Gotham in ESPN’s updated rankings, emphasizing momentum and consistency.
See the rankings

📊 Fan-Powered Rankings
Brian’s WordPress blog offers a fan-centric take on Week 8’s rankings, giving fresh perspective and narrative flavor.
Read Brian's take

📈 NWSL Outliers & Statistical Trends
Stateside Stats analyzes the numbers behind the matches, spotlighting teams and players defying the norms.
Explore the stats

ShePlays NWSL Week 8 Team

Let's do this. Bullet point style!

• At this point, I've assembled a roster of the top players in the game. The problem is, I'm a match-up manager.
• To that point, I've promoted Kennedy Fuller (home against Utah tonight) over Temwa Chawinga. Chawinga's status is still unknown. I should have benched her last week for Avery Patterson. I got bailed out by Gabi Portilho's injury. 
• So am I making last week's correct decision this week when it won't apply? I think she'll do great if she starts at home against Bay FC. But if she just gets another sub appearance... ?? Argh.
• I'm realizing I had this "external monologue" last week. Sorry.
• Fuller should be a good bet against Utah. My transfer this week is along these same lines. Riley Tiernan for the aforementioned injured Gabi Portilho. That was always going to be my transfer this week, as I need to shed Gotham and/or Portland players. The injury and Tiernan's form are happy accidents.
• I think I'm going to captain Tiernan. Form, and matchup.
• Vice-captain is Debinha. Case could be made to swap them. Debinha higher floor. Tiernan maybe higher ceiling.
• Otherwise it feels like a chalk team. That's not a bad thing defending a lead. 

Good luck, all!

NWSL Weekend Roundup

What we're reading:

2025 Fantasy NWSL: Answers from Round 7

Well, my head is still spinning! The NWSL continues to return to the levels of chaotic unpredictability we’ve seen and loved in non-expansion years, taking things up a notch in Round 7. In fact, I’d characterize three results among the most unexpected of the season: the Cascadia rivals both logged 1-0 victories over the two […]

NWSL Power Rankings Week 7: West Coast dominance and the parity & chaos is back?

The top teams are not unbeatable anymore.

NWSL Team of the Week: Lynn Biyendolo hits her stride in Seattle, Kenza Dali becomes a fixture in San Diego

The Attacking Third crew picked their best XI from NWSL week seven

Houston Dash vs Racing Louisville player ratings

The Houston Dash suffered a 2-1 home loss to Racing Louisville FC after multiple weather delays at Shell Energy Stadium on Friday night. Avery Patterson gave Houston an early lead, but Louisville responded with two unanswered goals to take the win. Here’s a closer look at individual performances fro

2025 nwsl week 7: xG race charts & g+ pass networks

juggernauts, revelations, and middle linebackers

NWSL Take-Off: Wave, Angel City, Thorns post wins in wild weekend

NWSL claims to be the most competitive league in the world, and weekends like this are exactly why. Analysis on big wins for three West Coast teams.

NWSL Outliers: Matchday 7

Flint gets fired up, it's time to talk Tiernan, and a big name finally makes the list

NWSL Week 7 Recap- Angel City Exorcise Demons, Seattle out-duel KC, and Portland's up and down season continues.

1. Katie Zelem, Angel City throw the Moral Victory Monkey off their backs Angel City's first 25 minutes of their venture into Audi Field looked much like their first 25 in Exploria Stadium the week prior. Riley Tiernan was chasing the ball around the field like a bull seeing red. Katie Zelem, Alana Kennedy, and Kennedy Fuller were patrolling the midfield like an HOA member seeing a child having fun in the street. The Thompson sisters were flying up the wings....and assisting each other!

Five things NWSL: Sister Sister, and Seattle Reign's blockade

Matchweek Seven of the NWSL was one for sibling connections, tactically astute defences, and more.

Feli Rauch’s unsung importance in Courage’s new system | Feli Rauch’s unsung importance in Courage’s new system

Left wing back quietly shining as weak-side width

ShePlays NWSL: Week 7 Team

Before we get into the meat of the post, can I complain for a minute? We're all friends here, right? Ok. Thanks.

We all love ShePlays. Great game; great community. And we know it's free and volunteer run. And we respect that and appreciate all the work it takes to keep the game going. But...

ShePlays NWSL: Week 6 Team

"Lemon, it's only a Tuesday night NWSL game."

NWSL Weekend Roundup

Lots of good information out there looking at the week that was in NWSL. Here's a roundup... which will surely be updated as everyone processes last night's Thorns/Bats match.

Recaps

• NWSL Week 5 Recap- Gotham explode, SD thrash Louisville, and North Carolina continue to languish
• Matchweek Five
• NWSL Weekend Take-Off: Gotham takes flight, shorthanded Spirit survive Pride
• NWSL Team of the Week: NJ/NY Gotham FC's Esther Gonzalez, Washington Spirit's Rebeca Bernal shine

Teams/Matches

• Angel City has a set piece defense problem
• ThornsList: Missed Connections
• Week 5 recap: Juan Carlos Amorós, we owe you an apology
• Seattle Reign FC Defeat Cascadia Rivals Portland Thorns, 1-0
• What's going on with our Royals? 2: We Won a Game Boogaloo

Power Rankings

• NWSL Power Rankings: Seattle Reign on the up; Washington Spirit near the top as Orlando Pride slip
• NWSL Power Rankings: KC, Spirit leapfrog Orlando at the top
• NWSL Power Rankings: Complete shake up as Washington Spirit stun Orlando Pride, Gotham FC roll over Angel City
• NWSL Power Rankings: KC Current Shine Brightest After Matchday 5
• Week 5 vibes rankings
• NWSL Power Ranking Week 5: Who is the best, Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, or NJ/NY Gotham FC?
• 2025 Week 5 NWSL Power Rankings

ShePlays NWSL: Week 5 Team

First of all, a thank you to UCLA Bruins dot com for the perfect featured image for today's post.

It's game week slash round 5. This is the one we've been building for. It's DOUBLE GAME WEEK TIME!

Portland and Gotham will play each other in this round, in addition to Seattle and Angel City, respectively. This is because they will miss round 10 to, "contest the final of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup in Nuevo Leon", per Nick Manser. As both games will count towards this round's scoring, it's time to bring in Thorns and Bats to your fantasy team. If you haven't been doing this all season. Or even if you have, things change and plans have to adjust.

Here's who I think warrants a place in your team:

NWSL Weekend Roundup

Lots of good information out there looking at the week that was in NWSL. Here's a roundup.

Recaps

• NWSL Week 4 Recap- Portland and Chicago show signs of life, Angel City stay hot, and Kansas City continue to roll
• NWSL Outliers: Matchday 4
• NWSL Team of the Week: Gotha's Lilly Reale scores first pro goal, teen Trinity Armstrong debuts on San Diego
• 2025 nwsl week 4: xG race charts & g+ pass networks

Teams/Matches

• Three things we learned: Houston Dash vs Angel City FC
• Houston Dash 1, Angel City FC 3: Los Angeles tippin’ in Texas with road win/
• Orlando PrideThe Orlando Pride Are Dominant With Any Back Line
• Bay FC defense struggles early in loss to previously winless Chicago
• What we learned as Bay FC comeback falls short against Chicago Stars
• Gotham FC 3-1 North Carolina Courage: 4 Thoughts
• Gotham FC find their shooting boots as they beat the North Carolina Courage 3-1

Power Rankings

• NWSL Power Rankings Week 4: Backflips, Lynn Biyendolo and Midge Purce are back, Ashley Hatch on top of the Golden Boot race
• 2025 Week 4 NWSL Power Rankings (note posted today: Power Rankings Model Adjustments)
• NWSL Power Rankings: Gotham Are Back, Angel City Rise on Matchday 4
• Week 4 Vibes Rankings
• NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City Current remain at the top; Angel City FC making strides

ShePlays NWSL: Week 4 Team

I'm at a loss this week.

That's great for blogging, right? Just what you want to read: I don't know what I'm doing. But bear with me. Maybe if we put the options down "on paper" it will help us all make sense of it.

So, what are the parameters? 

NWSL Round Three Wrap-Up

With the International Break in the rear-view, it's time to focus on the upcoming weekend of NWSL matches. To do that, let's remind ourselves of what happened all those days ago. Back when the world was young, and no one was trying to crater the global economy with a new tariff regime.

• NWSL Review | Matchweek 3
  
  
• 2025 Fantasy NWSL: Answers from Round 3
  
  
• NWSL Power Rankings: Kansas City Current Chase the Summit on Matchday 3
  
  
• NWSL Weekend Take-Off: Angel City take needed step, Washington Spirit adapt
  
  
• 2025 nwsl week 3: xG race charts & g+ pass networks
  
  
• Thompson Shines, Wave Disrupts, a Stats Oddity - NWSL Week 3 Analysis