After helping the U.S. Women’s National Team to its fifth consecutive and seventh SheBelieves Cup title overall, the USWNT players returned to action with their club teams as league – and cup – competitions resumed following the international break.
The Kansas City Current remain unbeaten and atop the NWSL standings following a 1-1 draw against defending champions NJ/NY Gotham. FC on Sunday evening at Red Bull Arena. Kansas City took the lead in the 17th minute with a goal from Malawian international Temwa Chawinga but Spain’s Esther Gonzalez equalized for the hosts in the back-and-forth affair. With 10 points from four matches (3W-1D-0L), the Current are off to the best start to a season in franchise history.
The Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville FC also remain unbeaten to start the 2024 regular season. Orlando earned its first win of the 2024 campaign on Friday night, topping the Utah Royals 1-0 behind a second half goal from Brazilian standout Marta. Racing Louisville FC recorded a fourth consecutive draw to open the year, playing the San Diego Wave to a scoreless draw on Saturday evening at Lynn Family Stadium.
The Chicago Red Stars saw their unbeaten start to the season come to a close on Saturday night, falling to Angel City FC 1-0 at home. Angel City scored the game’s only goal via own goal in the 40th minute to earn its first win of the 2024 campaign while handing the Red Stars their first defeat of the season.
The Washington Spirit opened the weekend slate with an inspired come-from-behind victory on the road on Friday night, erasing an early one-goal deficit to defeat the Houston Dash 3-1. After conceding in the first minute, the Spirit put together a comprehensive comeback and scored three goals in the second half, including two in the span of two minutes. Defender Casey Krueger assisted the game-winning goal by Brittany Ratcliffe in the 82nd minute. The Spirit have now won three straight follow a 1-0 loss to Seattle Reign FC to open the season.
The North Carolina Courage made it back-to-back wins and remained perfect at home this season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Portland Thorns FC on Saturday afternoon. Midfielder Ashley Sanchez assisted the opening goal by the Courage in the fifth minute and North Carolina doubled its lead in the 36th to take a 2-0 lead into the locker room. A strong defensive effort and steady presence in net from goalkeeper Casey Murphy helped North Carolina record its third win of the season and second consecutive clean sheet.
Closing out the weekend action, Bay FC topped Seattle Reign FC 3-2 in thrilling back and forth affair on Sunday night at PayPal Park. The visitors from Seattle took a 1-0 lead into the locker room but a three second-half goals from Bay FC – highlighted by a game winner in the 87th – were enough for the home side to complete the comeback and secure its ever victory at home.
In France, Olympique Lyon defeated Saint-Etienne 6-1 and Paris Saint-Germain played Guingamp to a 3-3 draw as the teams remained first and second, respectively, in the D1 Féminine standings. For the first time since 2004, the league champions will be determined by a playoff comprised of the top four teams in the table at the conclusion of the regular season.
In England, Arsenal topped Bristol City 5-0 on Sunday afternoon to maintain its hold on third in the FA Women’s Super League standings, six points back of league-leaders Manchester City (46 points). Chelsea trails Manchester City by three points but have a game in hand. The Blues will resume league play midweek against Aston Villa after facing Manchester United over the weekend in the semifinals of the FA Women’s Cup. While Chelsea topped Manchester United 1-0 in the clash between the sides in last years’ FA Cup final, this time it was United who proved victorious, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead and holding on to secure a 2-1 victory over the Blues in the semifinal.
Broadcast information on more upcoming matches featuring U.S. Women’s National Team players can be found below. All times listed are ET.
Wednesday, April 17 | ||
FA Women’s Super League: Chelsea FC vs. Aston Villa | 2:00 p.m. | Paramount+ |
Friday, April 19 | ||
NWSL: Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave FC | 8:00 p.m. | Prime Video |
Saturday, April 20 | ||
UWCL – Semifinals: Barcelona vs. Chelsea FC | 7:30 a.m. | DAZN |
NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC | 1:00 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
UWCL – Semifinals: Olympique Lyon vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 2:00 p.m. | DAZN |
NWSL: Racing Louisville FC vs. Utah Royals | 5:00 p.m. | NWSL+ |
NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. Bay FC | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
NWSL: Portland Thorns FC vs. Houston Dash | 10:00 p.m. | ION |
Sunday, April 21 | ||
FA Women’s Super League: Arsenal vs. Leicester City | 9:00 a.m. | The FA Player |
FA Women’s Super League: Manchester United vs. West Ham United | 9:15 a.m. | Paramount+ |
NWSL: Seattle Reign FC vs. Chicago Red Stars | 6:00 p.m. | NWSL+ |
NWSL: Angel City FC vs. North Carolina Courage | 7:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |