Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.
The NWSL has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns. Opening weekend also features expansion sides Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC making their league debuts on March 14, with Boston hosting defending champions Gotham FC and Denver opening on the road against Bay FC. Here are GOAL’s six takeaways.
When asked about her contract status, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stressed she intends to remain in the role, while also announcing a major shift in the league’s expansion strategy. The NWSL will move from fixed application windows to a flexible rolling process, following two rounds of expansion that drew interest from over a dozen ownership groups.
Utah Royals
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