Bad blood, big trade, bitter rematches: 2025 NWSL rivalry weekend storylines
The 2025 NWSL Golden Boot race is heating up and the NWSL Shield is up for grabs as teams jockey for playoff positioning following a month-long break for international play. Now, add a sprinkle of bad blood to the mix.
Seven intense rivalries are on the lineup for Week 15, capped by the record 43rd meeting between the Portland Thorns FC and the Seattle Reign FC, "the longest rivalry in the history of the league," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman told USA TODAY Sports.
"There's been some players chirping this week about how much the players in Seattle hate Portland and how much the players in Portland hate Seattle," Berman said. "We know it's gonna be a fierce competition."
The NWSL welcomes rivalry because it's crucial to growing viewership and engagement in any league. Think of the new audience the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry brought to the WNBA or what the decades-long battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics did for the NBA.
"Giving people an extra reason to watch is really the key to growing the league," Berman told USA TODAY Sports. "Luckily we have some of this inherent competition that exists between these various different clubs. And so I think it's really important to our league and I think just gives players an additional reason to care and just put themselves out there."
Berman said the league was "definitely intentional" about scheduling rivalry weekend after the second half of the season resumed because the "games matter even more."
Here are the best storylines heading into the NWSL's rivalry weekend:
Utah Royals FC vs Kansas City Current
Ally Sentnor and the Utah Royals meet again. Exactly one week after Sentnor blockbuster trade from Utah to the Kansas City Current, the two teams are set to face off against each other in rivalry week. Sentnor joins a red-hot Current team that is atop the standings with a 10-point lead in the NWSL Shield race. Current forward Temwa Chawinga is closing in on the Golden Boot leader Esther González with nine goals on the season after finding net in the Current's 2-0 over Racing Louisville in Week 14. Chawinga was also nominated for the 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or, an annual award presented to the best player in the world by France Football. Meanwhile, the Royals are looking for a big win to spark momentum. The team has struggled with a record of 1-10-3.
Gotham FC vs Washington Spirit
The New York Knicks aren't the only team with a "celebrity row." The rivalry game between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit, a rematch of the 2024 NWSL semifinals that ended in a a penalty shootout, is set to attract A-listers like Kylie Kelce, Cierra and "some other surprise guests," Berman told USA TODAY Sports. We can't forget about the superstars on the pitch. Washington forward Trinity Rodman returned to the field for the first time in nearly four months in epic fashion with a stoppage time game-winner. Gotham also has Golden Boot leader Esther González (10 goals) back in the lineup. González also picked up a 2025 Women's Ballon d'Or nomination. Gotham is fighting to stay in playoff contention and need to stake up some wins. Expect fireworks.
San Diego Wave FC vs. Angel City FC
Who is the best team in California? "Every game is personal, but this one is extra personal," said Angel City rookie forward Riley Tiernan, who leads the team with seven goals this season. Angel City hasn't got off to the best start and is currently outside the playoff picture in 11th place, but all that goes out the window on Saturday when they face their nemesis San Diego. The Wave are currently in fourth place and will be looking for points to close the gap between the Current. The first and only matchup of the season between the San Diego Wave and Angel City ended in a draw in March. Look out for Wave forward Delphine Cascarino is coming off a strong performance in UEFA Women's Euro in Switzerland, where she scored two goals for France in the tournament.
Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC
The NWSL may have saved the best rivalry for last. The Cascadia rivalry, which stems from Seattle and Portland's close proximity, dates back to the North American Soccer League (1968 to 1984) and remains as passionate and intense as ever. No other teams in the NWSL have played each other more than the Thorns and Reign (42) and their head-to-head series is dead even at 16 wins and 10 draws each. The Reign won the first meeting of the season 1-0 in Seattle in April. Sunday's matchup, however, will be held in Portland, giving the Thorns a slight advantage as they are undefeated at home this season. Portland will have to watch out for USWNT star and Reign forward Lynn Biyendolo. She's scored 13 career goals against the Thorns, the most against the Thorns by any player in league history.
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