The Women’s Super League kicked off its season over the weekend after a week’s delay to honor Queen Elizabeth II, who died Sept. 8 at 96.

The opening matches featured new names, familiar faces and stunning upsets amid a swell of excitement and record ticket sales.

WSL plays of the Week

Rachel Daly’s dream debut

Rachel Daly returned to the WSL in style.

The English international notched a brace and an assist in her debut with Aston Villa, helping her side to a 4-3 win over Manchester City.

Daly signed with the club in August, ending her six-season stint with the NWSL’s Houston Dash.

It took just 22 minutes with her new club for Daly to make her mark, as she assisted Alisha Lehman for Aston Villa’s opening goal. Ten minutes later, Daly buried a goal of her own, rifling a curler to put her side up 2-0.

Daly’s most consequential contribution, however, came in the 76th minute, when she tapped in the game-winner to secure Aston Villa a thrilling victory.

“Some would say a dream debut,” Daly said after the match. “Obviously it’s nice to get on the scoresheet not one but twice, but importantly three points at Villa Park in front of a great crowd.”

Beth Mead’s brace

Beth Mead is on a tear, riding momentum from the Euros into the WSL season.

The England national team forward logged two goals and an assist while creating four chances in Arsenal’s 4-0 shutout over Brighton.

Both of Mead’s goals came in the second half, as she buried her first in the 63rd minute and her second in the 83rd minute.

The 27-year-old’s impressive season opener comes after a breakthrough 2022 Euro tournament in which Mead clinched the Golden Boot award, logging six goals and five assists for the Lionesses.

Ashleigh Neville’s rocket  

Ashleigh Neville struck the rocket of the weekend, powering a long-range banger to help Tottenham to a 2-1 win over Leicester City.

The 29-year-old ripped a stunning shot from 35 yards out to put the Hotspurs up 1-0 early.

“I took that kind of touch and saw it and just thought why not,” Neville said after the match. “It went in, so yeah, happy with that.”