The Utah Royals made NWSL history Sunday, extending their unbeaten streak to a franchise-record seven matches.
A 0-0 draw against Bay FC at PayPal Park secured a vital on-the-road point for the team. That result also keeps Utah in the 2026 NWSL playoff hunt, while cementing its status as one of the league’s most dominant defense.
Utah Royals Sets 468-Minute Franchise Shutout Record
Utah’s historic run is fueled by a backline that hasn't conceded a goal since late March. During the stalemate in San Jose, the Royals surpassed the previous club record, reaching 468 consecutive minutes of shutout soccer.
Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn anchored the defensive surge, securing five clean sheets during the team's current seven-game unbeaten stretch.
"We’re not expecting an outcome of a win, expecting a shutout," McGlynn told The Athletic. "We’re just going there and we know how to execute the game plan and do that to our full ability."
The team's "process-oriented" mentality was on full display in the 40th match minute, when midfielder Narumi Miura made a lung-busting sprint to block a goal-bound shot from Bay FC's Racheal Kundananji, preserving the deadlock.
Offensively, Japanese international Mina Tanaka continues to drive the Royals' creative engine.
Granted a free role by head coach Jimmy Coenraets, Tanaka nearly broke the tie in the 79th minute, launching a powerful strike that forced an elite save from the Bay FC keeper.
Utah Royals vs. Racing Louisville: Shut-out Streak Watch Continues
With 17 points through nine matches, Utah currently sits in 3rd place in the NWSL standings. The club has already earned 11 road points this season — matching their combined road totals from 2024 and 2025.
The Royals return home to America First Field on May 17th to host Racing Louisville, looking to push their shutout record past the 500-minute mark.
The San Diego Wave came up short at home on Sunday, falling 1-0 to Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium.
Bay FC broke through in the fifth minute when Racheal Kundananji finished a quick attacking sequence initiated by Taylor Huff, scoring what would stand as the match's lone goal.
That one early moment held.
San Diego pushed for an equalizer throughout the rest of the match, outshooting Bay FC 14-10. However, the Wave was unable to find a breakthrough, despite extended stretches of possession and attacking pressure.
“I think we created enough chances to win the game,” assistant coach Becki Tweed said postgame. “On another day, it's a different result. But we've definitely got to go away and reflect, and look at what we can improve and grow upon.”
For Bay FC, defense made the difference.
“They're a really talented team,” Wave defender Kennedy Wesley said of Sunday's opponent. “They have a really good structure in what they want to do, and they definitely made it difficult for us. At the end of the day, our level of technical execution as a group wasn't exactly where we wanted it to be.”
The result comes at the end of a demanding stretch.
This was San Diego's third match in a week — at Denver on April 25th, at Portland on April 29th, and Sunday's home match — and the team's fatigue showed.
“There are moments tonight where it did look like our third game of the week," Tweed said. "We did look a little bit tired, and that can affect your decision-making or your technical execution."
After winning five straight, the Wave have now lost back-to-back matches. Still, they remain near the top of the NWSL standings through eight matchdays.
Up Next for San Diego Wave
San Diego next faces fellow Southern California side No. 8 Angel City on Saturday at 7:45 PM ET, live on ION.
The exclusive Bay FC x Oaklandish collection dropped on April 17th, as the six-item limited-edition NWSL merch line celebrates Bay Area culture, pride, and resilience.
The collection debuted at PayPal Park during Bay FC's Star Wars Match against Ottawa Rapid FC. Fans got their first chance to purchase the apparel at the 7 PM PT kickoff.
The partnership brings together two brands rooted in Bay Area values, after the 2024 NWSL expansion team built supporters across nine counties during its first three seasons. Oaklandish has spent over two decades producing apparel that reflects Oakland's authentic character.
"Bay FC is more than a soccer club," said Bay FC CEO Stacy Johns. "We're a reflection of the communities that push boundaries across the Bay Area. Oakland and the East Bay communities bring vibrant pride, grit, and creativity."
The Bay FC x Oaklandish drop features bold designs including camo and leopard print hoodies. According to a press release, each piece blends Bay FC's identity with Oaklandish's East Bay legacy while representing the Oakland community.
"The East Bay has always had its own culture, and its own way of being ahead of what comes next," said Angela Tsay, CEO and Creative Director of Oaklandish. "This collection is for those fans, and for anyone who wants to see that identity represented at the highest level of women's soccer."
The collaboration represents the latest addition to Bay FC's growing lifestyle and streetwear offerings. Earlier this year, the club released the third chapter of the Poppy Collection and Sportiqe Collection.
How to Buy Bay FC x Oaklandish NWSL Merch Collection
Browse the designs and pick up your own Bay FC merch via the team's official online shop.
Bay Collective announced it acquired a majority stake in Sunderland AFC this week, expanding its global women's football portfolio beyond the NWS's Bay FC.
The multi-club ownership platform, led by Kay Cossington MBE and backed by investment firm Sixth Street, aims to launch a new era for the historic Northeast England mainstay.
"We are committed to honoring Sunderland Women's DNA and legacy, protecting what makes this club and community so special," said Cossington.
"We're supporting the players, staff, and the Academy with cutting-edge resources, infrastructure, and training models tailored to the unique needs of women athletes."
Sunderland AFC currently sits eighth in the second-tier WSL2 standings with two matches remaining this season. The club also houses a productive academies, after developing England national team stars Beth Mead, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, and Lucy Bronze.
Founded in 1879, Sunderland represents one of English football's most historic institutions. While Bay Collective assumes operational control, the club will retain a minority stake pending approvals.
The acquisition mirrors recent trends in women's soccer as NWSL ownership groups expand internationally. Bay FC now joins the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current as operating under multi-club models with European investments.
Bay Collective launched in 2025 with Bay FC as its inaugural franchise. The platform focuses on building women's football clubs that win on the pitch while subsequently thriving on a commercial level.
The season-opening NWSL lineup is bringing fireworks to the pitch on Saturday, as 2026 newcomer Denver Summit FC looks to lay a foundation in their inaugural match against 2024 expansion team Bay FC.
Led by former Manchester City manager Nick Cushing, the Summit gets its first taste of NWSL action in California before heading home to set an expected new single-game attendance record at Mile High Stadium.
"Our expectation is to win a championship," Summit defender and Colorado product Janine Sonis told the Denver Gazette. "We want to win, and we want to win doing what we do well."
Notably, Denver will hit the pitch without its flashiest signing, with USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps remaining with OL Lyonnes until the French club wraps its 2025/26 season, joining the Summit for the second half of the 2026 NWSL campaign.
One splashy midfield addition should make an appearance in Saturday's match, however, after Bay FC brought in former KC Current star Claire Hutton to shore up the 2025 Shield-winner's ranks last month.
"A big piece of me coming onto the team is seeing what they need from me and seeing what else I can bring," Hutton told the Times Union. "Each player has a specific role and identity on the team."
How to watch Bay FC vs. Denver Summit on Saturday
Bay FC will host 2026 expansion side Denver in the Summit's NWSL debut at 6:30 PM ET on Saturday, with live coverage airing on ION.
International soccer fans should start saving airline miles, as organizers for the LA Olympics announced on Tuesday that the 2028 Summer Games' soccer tournament will play out in seven stadiums across the US.
Giving the competition a coast-to-coast footprint, organizers tapped venues in New York, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San Jose, and San Diego to host both men's and women's matches, before returning to the Rose Bowl in LA for both tournament finals.
All six venues outside LA house MLS clubs, with San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium and San Jose's PayPal Park also serving as home pitches for the NWSL's Wave and Bay FC, respectively.
"Bringing Olympic Football group-stage and knockout matches to stadiums across the United States means more fans will witness this global event and experience the Olympic spirit firsthand," said LA28 chief of sport and games delivery officer Shana Ferguson in a Tuesday statement.
Joining several other off-site LA 2028 events including Oklahoma City's softball tournament and canoe slalom races, the Summer Olympics' expanded soccer competition will likely kick off before the Opening Ceremony.
The tournament will also follow a progressive east-to-west itinerary to minimize travel demands for the teams, with dates and match distribution set to drop this April.
The LA Olympics' women's football final will take place on July 29th, 2028 — the Summer Games' penultimate day of competition.
The NWSL transfer and hiring market is ramping up, with both the 14 existing clubs and two incoming expansion teams busy bolstering their 2026 ranks just weeks into the offseason.
Last week, Bay FC announced that England U-23 head coach Emma Coates will become the 2024 expansion club's second-ever manager, with fellow England youth national team and WSL staffer Gemma Davies joining Coates's NWSL crew as an assistant coach.
"I'm truly honored and super excited to build on the strong foundations that have already been established and to implement a clear identity both on and off the pitch," Coates said in Thursday's statement. "[Bay FC] shares my passion for people, performance, and culture, which I believe are fundamental to sustained success."
"Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels of both the domestic and international game," remarked Bay Collective CEO Kay Cossington. "Emma has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring players and teams to the next level with clarity, care and purpose. She understands what it takes to build environments where people thrive and perform at their best."
"Bay FC is gaining not only a great coach, but also someone that understands women's football and our athletes inside and out."
While Coates will wrap up her nearly three years at England's U-23 helm to join Bay FC in the coming days, three other NWSL teams are still searching for permanent sideline leaders this offseason, as the Kansas City Current, North Carolina Courage, and Portland Thorns continue to conduct coaching searches.
The Thorns joined the leaderless ranks in late November, parting ways with manager Rob Gale following the team's NWSL semifinals exit.
The 2025 NWSL season more than delivered, raising stakes and fueling drama both on and off the field.
From Spirit star Trinity Rodman's goal-scoring injury return to Kansas City's history Shield victory, the year was defined by ups and downs, resilience and growth, and myriad milestones. Investment reached new heights, kicked off by Denver's 2026 expansion team bid and Naomi Girma's million-dollar transfer — a global first for women's soccer.
Off the pitch, the work continued. The year saw a $5 million settlement addressing past misconduct and the introduction of the league's first prospect combine. As for in-game action, the Challenge Cup, Euros, and playoff race additionally showcased the league's unrivaled parity.
This month-by-month review recaps all the unforgettable highlights that made the 2025 NWSL season yet another a defining chapter for the league.
January: Denver lands record bid for 2026 NWSL expansion team
In January, the NWSL approved Denver's bid to become the league's 16th franchise, set to begin play in 2026. The deal came with a then-record $110 million price tag, at the time highest-ever in US professional women's sports. Led by Rob Cohen and Mellody Hobson, the ownership group announced plans to build a dedicated stadium, highlighting the league's financial growth and commitment to expansion.
Runner up: San Diego's Naomi Girma signs with Chelsea in record $1.1 million transfer deal
Wave defender Naomi Girma kicked off the year by transferring to reigning WSL champions Chelsea FC in a historic deal. The transfer fee was a record-breaking $1.1 million, becoming the first in women's soccer history to cross the million-dollar mark. It became a new benchmark for player valuation, further solidifying the competitive tension between the NWSL and European clubs.
February: NWSL raises salary cap ahead of 2025 season kick-off
In February, the NWSL significantly raised team spending in accordance with the most recent league CBA. The salary cap shot up to $3.3 million for a 22-to-26 player roster, supplemented by a new revenue-sharing mechanism. This increase — featuring planned growth over five years — aimed to up player compensation and better compete with European clubs after the league's first full season of unrestricted free agency.
Runner up: NWSL reaches $5 million settlement over abuse investigation
Earlier, the NWSL reached a $5 million settlement to compensate players impacted by the league's historic cultural issues. The result of a joint multi-year investigation by state Attorneys General, the settlement signaled a renewed commitment to accountability, and paved the way for reforms enhancing player safety and welfare.
March: Washington Spirit win the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup in penalties
The Spirit claimed their second trophy in March, winning the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup over reigning NWSL champions Orlando. The final ended 1-1 in regulation after Washington equalized behind a free kick goal from Colombia star Leicy Santos — the second-ever direct free kick goal in NWSL final history. It then moved to penalty kicks. That's when Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made the difference, securing a penalty save before Tara McKeown converted a shot for the 4-2 win.
Runner up: Boston NWSL expansion team rebrands to Boston Legacy FC
Following public criticism of their initial rollout, Boston's NWSL expansion team — formerly BOSNation — officially rebranded to Boston Legacy FC in March. The new name drew on New England's rich history and women's soccer ties, while also incorporating fan feedback and community connection.
April: Trinity Rodman steps away from Washington Spirit to rehab injury
Washington's Trinity Rodman was ruled out indefinitely in April, stepping away from the team to focus on rehabbing a lingering back injury. Rodman had struggled with the issue since 2021, opting to prioritize recovery in hopes of returning before the season's end. Her absence was a blow to the Spirit, bringing up questions about her future with the team and long-term load management.
Runner up: NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman says league could rival NFL in size
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman made a bold statement in April, saying the league could one day rival the NFL's 32-team field. The prediction highlighted the NWSL's financial rise, exploding fanbase, and eye toward global dominance while underlining its goal to become a major US player. The league welcomed its 17th team in Atlanta in November, with their eyes reportedly on an 18-team setup by 2028.
May: Savy King's medical emergency stirs up player welfare concerns
In May, Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed mid-match in a regular season game against the Utah Royals. She required 10 minutes of on-field medical attention before being stretchered off, later undergoing surgery for a heart abnormality. The incident sparked criticism after officials decided the game would resume, leading the NWSLPA to demand protocol changes requiring suspension whenever life-saving measures are needed.
Runner up: Gotham wins inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup
Gotham won May's inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup, with the victory automatically punching their ticket to the upcoming FIFA Women's Champions Cup. The continental win brought a new international trophy to the NWSL, elevating the league's profile while subsequently setting the stage for Gotham's eventual 2025 NWSL championship.
June: Coach Jonatan Giraldez departs Washington Spirit for Lyonnes in midseason shakeup
Heads turned in June when Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez left the NWSL midseason to take over French side — and fellow Michele Kang-owned operation — OL Lyonnes. Giráldez, who joined the Spirit after success with FC Barcelona, was immediately succeeded by assistant coach and 2024 interim Adrián González. The move raised questions about Kang's multi-team ownership, and the billionaire's plans for her global company, Kynisca Sports International.
Runner up: San Diego Wave honors Alex Morgan with jersey retirement ceremony
The San Diego Wave honored club icon and USWNT legend Alex Morgan with a June jersey retirement ceremony. The event recognized Morgan's pivotal role in the 2022 expansion team's success, plus her lasting impact on US soccer. Her retirement marked the conclusion of a celebrated career, leaving a legacy of championships and advocacy for women's sports athletes.
July: NWSL stars light up 2025 Women's Euros
As the NWSL pressed pause, several league players headed to Switzerland for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Representing Spain, Gotham's Esther González finished as the tournament's top scorer, earning the Golden Boot award for her four goals and leading Spain to a second-place finish. Seattle's Jess Fishlock captained Wales through their major tournament debut. Fishlock eventually made history by scoring their first-ever Euros goal — while also becoming the oldest goalscorer in tournament history.
San Diego's Delphine Cascarino provided an attacking force for France, with two goals and two assists, including a Goal of the Tournament nominee against the Netherlands. Washington newcomer Sofia Cantore tallied three assists for Italy, playing a pivotal role in her team's underdog journey.
Germany and Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger played quarterfinal hero against France, with nine saves and two penalty blocks to help her team advance. Finally, Berger's partner and Gotham teammate Jess Carter linked up with Spirit standout Esme Morgan to fuel England all the way to back-to-back Euros titles.
August: Spirit striker Trinity Rodman scores game-winner in return from injury
In an emotional return to play, Washington superstar Trinity Rodman scored the game-winning goal against Portland in August. Subbing in late in the match, Rodman fired home the stoppage-time strike to lift the Spirit over the Thorns 2-1. The dramatic contribution cemented Rodman's comeback after four months spent away from the team nursing a lingering back injury.
Runner up: Bay FC sets NWSL attendance record at San Francisco's Oracle Park
Washington defeated Bay FC 3-2 at San Francisco's Oracle Park in August — but the real headline came from the record-breaking 40,091-strong crowd, setting a new single-game NWSL attendance benchmark. That number shattered the previous NWSL high of 35,038, set the previous year at Chicago's Wrigley Field. Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya called it "a historic moment," praising both the quality of play and the atmosphere. Spirit coach Adrián González echoed the sentiment, saying the setup and the fans made the match "something unique."
September: Kansas City Current win 2025 NWSL Shield in record fashion
Kansas City won the 2025 NWSL Shield on September 20th after a 2-0 victory over Seattle, clinching the title faster than any prior NWSL team. The victory solidified the Current's No. 1 playoff seed and home-field advantage, officially rendering them the winningest team in NWSL history. It additionally capped a dominant season that included a record nine-match shutout streak and 14 clean sheets behind Goalkeeper of the Year Lorena.
Runner up: NWSL announces first-ever prospect combine
Concurrently, the NWSL unveiled a major new initiative in September. The league replaced the CBA-abolished college draft with the league's first-ever prospect combine. The event is intended to create a more streamlined player evaluation pathway, while better preparing college athletes for the pros and enhancing talent acquisition across the NWSL.
October: Angel City stars Christen Press and Ali Riley announce pro soccer retirements
Angel City lost two titans in October, as captain Ali Riley and USWNT legend Christen Press announced they were hanging up their boots. First-ever ACFC captain Riley retired after overcoming a chronic nerve injury that sidelined her for much of 2024. Two-time World Champion Press also concluded her decorated run after struggling with knee injuries throughout her career.
Runner up: Houston ends Kansas City's 2025 NWSL unbeaten streak as Temwa Chawinga exits with injury
The Houston Dash ended the Kansas City Current's unbeaten streak in a hard-fought October 18th match. The victory, however, was overshadowed by star Kansas City forward — and 2025 NWSL Golden Boot winner — Temwa Chawinga's early exit. Chawinga's availability became an instant concern for the league-leaders as they headed into the final weeks of the regular season. The fears proved correct, as she had to sit out Kansas City's shocking quarterfinal loss in the playoffs.
November: Rose Lavelle fuels Gotham's 2025 NWSL Championship win
No. 8 Gotham lifted the 2025 NWSL trophy, pulling off a final upset over No. 2 Washington to win a second championship in three years — once again as the lowest seed. Gotham's defense held court, limiting Washington to zero shots on target and setting their attack up to seize opportunities. A second-half ankle knock saw Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt leave Washington down a player as she sought sideline treatment. Gotham's NWSL Final MVP Rose Lavelle subsequently broke the deadlock with the Spirit in disarray, launching an 80th-minute strike to secure the 1-0 victory — and her first league title.
Runner up: Racing Louisville clinches first-ever NWSL playoff appearance
On November 2nd's Decision Day, Racing Louisville clinched a franchise-first trip to the NWSL playoffs. As the No. 7 seed, Louisville set a new club record with 37 points and 10 wins on the season. While their run ended in a quarterfinal loss to Washington, the appearance marked a significant milestone after four consecutive 9th-place finishes. The team's achievement earned manager Bev Yanez 2025 Coach of the Year at the league's end-of-season awards.
The world No. 2 USWNT is stocking up to close out 2025, with head coach Emma Hayes dropping her 26-player roster on Wednesday morning ahead of a set of year-end friendlies against rising European star No. 12 Italy.
Hayes selected a blend of both Europe-based and NWSL talent, calling up formerly injured Chelsea standout Naomi Girma for the first time since July as well as Gotham FC standouts Jaedyn Shaw and Jaelin Howell — with Howell returning to the squad for the first time since 2022.
After an up-and-down October window, the US will look to finish the year strong against Le Azzure in Florida, taking on Italy in Orlando on November 28th before the pair square off again in Fort Lauderdale on December 1st.
Notably left out of the player pool are a pair of injured stars in Washington Spirit striker Trinity Rodman (MCL strain) and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce (fractured eye socket).
On the other hand, Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph, and Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner all head to training camp uncapped.
The roster's seven Spirit and Gotham FC players will have the tightest turnaround, jetting off to camp immediately following Saturday's 2025 NWSL Championship clash.
"We've accomplished a lot of goals, expanded the player pool, and made strides in our game model, so this camp will be an extension of that, but it will also set the groundwork for 2026, which will be our World Cup qualifying year," Hayes said in a statement. "Games against top European teams are so valuable… I know our players with embrace that challenge."
The year-end 2025 USWNT roster
- Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC)
- Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)
- Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Jaelin Howell (Gotham), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
- Forwards: Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
How to watch the USWNT vs. Italy friendlies
Both the Friday, November 28th, and Monday, December 1st friendlies will kick off at 7 PM ET, with live coverage airing on TNT and HBO Max.
Incoming NWSL side Denver Summit FC will kick off in style, with the 2026 expansion team announcing Monday that the club will make its big debut on March 28th at Empower Field at Mile High — the home stadium of the city's local NFL team, the Denver Broncos.
The venue shift comes shortly after the club surpassed 15,000 season ticket deposits, setting a new NWSL record for an expansion franchise.
"This will be an unforgettable moment for our club, our players, our city, and our fans," said team president Jen Millet about the inaugural match. "We're honored to play our first home match and host 'The Kickoff' in such an iconic stadium."
With the ability to hold a crowd of 76,125, Empower Field could also provide an opportunity for Denver to immediately contend for the NWSL's single-game attendance record, which currently stands at 40,091 fans after Bay FC shattered the previous record at San Francisco's Oracle Park in August.
"This venue has hosted many memorable moments in Colorado sports history, and we look forward to working together to bring a best-in-class experience for Summit FC fans," said Broncos president Damani Leech in Monday's club statement.
How to attend the Denver Summit FC "Kickoff" match
Though the expansion side's debut opponent is still unknown, fans can be a part of NWSL history by snagging tickets to fill the Mile High City's NFL stadium at the March 28th inaugural Denver Summit match.
"The Kickoff" tickets will go on sale at DenverSummitFC.com on Wednesday, November 12th.