On a bustling Friday evening, the National Womenโs Soccer League came back to life following its yearly summer break, and fans were treated to an electrifying showdown between the Seattle Reign and Angel City, among other matches. Jess Fishlock propelled the Seattle Reign to victory, scoring her second goal of the season, contributing to the teamโs 2-0 win at Lumen Field, Seattle.
The nightโs game saw Fishlockโs decisive move, a rebound shot from the center of the box in the 66th minute, disrupting a scoreless deadlock. This critical goal stemmed from a skillful cross delivered by Sofia Huerta, who was making her season debut for the Reign. Not resting on their laurels, the Reign expanded their lead in the 86th minute when a corner kick from Huerta was deflected into the net by Angel Cityโs Alanna Kennedy, clinching the final 2-0 scoreline. The Reign, boasting a 7-4-3 record, remained unbeaten in their last four encounters.
Making her Seattle Reign debut, Mia Fishel, who joined from Chelsea in July, entered the fray in the 81st minute, further energizing the team. Meanwhile, Angel Cityโs roster saw newcomers Sveindรญs Jane Jรณnsdรณttir and Evelyn Shores take to the field, although the team, now 4-7-3, is still seeking a win after six matches.
Across the league, the Kansas City Current solidified their dominance with a decisive 2-0 win over Racing Louisville, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Temwa Chawinga found the back of the net first, converting Michelle Cooperโs cross in the 65th minute, marking her ninth goal this season, as Elizabeth Ball added to the scoreline in the 72nd minute by heading in an Izzy Rodriguez free-kick. Kansas City maintained their commanding 12-2-0 record while Debinha made a notable return from her knee injury in the 66th minute. Louisville, holding a 6-6-2 standing, had just come off two home victories.
In another fixture, Ally Schlegelโs timely strike helped Chicago Stars secure a 1-1 draw against Gotham FC. Gotham took the lead in the 39th minute with Khyah Harper marking her first professional goal through an assist from Sarah Schupansky. Chicago leveled the score in the 68th minute when Shea Groomโs corner kick strategy allowed Julia Grosso to set up Schlegel for the equalizer. Gothamโs Midge Purce faced an unfortunate match exit due to a hamstring injury in the 18th minute, only recently making her comeback from an ACL injury. Jess Carter of Gotham, riding high on a Womenโs European Championship win with England, provided a steady defense through 77 minutes of gameplay. Meanwhile, Chicago, at a challenging 1-9-4 record, is striving to break a nine-match winless streak.