The National Women's Soccer League rolls on as clubs navigate past the halfway point of the 24-game regular season and Olympians slowly make their return back to their home clubs. Fans can watch games across Paramount+ this weekend as NWSL action is live all weekend.
Five games are on the docket over the weekend as Houston Dash host Washington Spirit on Friday. Saturday's double header features Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns FC, while Kansas City NWSL face OL Reign. Sunday's slate of games closes out the weekend as NJ/NY Gotham FC host Racing Louisville FC, and North Carolina Courage face Chicago Red Stars.
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Here's how to watch and what to know about the games this weekend:
How to watch NWSL games this weekend
Friday, Aug. 13
- Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit, 8:30 p.m. ET (Twitch)
Saturday, Aug. 14
- Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns FC, 7 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
- Kansas City NWSL vs. OL Reign, 8 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Sunday, Aug. 15
- NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 5 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
- North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars 6 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Washington moves on from Burke
Both teams are coming off losses and are a point or two outside the top six playoff spots. Houston is still licking the wounds from a lopsided 5-1 loss to OL Reign, and it will likely lean on Shae Groom and Gabby Sieler once again for help in the midfield as it is still without several of its Canadian internationals. English international Rachel Daly could prove to be a game-changer if she sees time on the pitch for the Dash against a Spirit side reeling from the departure of head coach Richie Burke due to an on-going investigation into allegations of verbal abuse and harassment.
Streaking Thorns head to Orlando
Portland is on a six-game unbeaten streak, with one draw over its last six games. Meanwhile, Orlando recently snapped its six-game winless streak against Chicago. While the return of some Olympians for Orlando has helped boost the team, they came up short in their last outing against the Thorns on July 18, with a 2-1 loss on the road in Portland. While the Thorns have the better record and momentum as the visiting side, Portland's victories have been the results of slim and narrow scorelines and Orlando's ability to score late goals could pave the way for at least a point for the home side.
OL Reign catching fire
Kansas City NWSL are still on the hunt for their first regular season win and will host a red-hot OL Reign on a three-game win streak. OL Reign are coming off a dominant 5-1 win against Houston in their previous week, and several players are hitting top form as the league begins the second half of the season. Reign forward Bethany Balcer is currently second in the golden boot race with six goals scored over 13 appearances this season.
Gotham push for a win
NJ/NY Gotham FC will host Racing Louisville FC at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Gotham is currently winless in their last two matches and will try to get back into the win column against a Louisville side that catching some momentum. Louisville is coming off a 3-1 win last week against Kansas City NWSL, and the team will need another big performance from forwards Nadia Nadim and Ebony Salmon if it wants to pick up a result against a Gotham backline that's considered the best defense in the league.
North Carolina clicking in second half
After some bumps along the road during the Olympic stretch, North Carolina now managed to pick up points in its past three games, including a a 1-0 win over Gotham FC last week. The team has welcomed the return of forward Jessica McDonald from the injury report after an illness, and will embrace the return of their Brazilian midfielder Debinha in time for a big match against Chicago. The Red Stars are winners of three of their last five, but are coming off a recent loss against Orlando where a number of key players exited with injuries. Chicago will need a flawless outing against a Courage side regaining their form.
