The NWSL Is Back: Teams & Players to Watch
She’s backkkkkk
The second half of the NWSL season kicks off this Friday, August 1, with a matchup between the Chicago Red Stars and Gotham FC. That opener will be followed by the rest of the gals taking the pitch throughout the weekend, rounding out a full slate of matchday chaos. We’re here to give you our thoughts and insight into the teams, players, and little extras that should absolutely be on your radar.
As for players? Esther González (Gotham FC) is out here telling defenders, “Heads up... or else.” She leads the league with 10 goals and shows zero signs of slowing down post-Euros. Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave) has been a midfield glow-up, currently topping the league with 5 assists. And of course, there’s the one and only Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), doing what she does best … shoot. Banda’s already stacked 30 shots on goal in her 2025 campaign. All three? Locked into our “players to watch” list.
Left to right: esther González, delphine cascarino, barbara banda
Our teams to watch? Top-of-the-table contenders Kansas City Current and dark horse Angel City FC.
KC is sitting pretty with an 11-2-0 record and 33 points, that’s eight points ahead of second-place Orlando Pride. It’d be silly not to keep your eyes on the front-runners as the playoff race heats up.
On the flip side, Angel City FC enters the second half of the season in the #11 spot. As a reminder: only the top eight teams make the playoffs. But with Alyssa Thompson heating up and her sister Gisele adding some serious sibling symmetry, we wouldn’t be surprised if they sneak in under the radar. Keep an eye on the silent-but-deadly rise of Angel City.
And lastly (but never least), let’s not forget all the extra bits women’s football brings off the pitch. While you're watching the madness unfold, take note of the post-toxic era at the Washington Spirit, the newly revealed branding for the NWSL’s Denver expansion team, and the recovery journey of Savvy King. There’s always more than just goals to follow.
The NWSL is back in full stride and so are the teams, the players, and all the chaos and culture that make women’s football so special. Tune in and enjoy the show.
