Episode Details

NWSLs 2026 Season Kicks Off with Drama: Red Cards, Fouls, and Surprises

The National Womens Soccer Leagues 2026 season has started with a bang, featuring six red cards in just the first two matchdays, more than half of what the entire 2025 season saw. Fouls are flying, with expansion team Boston Legacy leading the pack with 37. Only one penalty has been called so far, and Houston Dashs shot was stopped by Bostons keeper.

Early results show three teams perfect after two wins each: Angel City, Portland Thorns, and Houston Dash. Gotham and North Carolina Courage are undefeated with draws, while six squads sit winless, including Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, and newcomers like Denver Summit and Utah Royals.

Fans are buzzing about surprises like winless powerhouses Orlando and Washington fighting back from deficits but dropping points. Portland Thorns grabbed headlines by holding a two-nothing lead over Seattle Reign for 33 minutes with just nine players on the field, a first in league history for such a margin.

Power rankings after matchday two put Portland at number one for their grit against tough foes, followed by Angel City with seven goals scored, Gothams stingy defense forcing turnovers, and standouts like Houston and Orlando rounding out the top five. A few teams, such as Kansas City Current, are showing early cracks after unexpected losses.

With only two weeks down, these standings will shift fast as the league heats up, but this chaotic pace promises an exciting run all season.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/7b0928b0999d1fe2