March 25, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
Below is a roundup of notes from Week 2 of NWSL regular season action
NOTES TO KNOW
HOME SWEET HOME
Eight clubs have recorded their highest attended home opener in franchise history this season, including San Diego Wave FC, who set an NWSL home opener attendance record with 32,066 fans at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night. Portland Thorns FC (19,857), the Washington Spirit (11,734), Houston Dash (8,600) and Chicago Red Stars (5,494) also set club records for home opener attendance this weekend, while the North Carolina Courage (5,878) broke their record in Week 1. Utah Royals FC (20,370) and Angel City FC (22,000) reported record sellouts last week, while the Kansas City Current (11,500) filled every seat in CPKC Stadium’s inaugural match.
MILESTONES AND RECORDS
ROOKIE REPORT
Rookies lit up the NWSL in Week 2, including the first overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Ally Sentnor. The Royals forward played every minute for the second consecutive match and scored her first professional goal, a game-winner in the 30th minute against the Courage.
The Washington Spirit defeated Bay FC, extending their unbeaten streak in home openers to six games, with key contributions from top-five 2024 Draft picks Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt. Hershfelt tied the match in the 23rd minute with her first career goal, while Trinity Rodman tied a club record with her 11th regular season assist. Bethune recorded five shots for the Spirit, including a game-winner in the 95th minute for her first professional goal, the second-latest game-winner in Washington’s history.
Racing Louisville FC forward Reilyn Turner, who earned an assist in her NWSL debut last week, came out aggressive against the Houston Dash, registering eight shots, including six on target, while recording a game-high four aerial duels won in a draw.
FOREIGN FIRSTS
The Red Stars defeated Seattle Reign FC, 2-1, at home, as three international players scored the first goal of their careers. Brazilian midfielder Julia Bianchi, who led Chicago in assists last season (5), notched the first goal of the match and her NWSL career in the 42nd minute to give her the club the lead before halftime. Reign midfielder Ji So-Yun found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, becoming the first Korean player to score in the NWSL, before German defender Maxi Rall secured the win for the Red Stars with a goal in the 68th minute.
Elsewhere, Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala,…