Finally instead of the Challenge Cup we are back to the regular NWSL season. After disruption last season due to the Coronavirus pandemic we saw the NWSL regular season scraped and replaced with a Challenge Cup tournament instead, unfortunately a lot of the big names from the game sat out of this tournament and either didn't play or went to play abroad instead which was definitely a boost for the FAWSL here in England with the arrival of the likes of Daly, Mewis, Heath and Press to name just a few. Luckily this year though we were treated to another installment of the Challenge Cup which ended with the Portland Thorns winning the competition, then it has been a quick transition into this seasons regular season where honestly I think there could be anyone's season with teams going from strength to strength each year. There has been some great rebuilding from teams over the past year and with the addition of Kansas City & Racing Louisville FC it is all to play for. 

So here are the results from week 1: 

Racing Louisville 0 - 0 Kansas City

Gotham 1- 0 Houston Dash

OL Reign 0 - 0 North Carolina Courage

Orlando Pride 1 - 1 Washington Spirit

Portland Thorns 5-0 Chicago Red Stars 

Out of this first weeks results I have to admit two of the results have shocked me. I know Portland are doing really well lately but I definitely didn't expect them to put 5 past the Chicago Red Stars. Then we had Gotham who were in this years Challenge Cup final beating Houston 1-0 and it seems that Gotham really on the rise after troubles in previous years it looks like the re-branding has done them a huge favour and they are looking like a totally different club who can really challenge their opposition. Of course it was also great to see Alex Morgan getting a goal for Orlando, let's hope this season she can get plenty more and really help Orlando push up that table like they are capable of, I really thing the Morgan Leroux partnership up front could work well for them. 

So here are the league standings after week number 1...

1) Portland Thorns - 3

2) Gotham - 3

3) Washington Spirit - 1

4) Orlando Pride - 1

5) Kansas City - 1

6) North Carolina - 1 

7) OL Regin - 1 

8) Racing Louisville - 1

9) Houston Dash - 0 

10) Chicago Red Stars - 0 

It is going to be interesting to see how these standings change after week 2 as there are some good games coming up. 

I am hoping to have an NWSL weekly round up post up for you every week during the season alongside my yearly predictions post that will be coming within the next week. I am really looking forward to providing you with more NWSL content so keep your eyes on the blog & our social media channels to keep up to date and if there is anything you would like to see from the league please let us know.  I can't wait for the late nights of watching and the early mornings catching up.