Following the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) three-match sweep against Japan in mid-April, national team stars have returned to their respective clubs. For fans looking to watch USWNT players in domestic action, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Week 5 schedule runs from April 24 to April 26, 2026. This weekend features key matchups across major broadcasting networks, including Prime Video, ION, and ESPN. Understanding where to stream these matches ensures you can follow top USWNT talent as they continue their club campaigns.
Table Of Contents
NWSL Week 5 Event Breakdown
The NWSL weekend slate involves several high-profile matches heavily populated by USWNT roster members. Broadcast distributions are split among Prime Video, ION, ESPN2, and NWSL+.
Friday, April 24
The weekend kicked off with two prominent fixtures. Washington Spirit hosted the Kansas City Current on Prime Video, while Racing Louisville FC faced the Orlando Pride on Victory+. Both matches featured heavy USWNT veteran and prospect involvement in the midfield and forward lines.
Saturday, April 25
Saturday’s singular late-night spotlight match featured reigning champions Gotham FC taking on Bay FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. This fixture presented the highest concentration of USWNT starters for the weekend, particularly in the defensive and midfield thirds.
Sunday, April 26
Sunday features a robust five-match schedule. Key fixtures to watch USWNT players include the Chicago Stars FC hosting Boston Legacy FC, and a marquee Western Conference clash between Angel City FC and the Portland Thorns on ESPN2.
Verified Match Results (April 24-25)
The initial games of the April 24-26 window have concluded with definitive results.
| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Final Score | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 24 | Racing Louisville FC | Orlando Pride | LOU 3 – 2 ORL | Victory+ |
| April 24 | Washington Spirit | Kansas City Current | WAS 4 – 0 KC | Prime Video |
| April 25 | Gotham FC | Bay FC | GFC 3 – 0 BAY | CBS / Paramount+ |
Upcoming Sunday Matches (April 26)
For the final day of the weekend window, the USWNT NWSL schedule offers the following fixtures.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Broadcast Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 26 | Chicago Stars FC vs. Boston Legacy FC | 3:30 PM | ION |
| April 26 | Houston Dash vs. North Carolina Courage | 5:00 PM | NWSL+ |
| April 26 | Denver Summit FC vs. San Diego Wave FC | 5:45 PM | ION |
| April 26 | Angel City FC vs. Portland Thorns FC | 6:00 PM | ESPN2 |
| April 26 | Seattle Reign FC vs. Utah Royals | 8:00 PM | Victory+ |
USWNT Player Information Tracker
Fans aiming to watch USWNT players this weekend can use the following directory to locate key personnel across the league’s active rosters.
| Player | NWSL Club | Position | Status for Week 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Rodman | Washington Spirit | Forward | Active (Played 4/24) |
| Rose Lavelle | Gotham FC | Midfielder | Active (Played 4/25) |
| Crystal Dunn | Gotham FC | Defender/Midfielder | Active (Played 4/25) |
| Sophia Smith | Portland Thorns FC | Forward | Scheduled (4/26) |
| Naomi Girma | San Diego Wave FC | Defender | Scheduled (4/26) |
| Jaedyn Shaw | San Diego Wave FC | Forward/Midfielder | Scheduled (4/26) |
| Tierna Davidson | Gotham FC | Defender | Active (Played 4/25) |
Context & Impact Analysis
Tracking player performance across this NWSL Week 5 window matters significantly for national team selection logistics.
Short-Term Implications
Following the recent friendlies against Japan, USWNT coaching staff evaluate NWSL minutes to monitor fitness levels and tactical integration. High-intensity matches, such as Gotham FC’s victory over Bay FC and Washington’s dominant win against Kansas City, provide critical data points on physical recovery and form.
Long-Term Significance
With the U.S. Women’s National Team scheduled to travel to Brazil in June for matches in São Paulo and Fortaleza, and the 2026 Concacaf W Championship Quarterfinals on the horizon, domestic club performance directly influences upcoming roster invitations. Consistent NWSL performance in April and May is the primary metric used to determine international call-ups for the summer window.
Conclusion
The NWSL April 24-26 weekend provides multiple opportunities to evaluate national team talent across the domestic league. With Washington Spirit and Gotham FC securing decisive victories early in the weekend, attention shifts to Sunday’s slate, highlighted by the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave fixtures. Tracking these domestic performances remains essential for understanding the trajectory of the USWNT roster heading into the summer international windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the NWSL matches this weekend?
NWSL matches for the April 24-26 weekend are broadcast across several platforms, including Prime Video (Friday), CBS/Paramount+ (Saturday), and ION, NWSL+, and ESPN2 (Sunday).
When does the USWNT play next?
The U.S. Women’s National Team is scheduled to travel to Brazil for two matches in June 2026, playing in São Paulo and Fortaleza.
Did Sophia Smith play in the April 24-26 window?
Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns FC are scheduled to play Angel City FC on Sunday, April 26 at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
Reader Question
Which NWSL matchup this weekend do you think will have the biggest impact on the next USWNT roster selection? Let us know your thoughts on the player performances in the comments below.