American soccer is renowned for its exceptional women’s game, boasting one of the world’s premier women’s soccer leagues. Today, the NWSL kicked off its highly anticipated first week of the season.

The NWSL’s opening day delivered a truly unforgettable moment. Following KC Current’s victory over the first ever NWSL champions (2012), the Portland Thorns, left-back Ellie Wheeler received a surprise proposal from her Mexican boyfriend, wrestler Roman Bravo-Young, creating one of the most heartwarming images of the day.

The clash between the KC Current and the Portland Thorns was nothing short of electrifying. Adding to the excitement, team owners Patrick and Brittany Mahomes were present at CPKC Stadium, witnessing their team’s impressive victory over the Portland Thorns, the NWSL’s most decorated championship-winning team.

The KC Current’s dominant first half saw a flurry of goals, with Temwa Chawinga opening the scoring in the 2nd minute, followed by Michelle Cooper in the 23rd, and Debinha adding another in the 36th. The Portland Thorns, attempted a comeback in the second half, with Olivia Moultrie scoring in the 49th minute. However, the KC Current held firm, securing their victory.

The NWSL, established in 2012, has grown into a premier women’s soccer league. Currently featuring 14 teams, the league is set to expand to 16 teams after 2026. It’s important to note that the 2024 NWSL champions were Orlando Pride, who secured their victory against Washington Spirit. This robust growth and competitive landscape underscore the league’s rising prominence on the global soccer stage.

The landscape of soccer in the United States is undergoing a rapid transformation. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming World Cup is injecting significant financial resources into the sport, leading to a noticeable elevation in playing standards, more sophisticated advertising campaigns, and an overall enhanced environment for development.