The Equalizer

Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Here’s a look at some stats and minutiae following Week 16 of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season. We’ll keep evolving this space every week to try and keep you informed. Have an idea or an addition? Hit me @thedanlauletta on Bsky or X. Before we get into it, here is a look at how the table looks as the season nears the 2/3 mark. All statistics reference regular season games only except where noted.

Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Rose Lavelle is staying in New York. According to Jeff Kassouf, founder of The Equalizer and contributor at ESPN, the midfielder has signed a deal through the 2029 National Women’s Soccer League season. Furthermore, the deal, according to ESPN, will include the league’s new High Impact Player (HIP) rule. While Gotham FC has not confirmed the signing — nor the dollar amount — Kassouf reported that the deal will exceed the league’s salary cap.

Aug 21, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15), center, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half against Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images Cascone’s XI: Big victories for some as the regular season end draws near Start your FREE, 7-day trial of The Equalizer Extra for industry-leading reporting and insight on the USWNT, NWSL and beyond.

Photo Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images The Orlando Pride announced Monday that they fired head coach Seb Hines, effective immediately. Departing the club alongside Hines is goalkeeper coach Paul Crichton. Assistant coach Yolanda Thomas has been appointed interim head coach following Hines’ departure. Hines took over leading the Pride as interim head coach in June 2022 when Amanda Cromwell was placed on administrative leave.

Aug 30, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) punches the ball away as forward Karlie Lema (5) and defender Heather Gilchrist (2) help defend against Washington Spirit forward Tamara Bolt (16) on a corner kick in the second half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Several minutes after the final whistle, Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz was shouting instructions and moving her team to the right spot.

Photo Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images The Utah Royals defeated the Orlando Pride 2-1 on Saturday behind a goal and record-tying assist from Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse. After conceding first in the final minutes of the first half, Utah came out of the halftime break firing. Lacasse netted the equalizer just five minutes into the second half, putting the finishing touch on a perfectly weighted cross from Kiana Palacios. It was Lacasse’s seventh goal of the season.

Photo Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images This week, North Carolina Courage keep rolling thanks to the Golden Boot leader, Bay FC’s goalkeeper is looking among the best despite team struggles in the standings, big names break goalscoring droughts and questions about Esther González’s move. Ashley Sanchez is now the North Carolina Courage’s single-season record goalscorer. She scored her 14th and 15th goals of the season in a 2-0 win over Angel City on Wednesday night.

Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images here’s no getting around it. The Kansas City Current turned in what was arguably their worst performance of the National Women’s Soccer League season on August 14, losing to Gotham FC 2-1 away from home. The electricity of Croix Bethune’s assist less than 30 seconds into the match defused just as quickly, and by halftime the Current were behind and never regained the lead.

Photo Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images Boston Legacy FC announced Thursday that the club will play its 2027 National Women’s Soccer League home matches at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The move into White Stadium, their permanent home, has been pushed back to 2028. The announcement follows the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s ruling that cleared the legal path for Boston Legacy and the City of Boston to complete the renovation of White Stadium.

Photo Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images In the lone Wednesday night National Women’s Soccer League game this week, the North Carolina Courage defeated Angel City 2-0. Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez scored twice to extend her league-leading season goals total to 15. The brace also makes her the new North Carolina single-season scoring record holder, beating Lynn Biyendolo’s previous record of 14.