The 2025 season kicked off with a bang, featuring record-breaking wins, heated rivalries, and history-making debuts. Orlando Pride shattered expectations with a 6-0 demolition of Chicago, while the Washington Spirit secured a gritty road win over Houston. Meanwhile, rookie stars stole the spotlight, with Mak Whitham becoming the youngest player ever to take the field in an NWSL match. Oh, and Boston? They're scrapping their controversial name before even playing a game.

It’s all here in this week’s Goalside Gossip—where we break down the biggest stories, the best goals, and everything in between. Let’s dive in. ⚽🔥

What's in store this week:

• NWSL: Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars (6-0)

• NWSL: Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit (1-2)

• NWSL: Seattle Reign vs Gotham FC 🟥 (1-1)

• NWSL: Angel City vs SD Wave (1-1)

• News: BOS Nation FC to Change Their Name

• News: Who is Mak Whitham?

Orlando Pride vs
Chicago Red Stars (6-0)

Orlando Pride didn’t just start their season with a win—they made a statement. Their 6-0 rout of Chicago Stars FC wasn’t just their biggest season-opening victory ever—it was their first-ever season-opening win, period. Barbra Banda stole the show with a brace, while Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle found the net, plus a little help from a Chicago own goal. The electric crowd of 19,237 (the largest ever for a Pride game at Inter&Co Stadium) watched as their team dominated, outshooting Chicago 26-8 and controlling 63.6% possession. And let’s not forget the cherry on top: Orlando tied their club record for most goals in a game, proving last year’s championship run was no fluke. Next up? A road test against Gotham FC on March 23.

Houston Dash vs
Washington Spirit (1-2)

The Spirit kicked off their 2025 season with a 2-1 road win over the Dash, securing three crucial points despite some struggles in possession. Head coach Jonatan Giráldez acknowledged the need for improvement but praised the team’s early attacking pressure, which led to quick-fire goals from Makenna Morris and Ashley Hatch. The Spirit’s high press paid off, with Morris noting that it was a key focus throughout the offseason. Rookie Chloe Ricketts embraced a new role on the left, joking that she enjoyed the “less running” it required. While Houston fought back in the second half, the Spirit’s defensive resilience saw them through. After back-to-back away wins, Giráldez is confident that improving road performances will be key to a stronger 2025 campaign.

Seattle Reign vs
Gotham FC 🟥 (1-1)

Seattle Reign’s season opener ended in a rainy 1-1 draw against Gotham FC. After Gabi Portilho’s deflected goal put them behind, the Reign dominated the second half, with rookie Emeri Adames scoring the equalizer in the 71st minute. Despite a late red card for Gotham, Seattle couldn’t find the winner. Coach Laura Harvey praised the team’s resilience, noting last year’s squad might have lost. Madison Curry impressed in her debut, while rookie Maddie Dahlien showed speed but needs to trust her finishing. Officiating was inconsistent, with Jaelin Howell’s studs-up challenge somehow avoiding a red. A solid point, but the Reign will want more next time out.

Angel City vs
SD Wave (1-1)

Angel City FC kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw against rivals San Diego Wave FC, thanks to a brilliant second-half strike from 19-year-old Alyssa Thompson. The Wave struck early, with rookie Gia Corley scoring just five minutes into her NWSL debut. Despite San Diego dominating possession (63%) and outshooting Angel City 16-10, the home side held firm. New owner Bob Iger was on hand to cheer Thompson’s equalizer, but the night was also marked by Sydney Leroux’s announcement that she’s stepping away to focus on her mental health.

Boston’s NWSL Team
Hits Rebrand Mode

Boston’s upcoming NWSL team is still on track for a 2026 debut—just under a different name. After intense backlash, the club announced it would drop the controversial "BOS Nation FC" moniker. The original name, derived from "Bostonian," didn’t sit well with fans, and its marketing campaign, "Too Many Balls," was slammed as tone-deaf and even transphobic by some. The team quickly backpedaled, apologized, and deleted the launch video but took months to fully commit to a name change.

For now, the franchise is calling itself "Coming Soon FC" on social media, with a new name expected in the coming weeks and a team crest to follow this summer. The club will keep its bright green color scheme, but its home stadium situation remains murky, as a $200M renovation of White Stadium faces local pushback.

Looking ahead: Boston joins the NWSL alongside Denver in 2026. Hopefully, by then, they’ll have a name that actually sticks.

Mak, the NWSL’s
Youngest Player Ever

Mak Whitham is making history—again. Less than a year after becoming the youngest pro soccer player in U.S. history, the 14-year-old phenom just became the youngest player to appear in an NWSL regular-season match. Gotham FC made the record-breaking substitution in the 93rd minute of stoppage time during their 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign. While it wasn’t the most dramatic debut, it secured her place in the history books—again—beating the previous record held by Cavan Sullivan by more than two months.

Whitham’s rapid rise is no fluke. The California native was scouted while playing for Santa Clarita Blue Heat in the United Women's Soccer League (UWSL), where she competed against older, more experienced players at just 13 years old. Goalside Gossip, a proud media partner of the UWSL, covered her journey before she even hit high school. Now, Gotham FC sees her as a future star, committing to her development as she aims for international success.

With big ambitions—she’s openly said she wants to be the best player in the world—Whitham’s story is just beginning. She idolizes Messi for his attacking mindset and tactical awareness, traits that have already set her apart at such a young age. Whether this is the dawn of a new era in women’s soccer remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Mak Whitham is just getting started.