NWSL Matchweek 5 showcased thrilling moments, including unforgettable goals and standout performances as teams returned from the international break. Notable highlights included Lauren Milliet's celebration after scoring for Racing Louisville FC.
Key points
NWSL Matchweek 5 featured thrilling moments.
Teams returned from the international break.
Lauren Milliet scored for Racing Louisville FC.
Match took place on April 24, 2026.
Sophia Willson made a notable return.
Racing Louisville FCOrlando PrideLauren MillietSophia Willson
FRom unforgettable goals to incredible performances, the NWSL didnât dissapoint after teams came back to action after the international break.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - APRIL 24: Lauren Milliet #2 of Racing Louisville FC celebrates scoring her team's third goal during the NWSL match between Racing Louisville FC and Orlando Pride at Lynn Family Stadium on April 24, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/NWSL via Getty Images) | NWSL via Getty Images
Matchweek five in the NWSL gave us great moments, which moment was your favorite?
Here are our top seven moments:
Sophia Willson is back
Portlandâs win in Los Angeles was not the only news coming from that game. Sophia Wilsonâs goal in stoppage time, the winning tally for the Thorns, traveled the league far and wide.
Sophia Wilson scores her first goal since returning from maternity leave and it's a beauty đ„č pic.twitter.com/p6F0wPqcfe
â National Womenâs Soccer League (@NWSL) April 27, 2026
The USWNT and the Thornsâ striker found the back of the net again for the first time since November 2024.
Barbra Banda leads the Golden Boot race
Although the Pride lost against Racing Louisville, Barbra Banda had a good night. The Zambian scored a brace and in that way, she jumped to the No. 1 position in the top goalscorer table with five tallies.
North Carolinaâs Ashley Sanchez, Houston Dashâs Kiki Van Zanten, San Diegoâs Lia Godfrey, and Denver Summitâs Melissa Kössler follow closely with four dimes each.
Q&A
What were the top moments from NWSL Matchweek 5?
The top moments included incredible goals and performances, with highlights featuring players like Lauren Milliet.
Which teams played in NWSL Matchweek 5?
Racing Louisville FC faced Orlando Pride during Matchweek 5 of the NWSL.
When did NWSL Matchweek 5 take place?
NWSL Matchweek 5 took place on April 24, 2026.
Who scored notable goals in NWSL Matchweek 5?
Lauren Milliet scored a significant goal for Racing Louisville FC during the match against Orlando Pride.
Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision to overturn a penalty for Eberechi Eze, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Transfer
Papers: Rogers emerges as Man Utd's top attacking target
Morgan Rogers emerges as Manchester United's top attacking target at ÂŁ86m
Sky Sports··1 min read
MLB
Fantasy Baseball Injury Rankings: Top 50 IL stashes with Garrett Crochet, Pete Fairbanks joining the wounded
New fantasy baseball injury rankings feature 52 players, including Crochet and Fairbanks.
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
Sports
2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, date: Surprising picks from top horse racing expert
Get ready for the 2026 Kentucky Derby: predictions, odds, and top horses!
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
Sports
Nick Saban calls for âequilibriumâ in college football, points to NFL salary cap
Nick Saban urges for salary cap in college football to achieve balance
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
UFC Fight Night 275 pre-event facts: Carlos Prates top KO artist of recent years
UFC Fight Night 275 features Della Maddalena vs. Prates in Perth!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Utah gets a huge win
Paige Cronin stunned Seattle Reign after scoring in the first minute of the game. Six minutes later, Narumi Miura shot from downtown and doubled the lead. It was almost the end of the first half when Utah made things 3-0.
This was the biggest franchise win in its history and this win teleported them to the third spot in the table.
Trinity Rodman answers the call
Washington Spiritâs Trinity Rodman is well known for her goal celebrations and this time it was no exception. The Spirit won 4-0 against Kansas City last Friday and the capital teamâs marquee player npot only scored but registered an assist.
Trinity Rodman and Ben Shelton can't come to the phone right now đââïž
â National Womenâs Soccer League (@NWSL) April 25, 2026
Her celly was one to remember, after she emulated Ben Sheltonâs iconic âphoneâ celebration.
San Diegoâs big comeback
Denver thought they were going to walk away with an important win against one of the leagueâs best teams, the San Diego Wave.
With a 2-0 lead at halftime, it seemed likely. However, the Californian club rolled up its sleeves right after the second half and turned things around.
â National Womenâs Soccer League (@NWSL) April 26, 2026
Of course, they had some help from the opponent when Carson Pickett scored an own goal in the 65th minute, which proved to be the Waveâs winning goal.
San Diego is at the top of the wave now with 15 points, and has extended its winning streak to five matches. Second is Portland with 13 points and both teams will play each other next Wednesday.
Lauren Milliet scores a brace
Full back Lauren Milliet had an unforgettable performance against Orlando last Friday. She not only scored the first brace of her career but also helped Racing Louisville to get its first win of the season.
â National Womenâs Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2026
Those two goals ended her four-year goal drought and added to the lone goal she scored back then. In that way, the all-time appearances leader and iron woman for Louisville showed that anyone can come in clutch in the NWSL.