NWSL sides have already played three games in the young season. Teams have paused for the international break, as some players are with their national teams. It might be early, but the three games give a clear idea of where everyone is.
At this time, some teams are clearly in the hunt for the NWSL Shield. It is still early and things can change. However, three teams have a higher chance of finishing in first place. Then, there are a few who could compete later on in 2025.
Here's a rundown of the frontrunners, as well as a couple clubs who could make a late run at it.
Orlando Pride
3-0-0, 9 points
The obvious early NWSL Shield contender is the Orlando Pride. The Florida side has won all three of their matches and has already scored 10 goals. They have picked up where they left off last season when the Pride won the Shield and the NWSL Championship. With players like Barbra Banda, Marta, Anna Moorhouse and Emily Sams, Orlando should compete to go back-to-back in both or one of the categories.
Kansas City Current
3-0-0, 9 points
Still, other teams are not far behind, and that includes the Kansas City Current. The Kansas side has also won all three of their games and sits in second place based on goal differential. They also have last season's top scorer, Temwa Chawinga. Similar to 2024, the KC Current is already playing extremely well. It would not be shocking for the Shield race to be tight until the end of the season.
Washington Spirit
2-1-0, 6 points
Of course, one cannot forget about the Washington Spirit, who made it to the finals in 2024 and were only narrowly beaten by Orlando. The D.C. side subsequently beat the Pride in a penalty kick shootout in this year's Challenge Cup. Fans should expect the Spirit to be up there with Orlando and Kansas City. Yes, they already lost a match, which was against the Current. Alas, it is still early, which is why other teams could eventually compete for the Shield.
Gotham FC
0-1-2, 2 points
The best example is NJ/NY Gotham FC. The team has not won yet, but they had a slow start to their 2024 season, only winning once in the first five games. They subsequently went on a run and finished in third, four points behind Orlando. As such, the Bats are a team to watch in the Shield fight.
North Carolina Courage
0-1-2, 2 points
Finally, another winless side to keep an eye on is the North Carolina Courage. The club had some top acquisitions in the offseason, including USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw. The roster is also still one of the stronger ones in the NWSL. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy and midfielder Ashley Sanchez are two examples of players who can be highly impactful in the season.