CommBank Matildas were on the scoresheet across Europe this weekend as Mary Fowler helped Manchester City start their season with a win, Charli Grant scored a late equaliser in Sweden, and Alana Murphy scored Nottingham Forest's first goal of their WSL2 campaign.
Elsewhere, Alanna Kennedy effected the first goal of the WSL season in front of a sold-out crowd for London City Lionesses, while Ellie Carpenter assisted for Chelsea.
Read our review of the action below.
England
WSL
The London City Lionesses got their new era underway with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United. Alanna Kennedy effected the first goal – albeit officially counting as an own goal – before Dutch international Danielle van de Donk secured the result with a second. Kennedy played the full game in midfield as the Lionesses laid down a marker of what they hope to achieve this campaign.
Chelsea had a disappointing start to the season, drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa. The Blues dominated possession and chances, particularly in the first half, but had their advantage overhauled late in the second. Ellie Carpenter played the full match at right wing-back and assisted Chelsea’s goal.
Tottenham Hotspur got their season off to a fantastic start with a 3-1 victory over West Ham. Clare Hunt was unavailable for Spurs due to the knee injury she acquired during the Asian Cup.
Arsenal secured an important three points against a lively Brighton & Hove Albion, winning 1-0. Steph Catley had 93 touches and made seven clearances as she played the full match in the centre of defence for Arsenal, helping them keep a clean sheet. Caitlin Foord was a second-half substitute, while Kyra Cooney-Cross was unused. Charlie Rule, meanwhile, started and played 89 minutes for Brighton.
Newly promoted Crystal Palace defeated Everton 1-0 to start their season in the best possible way. Holly McNamara started for the Toffees and played the full match in her WSL debut, while Clare Wheeler played 67 minutes in midfield.
Charlton suffered a 4-0 defeat to begin their campaign. Emily van Egmond and Leah Davidson debuted from the start for their new club Charlton, while Young Matilda Grace Johnston made her debut from the bench.
Mary Fowler scored the first goal of the season for defending champions Manchester City as they defeated Birmingham City 3-1 to begin their title defence. Fowler’s strike from the edge of the area got things moving for Manchester City, who had a total of 28 shots during the game, and ultimately proved too strong for the newly promoted Birmingham.
WSL2
Newcastle United got their season underway with a 2-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kaitlyn Torpey played the full match at left-back for the Magpies, who will be hoping to make a run for promotion this season.
Alana Murphy scored Nottingham Forest’s first goal of the season in their 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Forest had more possession and shots but a 93rd-minute equaliser denied them the points. Murphy played the full match while Leticia McKenna, having only signed two days prior, was not yet in the matchday squad.
Sweden
FC Rosengård secured a massive three points on the weekend, defeating Djurgarden 1-0. The win moves them out of automatic relegation and puts them three points away from safety. Remy Siemsen and Isabel Gomez both started and played the full game for Rosengård, while Bryleeh Henry was not in the matchday squad.
A late equaliser from Charli Grant, her first goal for her new club, secured a huge point for Malmö FF against league leaders BK Häcken. Malmö looked consigned to defeat until Grant’s ball into the box evaded everyone and found its way into the back of the net. Grant and Amy Sayer both started for Malmö, while Courtney Nevin was a second-half substitute.
United States
The NWSL continues to prove its unpredictability, with Gotham FC falling 3-0 to Denver Summit. Despite the result, Gotham remain clear on top of the table. Sam Kerr started and played the full match for Gotham.
Portland Thorns fell to a late match-winner from the Washington Spirit. Sophia Smith opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half for the hosts, before Tara Rudd slotted her own penalty just before the hour mark to even things up at 1-1. An 80th-minute goal from Mélissa Bethi sealed all three points for the visitors, with Washington closing the gap on Gotham after their defeat. Mackenzie Arnold started in goal for Portland, making three saves during the game.
Italy
Como defeated Como 1907 2-1 in a raucous cup tie. The home side were winning 2-1 in the second half despite two red cards, before their opposition went down to ten players themselves. Alex Chidiac started and played the first half for Como.
AS Roma finished their Serie A Cup group stage campaign with a 3-0 victory against Fiorentina. Wini Heatley was an unused substitute for Roma.
Germany
Eintracht Frankfurt will take on Union Berlin in the league on Tuesday, 2am AEST. Jamilla Rankin and Hayley Raso will be available for Frankfurt.
Canada
Calgary Wild drew 0-0 with AFC Toronto, extending their undefeated streak to five league games. Kahli Johnson started and played the full match for Calgary.