The 2025 NWSL season is just around the corner. 14 teams will once again compete in a 26-match schedule to vie for the title. But before the regular campaign kicks off, teams are immersed in pre-season preparations. And what better way to gear up than by participating in a friendly tournament? Enter the Coachella Valley Invitational.

Many of you might have heard of it. However, for those still scratching their heads, fear not. Join us as we closely look at how clubs including Angel City, Seattle Reign, and a other few NWSL sides are making the most of this exciting pre-season event.

What is the Coachella Valley Invitational?

“Soccer paradise” is how the Coachella Valley Invitational has been described. You may call it one of the biggest professional pre-season events in the North American soccer landscape. The exhibition competition was introduced back on January 18, 2022. The event is the brainchild of LA Galaxy, the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG)—the team’s owner—and the Empire Polo Club. All of its matches take place in Indio, California.

The inaugural edition of the event took place behind closed doors with only six MLS teams participating. A bigger risk was taken for the second edition, witnessing an expansion of 12 MLS teams and one USL Championship side, San Diego Loyal FC. This was also the first time tickets were made available for matches.

The 2024 edition saw even more growth as it drew 25,000 fans and featured 18 teams. On top of that, it also saw the debut of four National Women’s Soccer League sides. 

Evidently, this year marks the tournament’s fourth edition. It will be carried out for over three weeks and features 14 MLS teams and six NWSL sides. Of course, there won’t be any problem in conducting all the matches; special thanks go to the dedicated two match pitches and one warm-up field. Aside from playing at least two public games, the teams also had the option to schedule additional private fixtures, with the latter allowing teams to experiment more with formations and substitutions. What’s more? Each of the scheduled public matches can have up to 5000 spectators who, sitting only 10-15 feet away from the pitch, will get a pretty good view of the action “like never before”.

Rest assured, the preparation among these NWSL and MLS sides looks solid. Now that we know the basics, let’s take a closer look at the fourth edition of the Coachella Valley Invitational.

Results and fixtures as NWSL clubs shine at pre-season tournament

This marks the second time NWSL teams are participating in the Coachella Valley Invitational. Sure, one can argue that not all teams are present. Then again, the number has certainly grown from four to six compared to last year. The participants are Angel City, San Diego Wave, Portland Thorns, Seattle Reign, Bay FC, and Houston Dash.

The NWSL Day 1 was scheduled for February 16. Here are the results so far:

Angel City vs Portland Thorns

Angel City locked horns against the Portland Thorns and were able to secure a 2-1 win against the Oregon side. Interestingly, as the opening half ended in a stalemate, the latter 45 minutes saw the goal fiesta. It was the Thorns who broke the deadlock, courtesy of Payton Linnehan in the 57th minute. However, ACFC wasn’t done as they etched a significant comeback. A 67th-minute strike from Lily Nabet, followed by a winner from Scottie Antonucci in the 93rd minute was enough to settle the game for the Angles. 

San Diego Wave vs Houston Dash

This match saw no goals as both sides had to settle with a stalemate. Despite significant chances, neither side was able to find the back of the net. Perhaps one can expect either of them to open their scoring account in their next respective fixtures.

Seattle Reign vs Bay FC

The Reign, on the other hand, was lucky to secure a narrow escape against Bay FC. Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) was able to open the scoring for her new side inside 10 minutes. Other than a Bay FC chance in the 32nd minute that saw Claudia Dickey make a crucial save, the rest of the match proceeded without much drama.

Now, all of these six sides will be gearing up for Day 2 which will be played on Saturday, February 22. Here is the list of fixtures:

1. Portland Thorns vs Houston Dash, 10 AM PT
2. San Diego Wave vs Bay FC, 11 AM PT
3. Angel City vs Seattle Reign, 12 PM PT

Where to watch the Coachella Valley Invitational?

Ardent NWSL fans can catch some of their favorite NWSL teams live on Women’s Sports Network. Likewise, FOX KCOP-TV is also one of the broadcasting partners. It’s also been reported that teams like Angel City are broadcasting the match live on their official YouTube channel. As for tickets for the February 22 match, you can click HERE.