Boston Legacy FC is concluding its inaugural National Women’s Soccer League season with a 13th-place finish, ending with a record of 9 wins, 14 losses, and 6 draws. The team’s first year was marked by early struggles, midseason progress, and a late-season resurgence, according to players, coaches, and club leadership, who expressed optimism about the foundation laid for future success.
The club’s initial challenges included five consecutive losses to start the season. Although the team displayed defensive discipline aligned with head coach Filipa Patão’s preseason expectations, offensive production was limited. Boston secured its first win in early May and then embarked on a four-game unbeaten streak, gradually finding offensive rhythm while maintaining strong defensive performances through mid-August.
However, the team’s form deteriorated sharply from mid-August to September as defensive cohesion declined, leading to a surge of goals allowed and a drop down the standings. A 4-1 defeat against Louisville on August 15 marked a low point of the season. Patão described this period as the “hardest moment” for the team. In the final phase of the season, Boston showed signs of improvement with a rebound victory over Louisville and a draw against second-place San Diego, but their inconsistent run in late summer effectively ended any postseason hopes.
“We are not working for one season; we are working for consistency and the identity of the next years in the club,” Patão said, emphasizing the team’s long-term developmental goals.
The Legacy faced additional challenges off the field due to venue constraints. With their permanent home stadium in Franklin Park still under construction, Boston split home games between Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and the smaller, soccer-specific Centerville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. While the opener at Gillette drew over 30,000 fans—setting a league record for an expansion team’s home debut—the dual-venue arrangement created logistical difficulties for players and fans alike.
Midfielder Bianca St-George noted the challenges of alternating between two stadiums, citing disruptions to routines and travel complexities. Despite this, Boston averaged an attendance of 10,809 at home games, close to the league’s average of roughly 11,000 spectators. Team president Jennifer Van Dijk highlighted ongoing efforts to build a sustainable fan base amid the broader challenges facing professional women’s sports.
The Legacy constructed their roster without an expansion draft, assembling it entirely through free agency—a point owner Jennifer Epstein called a “point of pride.” At the season’s start, less than half the squad had prior NWSL experience. The club made key midseason acquisitions, including 2025 Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale from Gotham FC and defender Deja Davis in July, plus additions like midfielder Sarah Schupansky and forward Gift Monday later in the campaign.
Most players, except veteran goalkeeper Casey Murphy, are signed to multiyear contracts. Patão indicated no major offseason roster overhauls are expected but affirmed intentions to elevate the team’s competitive level. Ownership has expressed confidence in the front office and coaching staff, with Epstein stating that Patão and general manager Domè Guasch will continue refining the roster with the goal of achieving playoff contention and championship ambitions.
Boston Legacy FC’s inaugural season offered moments of promise amid typical expansion challenges, setting a baseline as the club looks ahead to establishing itself as a lasting presence in the city’s sporting landscape.