The Key Matchups of NWSL Matchweek 9
The NWSL has entered the second third of its season. With another action-packed weekend, here’s all you need to know about each key matchup.
KC Current vs. Houston Dash (May 26 at 8:00 PM ET)
Dashing to the Bottom
If you want to watch two offenses with the combined horsepower of a Mini Cooper, this is the game for you. The Houston Dash aren’t just bad at scoring; they are reaching unfathomable territory. Houston has been held scoreless (five) the same number of times they’ve scored this season. Only Maria Sanchez has etched her name on the scoresheet more than once, and the eye test has been even more bleak than the stats.
The Current has had a little more juice, but as I’ve mentioned in the past is a two-women team. Debinha and Cecelia Kizer carry almost all the offensive load. As talented as they are, when your entire attack revolves around two players, it’s easier to stifle, which is why KC sits 11th at the table.
These teams must put some inspiring performances together, but this game screams a 0-0 draw.
Xaiver’s Match of the Week: San Diego Wave vs. Portland Thorns (May 26 at 10:00 PM ET)
Back to the Top?
Before the season, most NWSL fans would have pegged the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns as the perennial title favorites. That sentiment has slightly changed in the last few weeks, with both teams looking wildly inconsistent.
Portland finally got back on track with a 4-0 win against a lowly Chicago Red Stars side. It’s essential they got the three points and jumped back to second place in the table, but it came against the worst team in the league. The defense has been a mess, and they’ve been lucky to scrape by with a few ties in games they were thoroughly outplayed.
The Wave outclassed the Houston Dash and showed up in every facet of the game. That’s the issue with the Wave; they don’t always show up. They often come out sluggish and slow, and it’s clear within the first ten-fifteen minutes whether they have it or don’t. Both teams’ records are better than they have played, but now comes a marque game where both sides need a good showing.
OL Reign vs. Angel City (May 27 at 3:30 PM ET)
When it Reigns, It Pours
The OL Reign were atop the league standings a few weeks ago and had a chance to gain separation from the rest of the league. That was short-lived, as they dropped the following two contests, including a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Gotham FC. They’ve lost all continuity and have been a disaster upfront. This team has superstars across its attack but has been outclassed by two teams that they should be significantly better than on paper.
They face an Angel City squad that is not ready to win games yet, and a bad performance could send the season into a tailspin.
Racing Louisville vs. North Carolina Courage (May 27 at 8:00 PM ET)
DeMelo’s Dazzling Form
I’ve seen some superstars play collegiate soccer, but few left an impression on me, like Savannah DeMelo. The former USC Trojan was a steal at the fourth pick in the NWSL Draft and is finally showing why on the pitch. In her second season, there’s an argument she is Racing Loisville’s best player and has been dynamic with the ball at her feet.
She is someone who can carry an offense, and once the organization builds around her, I fully expect her to be one of the best players on a title team. Remember the name, and watch the ascension in real-time.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Orlando Pride (May 27 at 8:00 PM ET)
Magic in Orlando
How about the Orlando Pride!!!! I spent weeks slamming this club for their apparent lack of talent and disastrous play on the field. However, once southern Florida teams started to dominate the NHL and NBA, they didn’t want to feel left out. They have netted all ten of their points over the last four games.
The best part is it’s been a genuine team effort, with six different players netting their names on the scoresheet. Orlando sits only one piece behind a playoff spot, and they get a Chicago Red Stars squad that looks ready for the 2023 NWSL Draft.
X’s Pick of the Week (1-2) – The Pride’s excellent form continues and handily defeats the Red Stars on the road.
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC (May 27 at 5:00 PM ET)
Contenders or Pretenders?
Against all odds, Gotham FC enters this week at the top of the NWSL castle. Lynn Williams, fresh off her 30th birthday, has been an absolute revelation and has arguably been a top-3 MVP candidate to start the season.
Williams is tied for the league lead in goals and is second in shots on target. No one has more of an offensive load, and Williams has handled it spectacularly.
I’m unsure how long this magical run can last with Williams playing at this level, but I’m not ready to rule it out quite yet. For now, Gotham FC needs to show a more substantial body of work before I consider them a genuine contender for the 2023 title.
Featured Image via Getty Images
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