What to Watch For in the NWSL, Matchday 21
Two games remain in what has been an enthralling NWSL season, and the playoff race is as close as it has ever been. The San Diego Wave have clinched a spot while the Kansas City Current were eliminated at the hands of Trinity Rodman’s late game-winner. Ten teams are still fighting for the last five playoff spots, and the stakes could not be higher heading into these matches. Here’s what to watch for in the NWSL, Matchday 21.
Racing Louisville vs. Orlando Pride: Friday, October 6 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, Paramount+
Racing Louisville is coming off a tough loss to Chicago, who has been playing better lately but is still below them in the table. A win would’ve put them in a much better place to make the playoffs. Now they need to win this game against a hot Orlando team that has won two times in a row.
Orlando was a bit fortunate to get the win in LA, and they face another tough road test going to Louisville. We mentioned Marta as a player to watch last week, and she impacted the game, but Adriana was Orlando’s best player with how she diffused pressure with her hold-up play and speed on the counterattack. Adriana is the player to watch this time around. If she plays well, Orlando will have a chance to win.
Orlando’s road record in the league isn’t bad at three wins, one draw, and five losses. Louisville rarely loses at home, with a record of (4-4-2), and their second loss came to Houston in their last game. Watch out for Thembi Kgatlana to make an impact; hopefully, she will start. If Jaelin Howell is back from injury, Louisville should be able to win at home.
OL Reign vs. Washington Spirit: Friday, October 6 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, CBS
This is the game of the week with the most playoff implications, and it’s Megan Rapinoe’s last home match in Seattle, which is why it gets the national TV audience on CBS. The stars will be out for this game, as Megan Rapinoe should be in the starting lineup again.
Trinity Rodman has been in incredible form going back to the USWNT friendlies, and if anyone is going to make an impact, it will be her. Be sure to watch out for talent across the pitch at multiple positions. This has the potential to be one of the matches of the season.
The Reign have a home record of 6-2-2 in the league this season, whereas the Spirit have a road record of 2-4-4. Those records favor the OL Reign to get this win at home, and it’s a game they have to win with teams like Orlando and Houston lurking behind them.
Portland Thorns vs. Gotham FC: Saturday, October 7 at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT, Paramount+
Portland takes on Gotham in a battle of No. 2 versus No. 3 in the table. These two teams are fighting for a first-round bye, meaning they go straight to the semifinal rather than playing an extra match in the quarterfinals. Gotham would pass Portland with a win, but the problem is they have to win at Providence Park.
The Thorns haven’t lost two in a row at home at all this season in the NWSL, making this a tough task for Gotham to get a win. Gotham does have a strong away record at 4-3-3, but those four wins came in the first half of the season. It’s been a while since they’ve won away from home.
Lynn Williams and Midge Purce on the wings against Megan Klingenberg and Natalia Kuikka will be the key to this game. If Portland can keep them in check, they should be able to get a win and lock up a playoff spot at home.
North Carolina Courage vs. San Diego Wave: Saturday, October 7 at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+
The North Carolina Courage are coming off a game they’ll feel they should have won. The OL Reign was down to ten players, and the Courage had an entire half to take advantage but couldn’t.
This matchup against the Wave is tough, but the thing to watch out for is the Wave’s starting lineup. What will their mindset be going into this game? Will they put out their best possible lineup to try and win the NWSL Shield, or do they rest some stars to gear up for the playoffs?
Regardless, the Courage are at risk of missing the postseason for the second year in a row. The Courage is a strong home team with a 5-3-1 record, and while the Wave is the best on the road in the league this season, the Courage has a higher sense of urgency than the Wave does. Kerolin is always tough to stop, and the teenage sensation Manaka Matsukubo is worth tuning in for as well.
Kansas City Current vs. Chicago Red Stars: Saturday, October 7 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+
Kansas City has been eliminated from the playoffs, but they’ll do everything possible to play spoiler against Chicago. The Red Stars have to win this game. A draw would eliminate them from the playoffs as well. Look out for Chicago keeping a clean sheet because if they do, Alyssa Naeher will set the record for most clean sheets with one club at 39.
Yuki Nagasato and Penelope Hocking are key players for Chicago, but no one is talking enough about Bianca St. Georges. Her pace and finishing on the right wing have seen her move up from her defender spot into the midfield. She’s given Chicago another layer to worry about in the attack, and if the team is going to get three points, she has to be involved in some way.
This should be a good one, but I believe Kansas City will eliminate the Red Stars at home.
Houston Dash vs. Angel City: Sunday, October 8 at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, CBS Sports Network
Houston and Angel City wrap up the weekend and benefit from seeing how the chips fall in front of them. Both teams still need a win, but it would serve as extra motivation if the teams ahead of them were to lose. Angel City put themselves in a bind with a tough loss to Orlando despite 21 shots and 64% possession.
Now they’re going up against the league’s best defense in Houston, who haven’t conceded a goal in their last two matches and only allowed one goal against the San Diego Wave. The Dash have won two in a row and are playing their best as a team at the right time.
Michelle Alozie has picked up right where she left off from the World Cup. She’s the player to watch alongside Maria Sanchez, probably the Dash’s best player.
Based on recent play, everything signals a Houston win, but I’m going the opposite way. I think Angel City bounces back behind an inspired performance from Amandine Henry, who runs the show in the midfield.
Featured image via @chicagoredstars on Instagram
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
