Key Matchups to Watch in the First Week of the NWSL Season

The NWSL is back! After 147 days away, the league’s 11th season will start with 12 teams vying for a chance at a title. With kick-off just around the corner, it’s time to examine the six games of Matchweek 1 and highlight what to watch out for before the first whistle blows.

 

North Carolina Courage vs. Kansas City Current (March 5 at 2:00 PM ET)

 

For the Love of the Draft

The season kicks off in Cary, North Carolina, where the game on the pitch will resemble a 2022 collegiate All-Star game.

Six total first-rounders from January’s draft look to debut, including a new forward tandem for the North Carolina Courage in Haley Hopkins and Olivia Wingate. It just so happens that they won’t be the most anticipated arrival coming from the ACC, as that honor belongs to…

 

The Michelle Cooper Show

It’s unheard of for a sports team to make a championship game and immediately land the best player in the nation, but the Kansas City Current did just that.

At just 20 years old, Michelle Cooper has an expanding trophy case that features a mountain of individual awards from her time at Duke and the United States U-20 side. The 5-foot-3 forward has tantalizing speed that jumps off the screen when you watch her play and could make an immediate impact from the jump.

 

San Diego Wave vs. Chicago Red Stars (March 25 at 10:00 PM ET)

 

Morgan’s Mission

At nearly 34 years of age, Alex Morgan is ignoring time and remains one of the best players in the world. The USWNT star was the runner-up for the best FIFA Women’s Player of 2022 and propelled the San Diego Wave to the NWSL Semifinals in their inaugural season.

Watch if Morgan can get on the scoresheet in her quest to defend the Golden Boot trophy in just the first week of the NWSL season.

 

Washington Spirit vs. OL Reign (March 26 at 4:00 PM ET)

 

Rodman’s Redemption

Trinity Rodman is entering her third season in the NWSL and still is not old enough to buy a drink in the United States. As a rookie in 2021, she was a phenom, winning Rookie of the Year, and was a star on a Washington Spirit squad that won the league championship.

Last year was more of a mixed bag, as Rodman matched her goal total from the previous season but was limited to 18 games across all competitions. Much of the Spirit’s success this season will hinge on Rodman’s availability.

 

What Were You Doing at 15?

Trinity Rodman might be too young to buy a drink, but her teammate, Chloe Ricketts, isn’t even old enough to obtain a driver’s permit. At just 15, she’s the second youngest player in league history.

Nevertheless, the midfielder is expected to become an “important part of the team,” according to Head Coach Mark Parsons, and could see playing time in the not-too-distant future.

 

Portland Thorns FC vs. Orlando Pride (March 26 at 5:00 PM ET)

 

The Final Chapter?

The Portland Thorns capped off a stellar 2022 campaign with their third title in franchise history. It was a borderline dominant championship run, trailing for only 12 minutes and having four different players score each of their goals during the tournament.

But along with defending their crown, it will be whether or not this is Christine Sinclair’s final season that will steal headlines. On the doorstep of 40, Sinclair signed a one-year deal to play in her 11th NWSL season. If this is the Canada international’s curtain call, she surely hopes to go out with a bang.

 

Houston Dash vs. Racing Louisville FC (March 26 at 7:00 PM ET)

 

Racing to Improvement

Some expansion franchises, like the San Diego Wave, find immediate team success. More often, it is a long and treacherous road to assemble a successful team on the field. The first two seasons for Racing Lousiville resembled the latter, finishing near the bottom of the table while showing little improvement overall.

An abuse scandal added insult to injury off the field, and the club desperately needs a reset. The acquisitions of Abby Erceg and Paige Monaghan should provide much-needed leadership and a veteran presence to a team that needs it the most. This season will reveal the future trajectory of this club.

 

Angel City FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC (March 26 at 9:00 PM ET)

 

Thomposon’s Turn

NY/NJ Gotham finished last in the table but traded the rights to the first pick in the NSWL Draft to Angel City FC. Though Michelle Cooper was the best collegiate player on the board, Angel City decided to opt for the raw talent of local high school superstar Alyssa Thompson.

The explosive forward is being touted as a “generational player” and already has USWNT experience. Growing up just 20 minutes from BMO Stadium, Thompson hopes to cement her legacy as a local icon.

 

Is Gotham Rising?

NJ/NY Gotham FC was the worst team in the NSWL, and it wasn’t particularly close. The club had a -30 goal differential, by far the worst in the league, and managed to muster only 16 goals in 22 games. Finally, Gotham called for the bat signal, and help has since arrived.

A healthy Lynn Williams and Kelly O’Harra on the roster elevate this team from the bottom of the table in the blink of an eye. Can that newly formed duo, along with Midge Purce and Jenna Nighswonger, turn this team from a disaster to a potential playoff contender?

 

Featured image via Getty Images

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