The Key Matchups of NWSL Matchweek 6
After a shocking and action-packed slate this past weekend, the NWSL continues its marathon of a season! Six more games on the slate, with plenty of storylines to sink our teeth into. This is the place that gives you everything to watch for in Matchweek 6!
Xaiver’s Match of the Week: Washington Spirit vs. San Diego Wave (May 6 at 1:00 PM ET)
Morgan vs. Rodman
Trinity Rodman vs. Alex Morgan. I could end the analysis there, and most of you wouldn’t need any more selling. The future is now with Rodman, the best player on a team that oozes potential and, at just 20 years old, combines the statistical output and eye-popping athleticism that makes her undeniable on the pitch.
As for Morgan, who I’ve spent numerous weeks covering, she is the aging star in the twilight of her career who is pushing father time in hopes of capturing a title for the team she has helped build from the ground up. Statistically, she is better than Rodman, in large part to playing for a more talented side and being the primary penalty-taker. Watching the games, that doesn’t necessarily hold up. Rodman’s ability to change the game in the blink of an eye and strike fear into defenses is reminiscent of a younger Alex Morgan.
The future and the present collide in what some could call a passing of the torch, but as I see it, Rodman already has it in her grasp.
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville (May 6 at 7:00 PM ET)
Renewed Joy?
The Orlando Pride won a game last weekend! At times, I wasn’t sure that was possible. This team has looked far from competent for much of the season, which might sound harsh, but I find it hard to believe the team wouldn’t agree with such sentiment. Their 3-1 victory in San Diego showed this team has something.
Sometimes, all it takes is for one game where the offense is firing on all cylinders to spark a longer flame that propels a team to greater heights. A deeper dive into this team could be in order if they can assemble another complete performance. If they fail? Well, they go back right to the bottom of priority in my column.
North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns (May 6 at 7:00 PM ET)
Championship Hangover?
Part of me thinks I jinxed the Portland Thorn. The well-oiled machine, defending champions, came out of the gates looking like they were about to steamroll through the NWSL en route to another title. Then they suffered another inexcusable home draw salvaged by a 97th-minute miracle goal, and the team moved to 1-2-1 across their last four competitions.
This could be a rough patch, but this team is built to win now, especially against this level of competition. It’s not time to sound the alarms yet, but we could approach that territory.
Lock of the Week (1-1): Portland proves their team is fine and picks up all three points in Cary, North Carolina.
OL Reign vs. Houston Dash (May 6 at 10:00 PM ET)
Rolling Reign
If you look at the league table, you might be surprised that OL Reign sits in second place. It’s a team with more stars than Houston but has yet to live up to that status on the field. Sure, Megan Rapinoe is getting into form, and Jordyn Huitema is still adjusting to the league, but I still expect a better product.
This team had a relatively easy start to the season and is a goal at the death against the Wave from us having a very different conversation about their future. They face a middling Houston Dash team, and a complete performance where they can flex their muscles would do wonders for Seattle.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Gotham FC (May 6 at 6:00 PM ET)
Windy City Blues
The Red Stars are 1-1-1 since their superduper star Mallory Swanson went down for the season, which on the surface, is excellent! Even with her, the team struggled to generate offense, and without her, that premise seemed impossible.
The issue is they are getting peppered with shots, and the brand of soccer they’re playing is unsustainable. In their recent 1-1 draw against the Spirit, they were outshot 23-10 and only mustered 40% of possession. The Gotham squad is very technical in the final third, and a repeat performance from the Stars could lead to an ugly scoreline.
Angel City vs. Kansas City Current (May 6 at 8:00 PM ET)
What doesn’t Ertz you makes you stronger
In August, Julie and NFL tight end husband Zach Ertz announced the birth of their sun. Nearly eight months later, she is dawning pink and black for Angel City FC, scoring a crucial goal to earn a much-needed point for her club against the defending champion Thorns. It looked like more of a legacy signing for a team that lacked veteran leadership, but Ertz quickly proved that she had something left in the tank. Will this last? Impossible to know.
But with a spot on the World Cup roster looming and a talented copilot in Alyssa Thompson, the comeback tour shows little signs of slowing down. Its next stop is in Los Angeles against a Current group who have won their last three contests. If Ertz plays up to her ability, watch out.
Featured image via Getty Images
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