The Key Matchups of NWSL Matchweek 8
After an explosive week has shaken up the league standings, the NWSL marches towards its eighth week of the season—six more NWSL matches on the slate and the one-stop-shop article that gives you everything to watch for.
North Carolina Courage vs. Angel City (May 20 at 7:00 PM ET)
To the Prom, Then the Pitch
What did you do after your prom? I only had a chance to go to one prom, and the spectacle of the whole event burned me out for a few days. Rookie of the year front-runner Alyssa Thompson would probably scoff at that notion as she sets from shifting her focus from the dance floor to the pitch. Only Claire Omslie has more points than the 18-year-old phenom, and no one on Angel City possesses the game-shifting ability that Thompson flashes. It’s amazing what young people can do, and I can’t wait to see her write the next chapter of her story.
Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit (May 20 at 7:00 PM ET)
Rodman’s Rise to the Top
A few weeks back, I argued that Trinity Rodman was the best player in the league once Mallory Swanson relinquished her short time with the crown when she went down with an injury. That was then; now, I’m not sure it’s even an argument. Rodman has her Washington Spirit amid a spotless start to the season and atop the NWSL Standings. She is in historic form and is cementing herself as the front-runner for league MVP.
It’s always clear when you’re watching someone great, but understand when you watch a Spirit game that what Rodman is doing is transcendent.
KC Current vs. Racing Louisville (May 20 at 8:00 PM ET)
Current Catastrophe
The Chicago Red Stars have the worst record in the league, but they lost one of the best players in the world in top form. The Kansas City Current doesn’t have an excuse. This team is starved of talent outside Cece Kizer and Debinha, featuring a revolving door backline that leaks goals.
Racing Louisville is also a team in neutral, a group that plays hard but would need a few collapses above them even to sniff playoff contention. Both teams could use a massive win and hope to jumpstart their rocky seasons.
Houston Dash vs. San Diego Wave (May 20 at 8:30 PM ET)
The Pendulum Shifters
This is a battle of the two Jekyll and Hyde squads. The San Diego Wave should be above that label, with arguably the most talented roster in the league from top to bottom. Sometimes it’s as simple as they look lost on the field. They’re just out of sync in link-up play, and Alex Morgan disappears more each week for large stretches of games.
The Dash is an offensive trainwreck, and it’s a miracle they’re seventh in the table. They play super hard and above their heads, but some weeks it’s clear they don’t have a lot of depth on this roster. No other game can unfold in more ways than this one, and I can’t wait.
Portland Thorns vs. Chicago Red Stars (May 21 at 5:00 PM ET)
Title Tumble
At the start of the season, the Portland Thorns looked untouchable. The last few weeks, I wonder if they thought the same thing. They have only one win in their previous five and look completely discombobulated in the back. They’re still scoring goals at a decent pace but allowing two goals to the Dash and three to the Courage is inexcusable.
There’s no better team to see on the schedule when you’re struggling than the Chicago Red Stars. Anything but three points would be a disaster for the Thorn’s, but even in their recent form, it’s inconceivable they wouldn’t pull out the win. Surely they come away with the victory, right?
Xaiver’s Match of the Week: OL Reign vs. Gotham FC (May 21 at 6:00 PM ET)
The Curious Contenders
The battle of the second and third teams in the table will face off in Seattle and have a chance to make the weekend’s most significant statement. The Reign had a chance to climb to the top of the mountain with a win last weekend but dropped a hard-fought game in North Carolina.
Gotham was lucky to secure a point at home as the feisty Orlando Pride thoroughly outplayed them. I’m not sure I trust either of these teams. But it’s hard to argue with the results after the first few months of the season.
Xaiver’s Lock of the Week (1-2): The Gotham results haven’t matched the eye test for me, and I think the OL Reign is a notch above them. I expect the Reign to come away with the win in a decisive fashion.
Featured image via Getty Images
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