What to Watch For in NWSL Matchweek 10
It’s already the tenth week of the NWSL season, and there’s no shortage of shuffling among the standings. With another action-packed weekend, here’s all you need to know about each NWSL match this weekend.
Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville (June 3 at 8:00 PM ET)
Stumbling Spirit
A few weeks back, the Washington Spirit looked like a bonified contender. They sat atop the standings and were coming off a run where their offensive execution was class, and this young and cheerful team looked destined for greatness.
Since then, they’ve stumbled, dropping a winnable game against the Orlando Pride, and somehow managed a point in a game they got dominated by the NJ/NY Gotham. It’s just a two-week sample, but the way this team had a chance to grasp the brass ring and cement themselves as the team to beat in the league and didn’t is concerning.
This is a game where they have a tremendous talent advantage, and anything short of three points would continue to spark concern.
X’s Game of the Week: OL Reign vs. Portland Thorns (June 3 at 8:00 PM ET)
Climbing the Mountian
These two teams make no sense. On paper, these should be the best two rosters in the NWSL. In reality, that’s not far off; they are second and third in the table, respectively. But the eye test says these two squads are inconsistent and far from finished products.
After a sizzling start, the Thorns have just six points in their last five games, with their only win in that span coming against the woeful Red Stars.
The Reign is a Jekyll and Hyde bunch, and it’s anyone’s guess what version shows up on a week-to-week basis. I’m not confident that both groups can afford to be this erratic and be there at the end. Matchups like this should help give clarity.
Houston Dash vs. Orlando Pride (June 3 at 8:30 PM ET)
One Level Short?
Both the Dash and Pride are still in the thick of the playoff race at this stage of the year and have shown improvement in play from the start of the season. The issue? I’m just not buying it. Houston is coming off a complete 2-0 performance against the last-place KC Current, where it looked more like dreadful defending from the worst team in the league than the Dash fixing their offensive struggles.
Orlando has a lot of solid players, but they’re not at that elite level yet. Both teams are so similar and will have my attention here in the middle stages of the season, but it’s hard to imagine either emerges from the bottom of the pack. I hope they prove me wrong.
KC Current vs. North Carolina Courage (June 3 at 8:30 PM ET)
The Crafty Courage
Kerolin. She’s so great she only needs one name. The 23-year-old Brazilian winger has been a lightning rod for the Courage. Her speed and ability to take defenders on the ball give this offense a dynamic element that few other teams have.
The Courage is unbeaten in their last five, including massive performances against the Thorns and Reign. This team is not just good; they are excellent.
X’s Pick of the Week (1-3) – The Courage ascension continues, and they handle business on the road against the sinking Current.
Angel City vs. Chicago Red Stars (June 5 at 10:00 PM ET)
Fighting From Below
I feel bad for this game. Both teams have such great attitudes and seem like a lot of fun, but the future looks much more promising than the present. The Red Stars stunned the Orlando Pride in a match they had 17 (not a typo) fewer shots. I think the only logical explanation is that Mallory Swanson was in attendance.
Conversely, Angel City lost 4-1 and looked completely out of sorts. These two clubs, along with the Current, feel destined to be at the bottom of the table at season’s end unless many players decide to step up.
Featured image via Getty Images
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