What to Watch For in the NWSL, Matchday 15

We’re now into the final third of the season, and with eight league games remaining and a tight playoff race, every single point matters. Everyone’s roster depth will be tested as we get closer to the World Cup, and we’re seeing the results in the league reflect that. This week features some early action, with a few games on Friday to kick off the weekend. Let’s see what to watch for in the NWSL, Matchday 15.

Orlando Pride vs. OL Reign: Friday, July 7, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Coming into this matchup, based on last week’s results, these two teams are in entirely different states of mind. Orlando is riding high after demolishing the Spirit 3-0 with a brace from Julie Doyle. The OL Reign, on the other hand, are happy to have taken a point off Louisville after scoring two goals in the last eight minutes of the game to tie 2-2. 

Julie Doyle looked great last week and should be the player to watch for this matchup. She’s taking advantage of the space given to her that Messiah Bright and Erika Tymrak are occupying up front. As for the OL Reign, they have made the best use of a former top-five draft pick in Elyse Bennett. Bennett was the one who tied the game late against Louisville and is rewarding the Reign for trading for her. Look out for the OL Reign to get back on track with a win over Orlando this week.    

Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City Current: Friday, July 7, 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Racing Louisville will kick themselves after dominating the Reign for 82 minutes only to give up their two-goal lead and settle for a draw. On the flip side, Kansas City got a big win over Portland and only needed the one goal from Michelle Cooper from the penalty spot. Both teams are in a nice run of form, making this one of the better matchups of the weekend. 

Paige Monahan is proving to be a great acquisition from Gotham after scoring last week. She’s a key piece in the attack for this team moving forward. Kansas City can only hope Michelle Cooper keeps developing and playing at a high level. The former Duke star is definitely worth tuning in for when she gets on the ball in space. As for the result, it’s too close to call. Either could come away with the win and inch closer to the playoff spots. 

Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars: Friday, July 7, 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT, Paramount+

Houston was disappointing last week with only 35% possession and just one shot on target. They’ll be able to create more chances against a younger Chicago Red Stars team. However, the Red Stars will have newfound confidence after getting a huge win over the San Diego Wave. Ella Stevens could be the last piece of the puzzle in attack for Chicago to get some goals because Chicago has been much better defensively. Houston’s Diana Ordonez is capable of scoring but she needs the service to do so, and Houston seems content to sit back and defend. It’s ironic how Houston’s achilles heel has always been defense, and now they’re playing too defensively to compensate for that. Until they can create more chances, watch for Chicago to keep possession and come away with a win, which seemed inconceivable a couple of weeks ago. 

San Diego Wave vs. Washington Spirit: Saturday, July 8, 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Both teams rely on their star players to get the job done and have been struggling with their absence. The Wave have lost three games in a row, and Spirit have lost their last two. If either isn’t careful, they could slip in the standings and let someone from outside the top six take their spot. Despite the young talent they’re developing, the Wave hasn’t been able to muster enough in front of the goal. 

Jaedyn Shaw and Melanie Barcenas are fun to watch but haven’t found the net. The Spirit needs Ashley Hatch and Nicole Douglas to find the net if they are to turn around their mini-slump. This is an exciting matchup, but I give a slight edge to the Spirit because their lineup has been playing together for longer. 

Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns: Sunday, July 9, 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT, Paramount+

Portland and Gotham are entrenched in playoff spots, but both would like to improve their positions.The New York side could move into a tie with Portland if they win or Portland could move back into first place with a win and an OL Reign loss/draw. Gotham appears to be in better form. They created more chances against Angel City last week than Portland did against Kansas City. 

They seem to be the team impacted the least by World Cup call-ups and feature a ton of experience across the board to go with a dangerous rookie in Jenna Nighswonger. Portland has a lot of young talent, but they seem to do better when Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair are around. Morgan Weaver has to step up and create more for Portland to stay in second place. It’s a long trip for Portland to Red Bull Arena. Expect the home team to get the result. 

Angel City vs. North Carolina Courage: Sunday, July 9, 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+

The North Carolina Courage can’t stop winning at the moment, and while Angel City have started playing better, they have the tough task of slowing down the Courage. The biggest storyline for this game to remember is a possible Tyler Lussi revenge game. Lussi was misused in LA and has immediately made an impact since getting traded to North Carolina, including the game-winner she scored last week. Lussi might not say it, but this game will have extra meaning to stick it to the team that traded her away. The Courage have won four in a row, and Angel City are unbeaten in their last three. It’s great to see this be the last game of the week and it should be a good back-and-forth battle. Angel City has a great atmosphere at BMO Stadium, but the Courage won’t be bothered by that. They have an edge to seek out a win in LA. 

Featured image via Getty Images

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