What to Watch For in the NWSL, Matchday 18

The race to the NWSL Playoffs with five games remaining is sure to offer plenty of twists and turns down the stretch. Teams like the OL Reign and San Diego Wave which were in the top three, have started to stumble, whereas teams in the bottom half of the table, like Kansas City and Angel City, are playing their best soccer of the season. It’s a grueling season as is, and when you add a World Cup in the middle of it, it’ll only add to the chaos. Here’s what to watch for in the NWSL, Matchday 18. 

Kansas City Current vs. Angel City: September 1 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Two of the hottest teams in the league square off as they both push for a playoff spot. Angel City’s interim manager Becki Tweed has cleaned things up since the dismissal of Freya Coombe. ACFC are on a nine-game unbeaten run, including a huge win over the OL Reign last weekend. Kansas City has just one loss in their last eight games as they climb the NWSL standings as well. 

If any team can end Angel City’s unbeaten run, it’s Kansas City. The Current have a slight edge with home-field advantage as four of their six wins in the league have been at Children’s Mercy Park. Look for Angel City’s run to possibly come to an end. While they did get a big win, both of their goals were due to goalkeeping errors. They may not get as lucky on the road this time out. 

North Carolina Courage vs. Gotham FC: September 2 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, Paramount+

No. 2 in the league takes on No. 4, as this should be the best game of the weekend with a lot on the line. The Courage could move into first place with a win and Thorns loss, and Gotham could move into second place in the same scenario. The Courage was fantastic over the World Cup period, but it’s clearly taken them some time to reintegrate their stars with two losses and a draw with a red card against Chicago. 

Gotham is in a similar spot, with two draws and a loss in their last three games. Both teams need to find consistency if they are to hold onto their playoff positions. Everything here points to a draw with how strong these teams are in defense. Both are top five in the league in goals allowed with 16. North Carolina will have revenge on their mind after losing to Gotham 2-0 in the Challenge Cup on August 5. Kerolin missed a penalty in their last match; keep an eye out for her to have a bounce-back game with the Courage having a slight edge at home. 

Racing Louisville vs. Portland Thorns: September 2 at 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PM PT, Paramount +

Similar to the Courage, Louisville was great over the World Cup period, but it’s been tough sledding since then. Two losses and two draws in their last four have brought them down slightly in the standings. Their problem has been too many draws in the league, nine in total with just four wins. If at least two or three of their draws were wins, they’d be firmly in the top six.

Portland survived a huge scare last week with Sophia Smith spraining her MCL instead of something more serious. Louisville is one of the better teams in the league at home, but Portland will be eager to get back on track with a win here. In three previous matchups, the Thorns have won every game with a combined score of 7-0. Add in that they were minutes away from beating the Spirit, and we should see the Thorns flex their muscles as the best team in the league. 

Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars: September 3 at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT, CBS Sports Network

The Spirit haven’t won a game in the league since June 18; their record in the NWSL since then is two losses and three draws. They also haven’t been able to score enough to get wins. This is one of the best chances they’ll have the rest of the season against a rebuilding Chicago team in last place. 

The Red Stars have been better as of late, with two wins, a loss, and a draw in their last four in the league. At the same time, if the Spirit wants to consider themselves contenders for the NWSL title, they have to get three points in this game. A draw will help them keep their position, but the Spirit have more talent and depth, and this is a game they should win.

Expect this to be a statement game for the Spirit, the kind of game where they win by multiple goals, not just 1-0. 

OL Reign vs. Orlando Pride: September 3 at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT, Paramount+

The Pride can actually take the OL Reign’s spot in the top six if they can win on the road at Lumen Field in Seattle. However, the OL Reign are coming off a tough loss to Angel City, where they dominated with 60% possession and 14 shots. Their comeback effort came up short, and they’re on a skid, but that’s because of a long time away from home. Their last home game in the NWSL was July 1, more than two months ago. 

That home cooking should be a huge boost, especially against an Orlando team coming from one corner of the country to the other. It’s a long trip which gives the Reign a big advantage. Orlando has been great, Messiah Bright continues to produce at a high level, but the OL Reign should get a win here with all their stars back. If they don’t, it might be time to start panicking in Seattle. 

San Diego Wave vs. Houston Dash: September 3 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+

The Dash managed to come from behind once again to salvage a draw after another slow start. Houston has talented pieces, but it hasn’t translated to goals as their focus has shifted to a solid defense. San Diego managed to lift themselves up from sixth to third with a huge win over the Orlando Pride.

A new addition playing in her hometown, Kyra Carusa, provided the winner in the second half to go with an epic post-match interview. Carusa gives the Wave a new threat on offense from set pieces with Taylor Kornieck out. The Wave have all their stars back from the World Cup as well as a healthy Abby Dahlkemper. It would take a lot for Houston to pull off the upset here. The San Diego Wave, at full strength, is one of the best teams in the league, without a doubt. Alex Morgan and company should continue to keep their winning ways with their third win in a row. 

Featured image via @nwsl on Instagram

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