What to Look Out for in NWSL Matchweek 4
After midweek games as a part of the Challenge Cup, the NWSL shifts its focus back to the regular season. There are six games and six opportunities, but only one article to give you all the things to watch in NWSL Matchweek 4!
OL Reign vs. Chicago Red Stars (April 22 at 3:30 PM ET)
A Glimmer in the Sky?
When Mallory Swanson tore her patellar tendon, many thought the Chicago Red Star’s season was all but over. Even in the form of her life, Swanson wasn’t able to help her squad get in the win collum, so without her, surely it would be more of the same. Penelope Hocking and Co had something to say about that logic.
The 23-year-old Hocking netted a brace, controlled the Star’s offense, and led the club to a resounding 4-2 home victory against the Kansas City Current. Sure, it’s just one game, but it would’ve been easy for this team to pack it up and lose mental focus without their leader.
It’s unlikely the side can replicate that form week in and week out, but the attacking prowess they showed last week gives them an opportunity every time they take the pitch.
Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash (April 22 at 7:00 PM ET)
Rolling Rodman
The sun rises every morning, and Trinity Rodman will be a focal point of every weekly analysis I write.
It took her just six minutes to get on the scoresheet last week, and an Ashley Hatch penalty in the 50th minute proved to be the matchwinner, continuing the Spirit’s unbeaten streak to start the season.
The offense flips the field in seconds, and their technical skill in the final third is arguably the best in the league. If Rodman continues on this form, the Spirit will be firmly in the title mix, and her name will be squarely in the MVP conversation.
Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage (April 22 at 7:30 PM ET)
William’s Wonderful Start
Of all the teams in the NWSL, I am guilty of not giving the NJ/NY Gotham FC enough love.
They’re currently fifth in the table and have had two impressive showings against Angel City and the Orlando Pride. At the center of the success is striker Lynn Williams.
After missing the end of last season, Williams looks healthy and the focal point of a Gotham attack that has shown serious signs of greatness. If Williams can get the ball in the attacking third, this club will continue to have success as the season progresses.
Portland Thorns vs. Racing Louisville (April 22 at 10:30 PM ET)
A Prickly Week
Part of me thinks I jinxed the Portland Thorns. I called them the perennial title favorite a week ago and didn’t see them facing adversity anytime soon. The club repaid my praise by promptly drawing at home against an inferior Houston Dash team and dropping their first Challenge Cup game against the San Diego Wave.
One six-day stretch doesn’t change my opinion of this team. At the end of the day, this team still employs Sophia Smith, who has been putting up video game numbers again to start the season.
Lock of the Week (0-1): The Thorn’s get back on track and win by multiple goals against a feisty Racing Louisville side.
KC Current vs. Orlando Pride (April 23 at 5:00 PM ET)
Battle of the Bottom
The Orlando Pride and Kansas City Current have had starts they’d like to forget. They remain the only sides without points in the NWSL and find themselves together in the basement of the table.
The Pride attack has been nonexistent to start the season, and despite Marta defining mother nature, the team has only mustered one goal in the first three games. The Current defense has been the issue, looking more disjointed by the week. The Current just signed standout Oregon CB Croix Soto, and they hope she can aid in fixing the backline.
Both sides need hope and, more importantly, a positive result.
Xaiver’s Match of the Week: Angel City vs. San Diego Wave (April 23 at 8:00 PM ET)
What to Make of the Wave
The San Diego Wave has had an interesting start to its 2023 campaign. At their best, they’re arguably the best team in the league, but at times their best players seem to disappear.
Alex Morgan is a living legend and always a threat when on the pitch, but there are long stretches in games where she makes little impact for the Wave. As a striker, this can happen, but when it happens every week, it gives pause for concern.
Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma have been the consistent bright spots for the club and have played beyond their years. If they can keep up their form, the mix of veteran leadership and young talent can be a perfect blend to make a run in the playoffs.
On the opposite side is the young phenom Alyssa Thompson. The 18-year-old has been the most explosive player for Angel City to start the season and is electrifying in space.
The aging veteran in Morgan vs. perhaps her long-term successor in Thompson? Get the popcorn ready.
Featured image via Getty Images
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