What to Watch in NWSL Matchweek 2

The NWSL season kicked off last weekend with a bang. From VAR controversies to late-game winners, there was enough drama for a month packed into 48 hours. So here we’ll highlight what to watch in the six NWSL matches this weekend.

Kansas City Current vs. Portland Thorns (April 1 at 12:50 PM ET)

Fully Bloomed?

The Portland Thorns were the big winners of Matchweek 1, putting together a complete performance against the Orlando Pride. The game was never competitive; it was hard to believe the teams were in the same league for large portions of the game.

The Thorns front was relentless, with Christine Sinclair turning back the clock and setting up multiple goal-scoring opportunities. Between the class tactics from Mike Norris and the quality throughout the roster, it’s inconceivable not to have Portland as the perennial title favorite heading into their championship game rematch.

Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash (April 1 at 2:00 PM ET)

Mallory’s MVP Momentum

There isn’t any woman in the world in better form in the NWSL than Mallory Swanson. The 25-year-old is entering the prime of her career and is mesmerizing with the ball between her feet.

She dominated the San Diego Wave defense with her impressive pace and perfectly timed runs. Swanson buried a goal from the spot and created countless chances for her fellow Red Star attackers. This is the season she breaks away from the pack and becomes a true MVP contender.

Naeher’s Necessary Bounceback

Few people had a shakier first game of the season than USWNT stalwart Alyssa Naeher. The Red Stars keeper had trouble corralling misses, allowing numerous bouncebacks, one of which resulted in a Wave score.

At the end of the game, Naeher guessed right on an Alex Morgan penalty kick but couldn’t stop the eventual game-winning goal from finding the back of the net.

Naeher and the Red Stars surely have a bitter taste in their mouths, and I expect a more complete performance against a young Houston Dash squad.

Racing Louisville vs. Washington Spirit (April 1 at 3:00 PM ET)

The Rodman Rule

Mallory Swanson is my pick for the best player in the league, but no one can change a game faster than Trinity Rodman. A one-woman fast break, Rodman’s speed can affect the game in the blink of an eye.

The Spirit offense was stagnant in the first half until Rodman got fed the ball, and everything changed. She was a human highlight reel capped off with a 54th-minute strike from the top of the box that sealed the three points for her side. No matter the opponent, the Spirit has a chance to win any game Rodman plays in.

Gotham FC vs. OL Reign (April 1 at 7:30 PM ET)

An Offensive Famine

Despite an inspiring first half in which they dominated possession, the OL Reign crumbled in the second 45. The offense didn’t look fluid and could not make the final pass.

New addition Jordyn Huitema had the best chance but took too many touches in the box and squandered the opportunity. They’ll need a few weeks to gain chemistry before last year’s Shield winners can be analyzed further.

San Diego Wave vs. North Carolina Courage (April 1 at 10:00 PM ET)

High Tide

The San Diego Wave had an impressive showing in front of over 30,000 fans at Snapdragon Stadium. Jaedyn Shaw scored one of the week’s finest goals, a rocket from the top of the box.

Last year’s top pick Naomi Germa anchored the defense and looked like she was all over the pitch. Living legend Alex Morgan put the game away late with a clutch penalty kick and furthered the narrative that this team could compete for a title.

Orlando Pride vs. Angel City FC (April 1 at 5:30 PM ET)

Rookie of the Year Lock?

Alyssa Thompson’s debut was legendary. The 18-year-old first-overall pick was the most valuable player on the field, dominating on the offensive end and scoring her first career goal. Her runs were years above her senior, and I’ve never seen a young player more confident leading an attack.

Although Angel City FC didn’t win, Thompson’s impressive current play can only be a sign of what will come as the season progresses. Every game she plays is must-watch television, including this showdown with the struggling Orlando Pride.

Featured image via Getty Images

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