What to Watch For in NWSL Matchweek 11
It seems like it was just yesterday when the NWSL season started, and now we’re already halfway through it. Matchweek 11 of 22 has a full slate of games to savor from Friday through Sunday, with teams jockeying for position in the standings. Here’s what you need to look out for during this weekend’s games.
Racing Louisville vs. San Diego Wave: Friday, June 9, 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PT, Paramount+
Racing Louisville has been better than advertised this year, thanks to Savannah DeMelo. Outside of their last NWSL loss to the Courage on May 27, Louisville hasn’t lost in their other four games, with two wins in the Challenge Cup and one win to go with a draw last week against the Washington Spirit.
Expect this to be a closer game than people think, despite San Diego sitting second in the standings. The Wave has a draw and a loss in their last two games at home, and it’s their first time seeing Louisville this season. Louisville has five draws this season, meaning they’ve been hard to beat. The Wave and their talent should win the game but don’t be surprised if Louisville plays them tough.
Washington Spirit vs. Angel City: Saturday, June 10, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+
As mentioned last week, the Spirit has been stumbling and had a great chance to get a win over Louisville and couldn’t even though Trinity Rodman scored in the first three minutes. Washington has a great chance to get back in the win column against an Angel City team that is still reeling.
However, what you need to look for is the return of Sydney Leroux. Leroux came in and scored against Chicago to give LA a glimmer of hope. With Jun Endo out, Savannah McCaskill and Claire Emsile need help upfront. Leroux could provide that should get another opportunity and make this game very interesting, be sure to tune in for this one.
Chicago Red Stars vs. North Carolina Courage: Saturday, June 10, 8:00 ET/5:00 PM PT, Paramount+
The Courage can’t seem to find any consistency as they are coming off a tough loss to Kansas City, who are bottom of the table. Kerolin and the Courage won’t have it any easier going up against a Chicago team that looked great against Angel City.
Keep an eye on Ava Cook or Penelope Hocking for the Red Stars. Someone needs to pick up the slack in terms of goals with Mallory Swanson gone.
Both teams are on the outside looking in with the top six playoff spots. A win here would be huge for both teams.
OL Reign vs. Kansas City Current: Saturday, June 10, 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT, Paramount+
If there’s any game that could end up being a blowout this weekend, it might be this one. The OL Reign are coming off a loss to their arch-rival, and the Current is coming off a win against North Carolina. If you’re Kansas City, this is the last team you want to see on the calendar.
The Reign have struggled against the top teams in the league but have handled the teams below them with ease. 4-1 over Angel City and 5-2 over Chicago might indicate another big scoreline.
Kansas City’s backline will be tested by a plethora of attacking options for the OL Reign.
Houston Dash vs. Gotham FC: Sunday, June 11, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+
Do not let the standings fool you on this one. This game should be much closer than expected. Houston has quietly won three out of their last four games, whereas Gotham has two draws and a loss with their 4-1 win over the OL Reign in the middle of that stretch.
Houston is in better form at the moment, but both teams are actually tied for the league lead in goals allowed with nine.
Ordoñez and Sanchez versus Lynn Williams in a battle of finishers should be a great one to watch.
Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns: Sunday, June 11, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, CBS Sports Network
The NWSL Primetime game doesn’t look like it’s worthy of that slot at first glance. People might look at Orlando and doubt them, but no other team has been able to make the most of what they have than Seb Hines and the Pride.
Messiah Bright is their future and one of the best young players to watch in the league right now. You would have to think that Marta will make an appearance against the best team in the league as well.
As for Portland, we know what they can do. They are deep while developing their young talent at the same time. Sophia Smith is in a tight golden boot race with Alex Morgan and Lynn Williams and will look to add to her tally. However, this could be a classic trap game and an emotional letdown in Orlando, with the Thorns riding high after beating their rivals, the OL Reign, 2-0. This will be a better primetime game than people think.
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
