NWSL Weekend Recap Week 3

Well, following week one in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), we have seen a lot of interesting storylines. Week one featured some amazing play in the opening weekend, from Sky Blue taking down the Seattle Reign to Western New York spoiling banner night for FC Kansas City. In week two, injuries were highly discussed; obviously the Houston Dash losing Carli Lloyd was a huge setback, and Chicago also dealing with Julie Johnston missing from their lineup. This week Washington proved they are one of, if not the team to beat this season. The play of Crystal Dunn and Diana Matheson has the makings to be one of the best duos in NWSL history. Crystal Dunn has been a spark and her confidence in the leagues comes from the experience of playing with the US national team. Another team benefiting from that same kind of leadership and experience are the Portland Thorns FC. Tobin Heath has been on a tare recently and her play has elevated that of her teammates around to be in second place going into week four of the season.

Western New York Flash 0 v. Washington Spirit 3 Final

The play of the Washington Spirit (3-0-0, 9pts) is on a different level to start the season. Crystal Dunn and Diana Matheson have created a chemistry that no team has been able to stop yet. Matheson notched two goals and along with the play of Stephanie Labbe in net, this past weekend the Spirit earned a 3-0 win on the road against the Western New York Flash (1-2-0, 3pts). The team is outscoring opponents 6 to 1 in the first three games of the season and is alone atop the standings in the league with nine points. The Spirit will need to keep up their attack against a stingy Portland Thorns defense when they meet Saturday. The Flash will travel to New Jersey and take on Sky Blue FC.

Houston Dash 0 v. Sky Blue FC 0 Final

In a hard fought battle in Houston, the visiting Sky Blue FC (1-1-1, 4pts) saw stellar play from goalkeeper Caroline Stanley keep a talented Houston Dash (1-1-1, 4pts) team off the score sheet. Rachel Daly led the attack for Houston and managed four shots on goal, two of which were stuffed by Stanley. Sky Blue also had some chances on the night but equally up to the challenge was Dash keeper Lydia Williams. Although Williams was not challenged as much as Stanley, the saves were definitely crucial on some defensive lapses. The Dash will get ready for a trip to FC Kansas City, who haven’t had the start they would’ve like. Sky Blue will host the Western New York Flash on Saturday night.

Portland Thorns Defeat Boston Breakers 1-0 (MyWSports/Luis Sanchez)

Boston Breakers 0 vs. Portland Thorns FC 1 Final

On a cold and rainy day, the Portland Thorns (2-0-1, 7pts) came into Soldiers Field Stadium and defeated the Boston Breakers (0-3-0,0pts) 1-0. In the 79th minute the Thorns were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box, which I am still questioning how it wasn’t in the box! Either way, a would’ve been penalty kick for Tobin Heath turn into a freekick for Tobin. Abby Smith was amazing in net all day for the Breakers but Heath would find Dagny Bryjarsdottir streaking untouched through the Breakers defense to score the game winning goal. That would be all Portland would need to come away with the win. The Thorns are now in second place in the NWSL Standings behind Washington. Boston remains in the basement with no wins on the season, but will look to turn their season around when the Chicago Red Stars visit this weekend. The Thorns will head to Washington to take on the first place Spirit.

Chicago Red Stars 1 vs. Orlando Pride 0 Final

Last year, Christen Press was snubbed, this year she is out on a mission to prove that she can contribute to the US national team just as she has for the Chicago Red Stars (2-1-0, 6pts) this season. Press scored her second goal in three games to lift the Red Stars over the visiting Orlando Pride (1-2-0, 3pts). Orlando star Alex Morgan could not find the back of the net thanks to a physical defensive plan by Chicago. Morgan and the Pride outshot the Red Stars in the first half 3-2 but were shut down in the second half only managing one shot one goal. Along with the play of Press, newly acquired goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher continued to play well in net, and earned her second consecutive shutout on the season. Chicago will travel to Boston where they acquired Naeher this past off-season, so be sure to watch that one on YouTube! Orlando will host the Seattle Reign on Sunday.

Seattle Reign FC 1 vs. FC Kansas City 0 Final

In the most anticipated matchup of the weekend the defending champions, FC Kansas City (0-2-1, 1pt) traveled to the northwest to take on the Seattle Reign FC (2-1-0, 6pts) in a rematch of the last two NWSL championships. After a scoreless first half both teams picked up the offensive tempo in the second. The Seattle defense was locked in for this one, and only allowed four shots on goal. Later, it would be Kim Little of Seattle to break the scoreless tie in the 56th minute. Her play this week earned her NWSL player of the week and deservingly so. FCKC is struggling to find their offense this season and will look to turn it around against the Houston Dash this weekend. Seattle will head to expansion franchise the Orlando Pride on Sunday.

Thoughts Going into week four, Washington has shown that they will be a tough team to beat, with the play of Dunn and Matheson the team is poised to make a strong run deep into the summer, which helps when they lose players to the Olympics. However, Portland has also benefitted from its Olympic talent, Tobin Heath won that game for the Thorns in Boston and continues to improve with each passing week. The game this week to watch is definitely Portland vs Washington. Boston and FC Kansas City have struggled to get it going this season but have the talent to start a streak in the positive direction. Kristie Mewis and Stephanie McCaffrey, when they get on the same page can be an impressive duo for the Breakers. KC has the experience to turn their season around and have a good chance in doing so on the road against Orlando. Week four should be another fun one and maybe even filled with some surprises. Stay with MyWSports for your NWSL Coverage all season long. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]

Follow Luis Sanchez on Twitter @Luis_MyW