NWSL Weekend Recap Week 4

Orlando Pride earn 2-0 home win against Seattle Reign FC (Photo: NWSL)

As we move into week five, the quality of competition in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has improved and we still see a majority of the teams stuck in the middle of the standings. The Washington Spirit have been the team to beat since the start of the season. The combination of Crystal Dunn and Diana Matheson continues to puzzle opposing defenses. However the pair were quiet this week as the Portland Thorns came away with a point on the road in a 0-0 draw in DC. Most people assumed Boston would struggle this year, the team finished in last place last season and have yet to score a goal in four games this season. They will be tested by a tough Sky Blue FC bunch this upcoming week who are coming off a loss to WNY at home. The big mystery so far this season is what is going on with FC Kansas City. The defending champions are off to a 0-3-1 start, the worst for a defending champ in NWSL history. Can they turn it around with #2 Chicago Red Stars coming to town? We shall see!

Boston Breakers 0 v. Chicago Red Stars 1 Final

The Boston Breakers fell to 0-4-0 this young season, as the Chicago Red Stars (3-1-0, 9pts) came into Boston and earned a 1-0 victory against the hometown team. A very defensive first half kept both teams off the scoreboard going into halftime. For the second consecutive week, the stars and strips would find U.S international player, Christen Press to secure the win late in the second half. Chicago moves into 2nd place in the standings with the win. Alyssa Naher made her first return to Boston since being traded this offseason. Naher notched a big save on former teammate, Kristie Mewis during a penalty kick, which was one of only two shots on goal for the Breakers.

Washington Spirit 0 v. Portland Thorns FC 0 Final

The Washington Spirit (3-0-1, 10pts) remain atop the NWSL standings following a 0-0 draw against the Portland Thorns (2-0-2, 8pts). The last two unbeaten teams battled to a scoreless draw in a very physical matchup that saw Tobin Heath receive two yellow cards sending her off for the night. Early in the matchup Crystal Dunn had a great chance taken away after being ruled offside. Washington would have other opportunities but could not get one past the phenomenal play of Adranna Franch in net. Portland keeping the #1 team in the league off the scoreboard is key momentum going into a matchup with rival Seattle Reign FC this weekend.

Sky Blue FC 1 v. Western New York Flash 2 Final

The Western New York Flash (2-2-0, 6pts) got back in the win column this past weekend with an impressive come from behind win against Sky Blue FC (1-2-1, 4pts). The match started off with both team exchanging chances in a physical contest. Adriana Leon hit the post in the 31st minute but it would be SBFC to score first. Raquel Rodriguez placed a beautiful ball to Maya Hayes who buried the shot. In the second half WNY would score two goals the first coming on a Jaelene Hinkle penalty shot to tie the game at 1. In the 85th minute Sam Mewis would find the back of the net and the Flash would hold off Sky Blue 2-1.

FC Kansas City 1 v. Houston Dash 2 Final

The Houston Dash (2-1-1, 7pts) may have found their replacement for Carli Lloyd after earning a 2-1 victory over FC Kansas City (0-3-1, 1pt). The two teams exchanged opportunities in the first half but for the large part FCKC was in control. Lydia Williams stood tall in net for the Dash, saving four scoring chances in the first half. Houston would bring their offense in the second; Chioma Ubogagu and Denise O’Sullivan helped propel the Dash to its first road win of the season after scoring goals in the 69th and 70th minutes respectively. FCKC is off to the worst start for a defending champion but last year the team started 3-2 and ended the year playing the best soccer in the league.

Orlando Pride 2 v. Seattle Reign FC 0 Final

The Orlando Pride (2-2-0, 6pts) picked up another home win this season behind a strong performance by Ashlyn Harris. The Pride took down the reigning NWSL Shield winner Seattle Reign FC (2-2-0, 6pts) 2-0 on Mother’s Day. Both teams had plenty of opportunities to score four or five goals on the evening but it would be an early goal by Sarah Hagen that would send the crowd into a roar and motivated a tough Pride team to hold on for the victory. Lianne Sanderson scored the late goal to put Orlando ahead for good. Seattle falls to the middle of the pack in the standings but return home for an important matchup against the Portland Thorns.

Follow Luis Sanchez on Twitter @Luis_MyW