NWSL Fifth Season Gets Underway, Week One Recap and Highlights
Seattle's Megan Rapinoe surrounded by teammates after scoring on Penalty Kick (Photo: Jane Gershovich/isiphotos.com
The 2017 National Women’s Soccer League season marks the fifth overall for the league, which brings with it a much-anticipated excitement. The transition of Western New York to North Carolina has gone pretty well, a new broadcast deal to enhance league coverage and fresh new faces whom many know internationally.
All 10 teams started their seasons this past weekend and Saturday included the debut of NWSL on Lifetime with Portland vs. Orlando taking center stage. Sydney Leroux made her return for FC Kansas City, scoring a goal against the Breakers on Sunday. So what else happened this weekend?
Check out the game-by-game recaps along with highlights of each match:
Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars (Dash 2-0)
Kealia Ohai finished the 2016 season on an incredible hot streak and she picked up right where she left off to start 2017. Ohai, who finished second in the Golden Boot race last season, scored just 15 minutes into the match to give Houston momentum throughout the first half. Rachel Daly doubled the score in the 80th minute when she beat Alyssa Naeher on a phenomenal shot.
Portland Thorns FC vs. Orlando Pride (Thorns 2-0)
The Portland Thorns season finished just short of the ultimate prize but will use that heartbreak to fuel another run to the NWSL Championship. Prior to the game, the Thorns and their fans accepted the 2016 Shield for their performance last season. In front of over 16,000 fans the Thorns earned a 2-0 victory over Orlando at Providence Park. Portland improved to 5-0-0 in season openers thanks to goals by Nadia Nadim and Christine Sinclair.
Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage (Courage 1-0)
The North Carolina Courage earned their first win in franchise history with a 1-0 effort against the Washington Spirit. McCall Zerboni found herself on the receiving end of a cross by Makenzy Doniak to score the difference maker. It was a defensive battle throughout the remainder of the game with the Courage holding on to win.
Seattle Reign FC v. Sky Blue FC (Draw 1-1)
Seattle’s, Megan Rapinoe and Sky Blue’s, Sarah Killion both converted on penalty kicks for their teams late to give us our first draw of the season. Haley Kopmeyer was huge in net for Sky Blue, making eight saves on the match and preventing a winning goal from the Reign late in the extra time.
FC Kansas City v. Boston Breakers (FCKC 2-0)
The highly anticipated return of Sydney Leroux and Amy Rodriguez to the NWSL seemed to be off to a dream start. Leroux scored seven minutes into the first half and Rodriguez scored shortly after the start of the second half. After the score, Rodriguez was shut down with what looked to be a knee injury. FCKC looked impressive on the evening while Boston struggled to find quality opportunities.
