Category: NWSL

QuickLook Week 6: The Golden Boot for a Six Goal Season?

Posted on by RJ Allen

Chicago Red Stars v. Orlando Pride
2-1-3/1-2-2
Wednesday May 2 7:30PM ET

I love when the games aren’t all clustered in a narrow block, but it’s a pain to try to turn out a column when injury reports and player notes are trickling in. So fortunately we start with a game featuring a ton of marquee stars that even casual fans know about and are anxiously awaiting news. So I’ll just make stuff up. Just kidding. There’s enough of that going on in the non-sports news.

McCaffrey and Ertz both have thier injury woes continue, which is sad. Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are both maybes for Orlando, but Haley Kopmeyer is more than solid if Harris can’t go and Leroux/Marta/Edmonds are a solid group.

Portland Thorns v. Seattle Reign FC
2-1-2/2-1-1
Saturday May 5 3:30PM ET (Lifetime Game of the Week)

Okay, I’m done making up things, even if there’s not much to report this far out. Portland has talent and depth that belies their record, so it’s always a safe bet that Horan/Sinclair/Purce will put chances together. Britt Eckerstrom should get the start again and has had some good saves and some bad gaffes. Michele Betos will face her former team for the first time and will probably get a lot of work. Seattle’s offense has been pretty solely Rapinoe-based but a Long score last week and a slight decapitation for Jodie Taylor might help them build going forward. Steph Catley returning to help shore up the defense will also lend some flex to their forward press.

Sky Blue (Association) Football Club of the State of New Jersey, Inc., Co, LTD v. Houston Dash
0-2-1/0-3-2
Saturday May 5, 7:30PM ET

One of these teams should walk away with a first win. In theory, that should be Sky Blue, who has actual offensive players, a passable defense and an up-and-coming international GK. Once they hit the field? Who knows. Houston’s Kealia Ohai should be returning to form and the young Hanson/Keever midfield has potential to keep the ball moving to their star or Nichelle Prince. Kyah Simon’s return will also provide depth up front. The backline that looked solid against Orlando was torched against North Carolina, so Jeanine Van Wyk and crew are probably hoping to face the disorganized rabble version of SBFC. Sky Blue still has Carli Lloyd, Raquel Rodriguez, Janine Beckie, Shea Groom…basically, in any other year, what would look like the starting forward lineup for an all-star game and they’ve scored 1 entire goal in three games.

Utah Royals FC v. Washington Spirit
0-1-4/1-1-2
Saturday May 5, 9:00 PM ET

Remember Ashley Hatch? 1 goal, 1 assist, 12 shots in five games so far. After her rookie season, I thought she might be a feature forward in a Pugh/Sullivan/Lavelle service-fest. With the lack of any other information to back it up, I’ll declare this her break out game. Utah’s Becky Sauerbrunn and Rachel Corsie have been carrying the team to draws all season and eventually there will be an error. Last week’s goal by Portland’s Tobin Heath, largely unguarded, hints at slight flaws that can be worked in the absence of a scoring punch. Washington has much greater potential on offense than defense, but Utah hasn’t been putting enough talent forward to require anything beyond capable marking from a veteran cast.

North Carolina Courage v. Chicago Red Stars
5-0-1/2-1-3
Sunday May 6, 3:00PM ET

Chicago must be so happy to have a second game this week against a resting and rehabbing North Carolina team. If Chicago can get their offense together against an Orlando team they should beat, enough may carry over to give some pushback against the North Carolina arsenal. Huerta and Mautz have scored legitimate goals this season and Kerr is basically the most super-powered Australian outside a Marvel movie. North Carolina isn’t unstoppable or flawless, but they certainly have more top-flight depth at each area than the competition so far this season. Sam Mewis provides a field general presence and scoring threat behind two other giants in Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams and the Abby Erceg/Abby Dahlkemper central duo. It’s hard to do more than look at roster comparison this far out, but the edge goes to North Carolina unless they all get food poisoning from the truffles fed to them by the pool while the rest of the league grinds it out leading into Sunday.

How Well Did the NWSL Internationals Do in Week 5?

Posted on by RJ Allen

If you missed the games this week, we’ve got you covered! Now, a lot of internationals did not play this weekend, most of it due to the fact they just came off of World Cup Qualifiers. But here is a wrap up of how all your favorite international players did:

The Australians:

Kyah Simon (Houston Dash)
Rating: 8/10
Simon made her debut for Houston and played a full 90. She didn’t receive the ball very much in the first half as a striker, but she moved into the #10 role in the second half and got more touches on the ball. She did make a beautiful dribble and got a clear shot, but it went over the crossbar.  She also made a few good passes, but other than that nothing too spectacular.

Sam Kerr (Chicago Red Stars)
Rating: 9/10
Kerr was an impact player even in her debut, which is no surprise. She was on the same page as her teammates which made things a lot easier for everyone. Kerr made a wonderful opportunity late in the game in which she flicked the ball to herself over the defender and ripped a shot, but it was just over the bar.

Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride)
Rating: 7/10
Kennedy had great moments, but she didn’t seem completely in-sync with everyone. Of course, that should come with time. She still had an okay game. She took a few knocks during the game which isn’t exactly an ideal welcome, but she seemed to shake them off and kept playing. Kennedy had a clear opportunity on goal, but her first touch let her down and took the angle off. She did make up for it with a beautiful backheel that got Ali Krieger in a great crossing position.

Emily Van Egmond (Orlando Pride)
Rating: 8/10
Van Egmond was subbed on late in the match but inserted herself well. Got on the ball, seemed confident, and combined with her teammates well. She also had a few nice through balls to Alex Morgan.

Steph Catley (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 7.5/10
Catley is always great at getting in the attack, but also getting back to defend. She had a solid performance for her new club. Great crosses and passes down the flank. She also closed down the attack of Orlando, which isn’t an easy job. Great night for Catley!

Katrina Gorry (Utah Royals)
Rating: 9/10
“Mini” came in late as a sub and had a great showing. She was the player for Utah that could switch the point of attack, which got them in on goal a few times. She also showed us that she is very dynamic in her passing, dribbling, and just her comfortableness in possession.

 

The Brazilians:

Debinha (North Carolina Courage)
Rating: 7/10
Came on as a sub late in the match. She did take a few shots, one was off target and the other one was handled easily by Campbell. She combined with her teammates well and gave them some good looks.

Marta (Orlando Pride)
Rating: 9.5/10
Marta was a magician as usual. Obviously, she had the stunning free-kick goal. She also did great at hustling to make something out of bad passes. She was calm on the ball and had lots of great combinations with the frontline of Orlando.

Mônica (Orlando Pride)
Rating: 7.5/10
Solid defending from Monica. There were several plays where she really stood her ground and got her team the ball back. Also, great play out of the back; she found the pocket of space and got it to the player every time.

Andressinha (Portland Thorns)
Rating: 6.5/10
Andressinha came on as a sub in the second half but just seemed to play simple tonight. We only saw one magical pass from her, whereas we are used to seeing lots of them from her. She got on the ball and seemed comfortable, now it’s just about being a little more creative.

 

The Canadians:

Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash)
Rating: 8.5/10
Outstanding match for Prince. She knew when to dribble, when to pass, and even when to shoot. Created plenty of opportunities for her teammates but they couldn’t get them on frame. Had a few key dribbles where she took on 2 or 3 players and came out of it still obtaining possession. Brilliant day for Prince!

 

Sabrina D’Angelo (North Carolina Courage)
Rating: 8/10
She played a full 90 and kept a clean sheet. Was not called upon very often in the match, but she did make a few good saves. A normal day for her.

Shelina Zadorsky (Orlando Pride)
Rating: 8/10
Great play out of the back for Zadorsky, kept the Seattle attack locked down as well as giving Orlando a boost on the offensive side too. She did cover well when the outside backs got higher up the pitch, didn’t let anything get past her. Decent game from her.

Diana Matheson (Utah Royals)
Rating: 7/10
Not the usual performance from Matheson, but it was decent. Passed the ball well and knew when to go at defenses or calm the play down and pass it back. Got subbed out in the second half. She just didn’t make the impact she usually does.

Desiree Scott (Utah Royals)
Rating: 8.5/10
Scott is always so calm on the ball, she’s able to hold up the ball for Utah which they certainly needed. She did well to compensate for getting played the ball when her teammates weren’t open to receiving the ball. She did have the turnover that led to the Portland goal, but again that was due to her teammates not being open.

Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns)
Rating: 9/10
Got an assist that got Portland the point away from home. She was able to hold the ball in the attack and play make after calming down the play. She was all over the pitch for Portland, dropped back in the midfield at times, then she’d be making runs in behind. Great energy!

 

The Japanese:

Yuki Nagasato (Chicago Red Stars)
Rating: 7/10
Nagasato played in a lower role than what she usually plays. She didn’t have quite the impact she usually does, probably due to being in a new position. If she was to be played at striker with Sam Kerr, they’d likely produce some lovely football.

Rumi Utsugi (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 9/10
Phenomenal game for Utsugi, she kept the ball for Seattle and allowed players to get forward. She was strong on the ball and confident. Utsugi had a great opportunity when the ball dropped perfectly for her off a cross, she hit it with the outside of her foot forcing a great save from Ashlyn Harris. She stamped her spot in a Seattle midfield with lots of depth.

Nahomi Kawasumi (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 8.5/10
Kawasumi always provides a great presence out wide and tonight she showed us that. She was unpredictable in her services. She’d play a lobbed cross, then she’d play a driven ground ball across which really asked a lot of Orlando’s defense to stop them. Great game for Naho.

The South Africans:

Janine Van Wyk (Houston Dash)
Rating: 9/10
A vital player in Houston’s backline, she blocked several shots that would’ve hit the back of the net if she wasn’t there to intervene. Provided cover for her teammates, as well as performing outstandingly in her own area. Amazing performance from Van Wyk.

Linda Motlhalo (Houston Dash)
Rating: 7/10
Started for Houston but taken off in the second half due to an apparent injury. She was the box to box midfielder today, she was found in the attack several times while also covering back in Houston’s own 18. Motlhalo plays way beyond her years. In my opinion she’s Houston’s best midfielder. She’s only going to get better from here!

The English:

Rachel Daly (Houston Dash)
Rating: 8.5/10
Excellent work as always from Daly, she plays extremely well wherever she’s needed. She looked very comfortable today, had some nice dribbles as well as great defensive moments.

Jodie Taylor (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 7/10
Great opportunity missed. It was a clear shot on goal inside the 6-yard box, she got it on target but not enough power or placement, Harris got an easy save. Other than that she didn’t have much support in the attack so she had a tall task to do. She’s had better games.

The New Zealanders:

Abby Erceg (North Carolina Courage)
Rating: 6.5/10
Not Erceg’s best day on the pitch. Had several times she was beaten, and her teammates had to recover for her. Not a standout in today’s match, but hopefully she will return to her usual form next week.

 

The Irish:

Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage)
Rating: 9/10
O’Sullivan had quite a game. She was the link between the defense and the attack, which created lots of opportunities for North Carolina. Her ability to transition so quickly is something special. She had a few shots on target that she could’ve done better with, but other than that she was top quality.

The Nigerian: 

Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit)
Rating: 7.5/10
She scored a goal early in the game, due to her pace allowing her to get in front of the defender at the back post when the ball was played to her, and she tapped it in. She hustles day in and day out. Her pace is something Washington could definitely utilize in the long run. Other than that, she created some opportunities and got a few more shots off.

 

The Welsh:

Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 8/10
Also missed a great opportunity, she was in on goal with only Harris to beat and she put it over the bar. She did have a heck of a game in the midfield though. Lots of pressure on her but she was calm and composed on the ball. Had to exit early due to a hard knock on her leg, but hopefully, it’s not too serious.

The Dane:

Theresa Nielsen (Seattle Reign)
Rating: 7/10
Nielsen was subbed in way late in the game so she didn’t get a lot of touches. But the few she did have were completed passes. Didn’t get enough playing time to write more about.

The Norwegian:

Elise Thorsnes (Utah Royals)
Rating: 9/10
Outstanding game! Brilliant footwork and pace to get behind Portland’s backline. One instance in the game she had 2 defenders on her and she got out of the challenge with a brilliant move and got a cross off. An impact player for sure if they can feed her the ball more, but she made the most of her opportunities when she got them.

The Icelandic:

Gunny Jonsdottir (Utah Royals)
Rating: 9.5/10
The energy Gunny brings to a game is a thing of beauty. She is a pure box to box midfielder. You’d see her in the opposing box to get on the end of a cross, then back in her own box to block a cross. She really put in the work this game and it sometimes goes unrecognized. She’s a good passer on top of all that, and she’s a link up player so when she gets the ball you know she’s going to do something with it! She’s in top form right now!

The Swiss:

Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (Portland Thorns)
Rating: 8/10
Only played in the first half for Portland, but she had bright moments. She didn’t receive the ball as much as she should, being the quality player she is. As Portland get all their starters in I’m sure she will get the ball more. But she did do well when she got on the ball, like the brilliant backheel pass to Sinclair!

The Scottish:

Rachel Corsie (Utah Royals)
Rating: 9/10
Solid performance from Corsie, solid passing and defending, all you ask from a defender. She goes unnoticed most of the time but she is a brilliant player. She makes defending look easy with the way she goes about her tackles and just everything she does. Consistent player!

QuickCap: Week Five is Alive

Posted on by RJ Allen

Houston 0-2 North Carolina
0-3-2/5-0-1

In the 132nd Mewis Derby (caused, not by longevity, but by Kristie Mewis playing for 15 teams per season), North Carolina prevailed. Crystal A. Dunn scored at 3’ with an assist to Jessica McDonald and at 3’ into the second half (48’) Kristen Hamilton scored with an assist from former Dash castoff Denise O’Sullivan. Samantha Mewis came on as a sub at 61’, working back cautiously from injury in a way that is so totally not normal for USWNT/NWSL stars, and Debhina made her return (which is unfortunately still less newsworthy than her departure) at 62’. Kristie Mewis led the Dash in shots, playing from the defender role, which may also tie with the 64% Courage possession stat to give the tale of this game.

Washington 1-1 Chicago
1-2-2/2-1-3

GK Aubrey Bledsoe, despite last week’s game, returned to Platinum Glove contention with some quality work to preserve a tie. Francesca Ordega continued the early-in-the-half trend from the afternoon game with a 4’ marker (Pugh Pugh Pugh assist) and Chicago’s leading scorer Alyssa Mautz equalized in the twentieth minute. Mautz ended the day with a yellow at 86’ but no assist so no McCall Zerboni hat trick for her, but a good effort. The biggest Chicago news was the returns, with Sam Kerr starting after returning from a backpacking tour of Asia to find herself and Julie Ertz finally coming back from the Superbowl parade to enter at 74’. Kerr makes the box score for a yellow at 90+1’ but did not rain fire upon the unsuspecting Spirit.

Orlando 1-1 Seattle
1-2-2/2-1-1

Maybe Seattle can sign Rachel Rapinoe and a bottle of bleach to fake the rest of the team into scoring some goals. Allie Long scored at 33’ from Megan Oyster for Seattle and that held up until Marta did a Marta-level play off a set piece at 61’. Michele Betos earned a yellow at 89’ and I’m so glad she’s back in the league with her combination of skill and attitude. Emily Van Egmond returned from six months in a Tibetan monastery with a 46’ entry for her Orlando season debut, both teams had five SOG and, overall, this one surprised no one.

Utah 1-1 Portland
0-1-4/2-1-2

From the warm and accepting shores of Utah, we feature Amy Rodriguez scoring at 53’ after her first start of the season and Tobin Heath coming in at 57’ to tie the game at 67’ with a Sinclair assist. Midge Purce took a yellow card like some kind of common Yalie ruffian, which will no doubt be discussed (quietly, out of the presence of the servants) at Harvard this coming week. Portland started GK Britt Eckerstrom again, with Franch injured, and Utah had key saves from Becky Sauerbrunn, who is probably about five minutes from either going to Portland to work at Powell’s or dribbling the entire length of the field to set up her own goals.

Sky Blue did not play, because the other kids took their ball and went home.

Hot or Not: Week Five NWSL Powers Rankings

Posted on by RJ Allen

Warning:

This power ranking is not reactionary.

This power ranking takes outside factors like weather and injuries into account.

It has bias—yours when you read it and mine when I wrote it.

Enjoy it.

It will soon change.

Ranking note: With so many draws this week it was difficult to move teams all that much. As the season progresses we’ll see more movement.

QuickLook Week 5: Internationals Ahoy

Posted on by RJ Allen

Houston Dash v North Carolina Courage
0-2-2/4-0-1
3:30 PM EST
In the Lifetime Game of the Week, Houston GK Jane Campbell faces off against the league’s most potent offense, an eight-headed monster of variable scoring options (McCall Zerboni, Crystal Dunn and Jessica McDonald all have two goals, while Debhina, Lynn Williams and last week’s GOTW Merritt Mathias all have 1.) Houston hasn’t scored since their first game of the season, but will have former Golden Boot Kealia Ohai back for regular duty, who should help Nichelle Prince spread the defense’s attention.

Washington Spirit v Chicago Red Stars
1-2-1/2-1-2
7:00 PM EST
Washington GK Aubrey Bledsoe has twice as many saves as the #2 on the list. She’s been having a good year, but probably would appreciate either some defensive help or the team’s weighty roster of offensive stars to begin producing. Mallory Pugh and Francesca Ordega both have marked two goals for the Spirit, but the team hasn’t played to potential. Chicago’s Sofia Huerta is the current POTW and, in the ongoing absence of Julie Ertz, Casey Short, and Stephanie McCaffrey (at least from regular duty) there may be a slight bump when last year’s MVP Samantha Kerr, fresh from international duty, makes her Chicago debut.

Orlando Pride v Seattle Reign FC
1-2-1/2-1-0
7:30 PM EST
Orlando earned their first win of the season last week against an underpowered Dash. This week they host playoff contender Seattle. Orlando, even counting Kerr in Chicago, may get the most bump from returning internationals to fill in an unproductive midfield. Sydney Leroux has been running wild as a holding striker, playing a two-way game that often gets her pulled too far out. Seattle’s Jess Fishlock is always dangerous, and with Megan Rapinoe out, they’ll need her to be at the top of her game to put pressure on a physical Orlando defense. Their pace could be the doom of Orlando in this one.

Utah Royals FC v Portland Thorns FC
0-1-3/2-1-1
9:00 PM EST
Utah’s draw-heavy record shows what a defense alone will get you in today’s NWSL. They’ve lacked any counter to the inevitable goal every team will give up on occasion, especially in the year of post-Breakers loaded rosters. Portland looks like the most well-rounded team again this year, with solid players everywhere on the field and Christine Sinclair leading the league in goals (4). They will give up goals, but they’ll also score them. Coach Laura Harvey said Utah GK Abby Smith is her #1, but Smith might be willing to share with Nicole Barnhart as this one winds along. Portland should have the rest of their internationals back. Utah will once again rely on the passing game trying to spring a speedy forward and eventually Becky Saurebrunn will carry the ball ¾ of the field and make us wonder why she doesn’t try that more, but it’s an uphill battle for Utah unless someone can score.

Come What May: 5 Matches to Watch Next Month

Posted on by RJ Allen

April is coming to an end, my friends. And the first full month of NWSL action has not disappointed. We had some unlikely draws, a few sparks of magic, and an excessive amount of PKs in my opinion. Yes, April was a fine month, but looking ahead to May should get us all very excited as well. So this week I have outlined five matches coming up next month that you should tune in and watch. I challenged all you lovely NWSL fans earlier in the season to watch a game that you had no stake in. Most likely, one of these will fit that bill. So sit back, relax, and let’s see what we have to look forward to in the upcoming month.

  1. May 5: Seattle Reign FC at Portland Thorns

            Who doesn’t like to celebrate their Cinco de Mayo with a rivalry game? This match, held at Providence Park, is the Lifetime game of the week, being played at 3:30 ET. Seattle and Portland have a long history of confrontation, and probably the most well known rivalry in the league. Because of their close proximity, it is almost impossible for the two teams to not form a bit of gamesmanship between each other. And the fans? Oh, they love to talk a little smack to the opposing side. So get ready to see a packed house that may get a little loud and unruly. Also, this will be the first time Allie Long will be back in Providence Park since being traded to Seattle for the rights of Australian international, Caitlin Foord. How will her welcome back be? Tune in to see.

  1. May 5: Houston Dash at Sky Blue FC

            Once you are done with the Seattle/Portland match on the 5th, take another shot of tequila and turn your attention to go90 to watch what I am affectionately calling ‘The Battle at the Bottom.’ The Houston Dash travel to New Jersey to see if they can get the win over their former teammate, Carli Lloyd, and the women of Sky Blue. These two teams are currently camped out at the bottom of the table and definitely still have some kinks to work out. Both will undoubtedly be looking to have this game change their momentum and get them back to their winning ways.

  1. May 9: Orlando Pride at Utah Royals FC

            One thing is probably certain in this world. Utah, and Becky Sauerbrunn’s face, cannot wait to have a rematch against Orlando on May 9. After their season opener, which ended in a draw, and a very controversial hand ball call, Utah is looking to set the record straight and take their three points from the Pride. Orlando, on the other hand, is looking to gain some momentum with a full roster, including the Brazilian and Australian internationals they have been missing as of late.

  1. May 19: Chicago Red Stars at Seattle Reign FC

            Seattle has been looking good lately as a team. They look solid. And with the assistance of Megan Rapinoe, they are extremely creative with the ball. But what happens when that creativity is up against the likes of a dynamic offense that is looking to show what their offseason acquisition, Sam Kerr, can do? Well, the result could be exhilarating to behold. I am recommending this game as one to watch for the month of May because it will potentially give the viewers some great things to cheer for—fantastic midfield work, quick transitional attacks, and two of the greatest finishers currently playing the game. What wouldn’t a soccer fan like about this match?

  1. May 30: North Carolina Courage at Portland Thorns

            Rounding out the month we have a fantastic grudge match. A redo of week one, and of the 2017 NWSL Championship. The Thorns got to hang the banner after the final, but the Courage took the first match between the two this season. So what happens when the Courage travel to Providence Park? Does the momentum swing back in Portland’s favor? We can’t know for sure, but one thing we can probably bank on is that there is going to be a lot of heated physical play from the two teams, and a lot of world-class soccer on display. Is there a better way to end the month? I don’t think so.

So there you have it, my friends—five matches you should check out next month. No matter who you cheer for, these matches should be entertaining to watch. And who knows, you may just find yourself on the edge of your seat, shouting at your television over a couple teams that aren’t necessarily your favorite. But don’t worry, it doesn’t make you any less of a fan for your own team.

The NWSL Podium: Top Performances of Week 4

Posted on by RJ Allen

The NWSL: Top Performances is a weekly series looking at the top three goalkeeping, defensive, and attacking performances each week. Week four of the NWSL was full of tight matchups, with only one match ending by more than a one goal differential. Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher, and Sabrina D’Angelo each added another clean sheet to their seasons, while North Carolina Courage and Sky Blue FC found late equalizers in their weekend matchups. In total, there were six games in week four, with a total of 13 goals scored.

These were the week four matches:

North Carolina Courage vs. Seattle Reign (1-0)

Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash (3-0)

Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit (1-1)

North Carolina Courage vs. Utah Royals (2-2)

Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue (1-1)

Orlando Pride vs. Houston Dash (1-0)

Top Three Goalkeepers:

  1. Alyssa Naeher— A late goal from Savannah McCaskill stopped Naeher from getting a clean sheet in both her matches this week, but her performances proved why she is one of the best goalkeepers in this league. She made three saves in the match against Sky Blue, including one that earned her an NWSL Save of the Week nomination. Naeher was ultimately unable to stop McCaskill’s shot that deflected off one of her defenders, but her saves in the second-half of the match against Sky Blue may have kept her team from dropping more points.
  2. Abby Smith— Smith made some questionable decisions in Utah’s match against the North Carolina Courage, but she was ultimately able to make up for it with some fantastic saves. In the 48th minute, Smith came out to take a free kick near midfield. The ball was intercepted by North Carolina, and Smith had to run back to her net and blocked a shot from Jessica McDonald. Ten minutes later, Smith had another brilliant save off a strong shot from Kristen Hamilton. A costly mistake towards the end of the game led to a goal from Crystal Dunn and a draw for the Royals, but Smith definitely had many strong moments in this match.
  3. Aubrey Bledsoe—Bledsoe had a few good moments in Friday night’s match against the Portland Thorns, but it was her penalty save in the 87th minute that earns her the number three slot this week. When going after the ball, Bledsoe slid into Emily Sonnett and the referee awarded Sonnett a penalty kick. Bledsoe had already allowed a penalty by Christine Sinclair earlier in the game, but this time Bledsoe saved the shot off her foot and helped her team earn a point on the road.

Top Three Defenders: 

  1. Taylor Comeau— Comeau played the full 90 minutes in both matches for the Chicago Red Stars this week.  She played a critical role in those two matches, shutting down offensive chances for both Houston and Sky Blue. Her best moment of the week came towards the end of the match against the Houston Dash, when she slid to stop Nichelle Prince from going one-on-one against Naeher.
  2. Estelle Johnson—The Portland Thorns are not an easy offense to keep at bay, but the Washington Spirit sent the message early on that they weren’t going to let the Thorns run away with this match. Johnson played a critical role in getting that point across when she made a massive stop in the 12th minute. Ifeoma Onumonu made a run down the pitch, but Johnson chased her down and made an excellent slide tackle that stripped Onumonu of the ball. The Spirit defense wasn’t perfect that match, but they did shut down the likes of Lindsey Horan and Christine Sinclair.
  3. Erica Skroski—In the 48th minute of Sky Blue’s match against Chicago, the Red Stars had an opportunity to go up 2-0. Michele Vasconcelos tried to break away with the ball, looking to go one-on-one with Kailen Sheridan, but a nice slide tackle from Skroski kept Vasconcelos from taking her shot.

Top Three Attackers:

  1. Merritt Mathias—Mathias’s goal for the North Carolina Courage in the match against the Utah Royals was enough to make SportsCenter’s Top 10. In the sixth minute of the match, Mathias opened up scoring with a beautiful shot from about 30 yards out. After a corner kick was cleared out of the 18-yard box, the ball rolled to Mathias’ feet and she launched the ball into the top corner. The goal was the best offensive play of the week, and set the Courage up for a draw against the Utah Royals.
  2. Sofia Huerta—Huerta also played the full 90 minutes of both matches for the Chicago Red Stars this week and walked away with two goals and ten total shots on goal. Her goal in the 6th minute of the match against Sky Blue was a beauty. She launched her shot from outside the 18-yard box and beat Kailen Sheridan at the far post. Her goal against the Houston Dash in the 74th minute sealed their victory and gave her some satisfaction after multiple close shots.
  3. Savannah McCaskill— McCaskill scored her first NWSL goal over the weekend and it came at a critical time. Chicago went up 1-0 early in that match thanks to an impressive goal from Sofia Huerta. But McCaskill equalized in the 78th minute for Sky Blue. Kaitlyn Johnson sent the ball to her just outside of the 18-yard box and she took a moment to settle the ball before taking her shot. The ball bounced off Taylor Comeau and past Alyssa Naeher. It was McCaskill’s first goal in her NWSL career and the first goal for Sky Blue FC this season.

 

 

NWSL QuickCap 4: It’s Been a Long Week

Posted on by RJ Allen

North Carolina 1-0 Seattle
4-0-0/2-1-0

North Carolina has a 4-0-0 record and seven goals and I’m still inclined to discuss underperformance. Four goals came when needed against a scoring Spirit team, but the other three have been one-goal games, with two of those being late and very late by undervalued Jessica McDonald. Now they’ve handed Seattle their first loss (2-1-0) to stand atop the table. In the first of their games this week, Sam Mewis returned to action, and Abby Dahlkemper’s consecutive minutes streak, stretching back to Ye Olde Women’s League of 1865 came to an end.

Seattle were a blasé pinot gris without Megan Rapinoe. They had chances by Yanez and Dallstream, but couldn’t solve the backline of Erceg and rookie Kaleigh “Colonel” Kurtz, much less goalkeeper Sabrina DeAngelo. Kristen Hamilton had an assist and a yellow, which is a goal short of the McCall Zerboni Hat Trick. Michele Betos had four saves for Seattle.

Chicago 3-0 Houston
2-1-1/0-1-2

I was prepared to write that Chicago has been anemic, but Stephanie McCaffrey’s return might be a needed boost. Once again she was a late-game sub, plus the Red Stars scored two and benefited from an early own goal, and my predictive powers are, as that more popular pundit show says, suboptimal. In the seventh minute, Kristie Mewis beat her own keeper. Four disorganized minutes later, Lauren Kaskie put the Red Stars up two, and last remaining flagship star Sofia Huerta made it 3-0 in the 74th minute on a Colaprico assist. Each team has two yellows, so at least Houston is keeping pace in one category, but no shots on goal is a scary stat for them. The odd part is this was their first loss, 0-1-2, while Chicago rises to 2-1-1.

Portland 1-1 Washington
2-1-1/1-1-2

The stan review: Tobin’s back. Squuuuuueeeeeeeee.

The official review: Britt Eckerstrom started in net with Franch on the injury list. The first Washington goal, credited to Francisca Ordega (37′), involved roughly 45 Thorns players standing in the box staring at an errant deflection until it ended in the net. The Thorns tied it in first-half stoppage time on a Christine Sinclair PK following a Caprice Dydasco foul on Ifeoma Onumonu, who was a pressuring presence most of the game. Midge (I’m so old I can remember when she was “Margaret”) Purce was a constant threat on the outside for the Thorns, but their plans never played out. Washington keeper Aubrey Bledsoe saved a PK by Lindsay Horan later in the game to cement her credentials as “former backup.” Emily Sonnett is probably still yelling.

North Carolina 2-2 Utah
4-0-1/0-1-3

The goalkeeper howlers in this game defy my limited ability to report. Wait for your coach to play this game as a tutorial in how not to defend if you’d like. In the sixth minute, Merritt Mathias scored on a legit strike from somewhere near downtown Chapel Hill. That ended the reputable goals portion of this game. Utah tied it in the 52nd (Katie Stengel), pulled ahead in the 66th (Brittany Ratcliffe, who also had a yellow card on her McCall Zerboni Hat Trick attempt), and Crystal Alyssia Dunn tied it in the 80th. Seriously, though…if I’m relying on the NWSL website to report players how they would like to be reported, there needs to be some attention to the site using the right names. Apparently, Crystal Dunn has decided to use her middle name and the Brazilians have all added to their names. In less ranty news, Samantha Mewis returned for North Carolina after a long injury layoff, Abby Dahlkemper had a pregame profile that made me scared of toe injuries and both keepers will remain unnamed for their protection.

Chicago 1-1 Sky Blue Football Club of New Jersey
2-1-2/0-2-1

It’s major news that Sky Blue got their first point of the season and it’s utterly confusing how Chicago, coming off a 3-0 win and with Sofia Huerta scoring in the first minute ,ended up tying. Savannah McCaskill scored for SBFCNJ in the 78th minute, assisted by Katlyn Johnson who may or may not be the Mexican national mainstay Katie Johnson, given the similarity of the NWSL website rosters to Witness Protection portfolios. Chicago’s Alyssa Mautz continued her playmaking streak, assisting on Huerta’s goal. CSI:SBFCNJ:SUV midfielder Carli Lloyd gets unofficial credit for drawing attention away from McCaskill, freeing her for the shot. Alyssa Naeher had three saves for Chicago and Kailen Sheridan saved five for Sky Blue.

Orlando 1-0 Houston
1-2-1/0-2-2

Orlando gets their first win of the season on a 65th-minute Chioma Ubogagu header off a Christine Nairn free kick. Orlando pressured hard all game, pushing the ball forward to the waiting Alex Morgan or a hard-running two way Sydney Leroux. Orlando repeatedly pressed Kristie Mewis’s side without success, which was okay by me as that’s where I sat in the first half. Houston keeper Jane Campbell had a strong save on Ali Krieger late in the second off a corner kick. In returning player news, Kealia Ohai made her season debut for the last thirty, shaking free from a tight checking defense a couple of times, but not connecting on any chances.