Full slate of games on tap this weekend as all teams are back in action this weekend in week four of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Four games on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Saturday, May 7
Boston Breakers vs. Chicago Red Stars
What to Watch For
Boston lost last week, but the Breakers took a step forward. They didn’t allow a goal in the first 10 minutes of the game — as happened in their first two matches. The issue hasn’t really been on the defense; the offense is absolutely nowhere to be seen. Will Boston tally its first goal this week? To be fair, Chicago hasn’t been particularly inspiring with their performances thus far, but their defense has held for two shutouts in a row. My gut feeling is this one ends 0-0.
Player to Watch
Kristie Mewis. Mewis has just two shots on goal so far this season. For a player who is supposed to be a key part of Boston’s offense, it isn’t good enough. Mewis has been invisible in a couple of games. This game is a good chance for Mewis and the Breakers to come out with a lot of energy and maybe steal three points. I hope Mewis makes it happen.
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC
What to Watch For
Does the Spirit offense just keep rolling? This is their first big challenge of the season, as Portland’s defense has done the job so far this year. That being said, the Thorns haven’t exactly blown the doors off yet, and haven’t been the electrifying team many expected. If Portland can deal Washington its first loss, it starts a nice winning streak for the Thorns oing forward. If Washington can stay undefeated, it’s a massive statement-win early on in the NWSL season, and could put doubt into the minds of those who write off the Spirit’s 3-0 start as a fluke.
Player to Watch
Katie Stengel. Stengel was moved to the bench last game in favor of rookie Cheyna Williams. Should Stengel get minutes this game, she’ll need to make the most of them. Once she gets that elusive first goal, the rest will start pouring through, and she’ll reclaim her starting spot.
Sky Blue FC vs. Western New York Flash
What to Watch For
The Flash have yet to score a goal from the run of play, with their lone goal on the season coming from a Sam Mewis penalty kick. The Flash have the most shots of any team so far this season, though, and the second most shots on goal. They just aren’t finishing their chances, and with some goalkeeper confusion going on at Sky Blue, this is a good chance for them to break through. As for Sky Blue, their offense has slowly been disappearing since the opener, which is concerning going forward. Whoever comes out of the gates to finish their chances in this game will grab three points.
Player to Watch
Who starts in goal for Sky Blue? There’s a bit of a goalkeeping carousel happening at Sky Blue. Casey started the first two games and put in two just-fine performances. She’s then pulled for Stanley, who notches a shutout in fine fashion. Then Sky Blue signs New Zealand international Erin Nayler. From this point forward, whoever gets the starting nod each game has to take advantage of their opportunities to lock down that starting spot.
FC Kansas City vs. Houston Dash
What to Watch For
Offense disappearing seems to be a theme this season. To be fair, the Blues haven’t had offense to lose yet, but Houston has been tamed since their three-goal opener. This is a game that, by all accounts, the Dash should win. Part of being a championship contender in this league is beating the teams you’re supposed to beat. Houston has a chance to prove their playoff hopes are still legit this season with a win. As for Kansas City, it’s not exactly panic time yet, but it’s getting close. Three points would be a huge sigh of relief, and with Shea Groom coming back this week, they have a much better chance than last week.
Player to Watch
Erika Tymrak. Tymrak has been silent so far this season, and that could be worrying going forward for the Blues. She’s clearly one of the most creative players on a team lacking just that, but she has yet to put that on display. Tymrak has no shots on goal this season, and just one shot. If Kansas City wants to turn around its fortunes, a great performance from Tymrak is a key part.
Sunday, May 9
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC
What to Watch For
Extremely small sample size, but the early line shows Orlando to be good at home and struggle on the road. This match is a big chance for them to prove that theory true. Teams are surely licking at the chops to grab points against Seattle while they aren’t at full strength, and this of course is a chance for the Pride to do just that. The Reign didn’t seem too overwhelmed against Kansas City last week, but too be fair, the Blues are missing a creative piece and it was a bit surprising to see the Reign just come away with one goal. A loss this week will be telling of what to expect while key players are missing.
Player to Watch
Lianne Sanderson. Sanderson didn’t record a single shot on goal, or shot in general, in her first start of the season at Chicago. With Fishlock out of the midfield for Seattle, this is a big chance for Sanderson to take control of this game. She’ll still have to deal with Winters, but I expect more flair from her this week.