It was a shorter than normal weekend in NWSL. There were just four games played on Friday and Saturday after a midweek game on Wednesday between Houston and Gotham FC. However there was still plenty of scoring and a continuation of dominance two unbeaten streaks extended from both Kansas City and Orlando.
NWSL Weekend Review: Orlando, KC Current Unbeaten Streak Extended
Friday
Kansas City Current 1 – Angel City FC 1
Friday’s lone matchup saw the team from Los Angeles make a trip to Kansas City to face the Current. Kansas City came into the match on a 10 game unbeaten run that started back in May. Meanwhile Angel City were just two points behind sixth place Chicago Red Stars in the last occupied playoff spot. The match remained scoreless well in to the second half. Even with a flurry of chances from a dominant Kansas City side. However, in the 78 minute Angel City struck fist. An Ali Riley cross found the head of Carli R0ccaro to make it 1-0. Just two minutes later though, the Current earned a free kick after Lo’eau LaBonta was tripped in the box. LaBonta took the penalty and was able to even the score at 1-1. The match would end in a draw extending Kansas City’s unbeaten streak and leaving Angel City stagnant in the standings.
📼 An exciting showdown in front of a record crowd 📼#KCvLA presented by @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/aA3qRU4t6o
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2022
Saturday
North Carolina Courage 4 – Chicago Red Stars 0
The Courage came into their match against the Red Stars in Last place on just 10 points. So it was somewhat shocking to see them dominate Chicago with such authority. Just 10 minutes in North Carolina went up 1-0 with a Dianna Rosario Ordonez goal. Although Chicago had there fair share of chances, they were not as efficient and accurate as the home side. The Courage added three more second half goals. A solo goal from Fuka Nagano in the 64 minute. Another Dianna Rosario Ordonez goal off a Nagano assist. And finally an 88 minute goal from Rylee Baisden to seal a statement home win for the Courage. With multiple games in hand, North Carolina was able to make the most of the opportunity. They moved up two sports to tenth in the standings. And, they are now ten points behind the Red Stars who are just above the playoff line.
📼 A 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞ous display by @TheNCCourage 📼#NCvCHI presented by @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/mIF5hSQ3Jb
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 21, 2022
NJ/NY Gotham FC 1 – Orlando Pride 2
Orlando was still riding high off the high of a six match unbeaten streak entering Saturday night. They took on a team going the opposite direction in Gotham FC. Gotham was looking to get their first result since the firing of their head coach this month. It wasn’t until the second half when the goals stated in the match. In the 49 minute, Orlando’s Celia made it 1-0 going after a loose ball in the box. Later on, recent acquisition Ally Watt was subbed in for her Pride debut. Then in the 73 minute, Watt extended the lead with a goal to make it 2-0. Gotham responded quickly when US International Kristie Mewis headed in a 75 minute goal. But it turned out to be to little to late. The Pride extended the unbeaten run to seven while Gotham moved to the bottom of the standings.
📼 An even battle 'til the end 📼#NJNYvORL presented by @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/kmoxo7N2BS
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 21, 2022
San Diego Wave FC 3 – Houston Dash 1
The final match of the weekend was a battle between two top teams in San Diego. Early on both teams traded blows in the form of goals. Things started off with a goal from Houston’s Ebony Salmon in the 7 minute. This was followed in the 14 minute with a solo effort by San Diego’s Alex Morgan to equalize. In the second half, the home team took full control of the match. Amirah Ali put in a ball from Morgan to give the wave a 2-1 lead in the 67 minute. By the 90 minute any hope of a Dash comeback were put to rest after a goal from Swedish international Sofia Jakobsson making it a final of 3-1. With a win, the Wave jumped into second place above Houston on points difference.
📼 Closing out the chapter at Torero 📼#SDvHOU presented by @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/hOe85hL2h4
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 21, 2022
Where to Watch Next Week’s Matches
Next week starts off with a Wednesday night match between North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns FC at 7:00 PM ET on Paramount+. Things continue on Friday with Orlando Pride vs OL Reign at 7:00 PM ET on Paramount+. Then there is a triple header on Paramount+. First its Racing Louisville FC vs Chicago Red Stars at 7:30 PM ET. Then its Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit at 8:30 PM ET. Finally its Portland Thorns FC vs San Diego Wave FC at 10:30 PM ET. Sunday starts at 5:00 PM ET on Paramount+ with NJ/NY Gotham FC vs Angel City FC. Then things wrap up with Kansas City Current vs North Carolina Courage at 7:00 PM ET on Twitch.
