Editorial – The month of March saw the opening of a new, sixth season for the NWSL.<\/p>\n
After only two weeks of action in March, the NWSL is preparing for a hectic April. Teams will take the upcoming weekend off due to international matches in the United States and abroad.<\/p>\n
However, clubs still hold practices, as not all players are featuring for their respective national teams.<\/p>\n
That gives players, coaches, and staff time to review what happened in the second weekend of NWSL action.<\/p>\n
Here are four takeaways from the four matches.<\/p>\n
Ashley Hatch did exactly what was done against her side, the Washington Spirit, by Megan Rapinoe a week ago.<\/p>\n
In Seattle’s Week 1 victory over Washington<\/a>, Rapinoe had a goal and an assist. The tallies got her NWSL Player of the Week honors.<\/p>\n This week, Hatch did the same thing<\/a>, assisting Mallory Pugh in the 80th minute and scoring in the 88th minute. However, it wasn’t Hatch that won the Player of the Week honors.<\/p>\n Instead, it was Pugh.<\/p>\n This is where the popularity comes into play. Voters know Pugh’s name far more than Hatch, as Pugh is a regular member of the U.S. Women’s National Team.<\/p>\n This is not to take away from Pugh, either. She is a fantastic, young talent. However, Hatch did more to garner the award over her teammate.<\/p>\n Either way, Washington, and Head Coach Jim Gabarra, have to be pleased about taking down a veteran Orlando Pride squad.<\/p>\n 1\ufe0f\u20e3 goal, 1\ufe0f\u20e3 assist for @ash_hatch33<\/a> in her Home Debut at the Plex!#NWSLonLIFETIME<\/a> \/\/ #WeWill<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rb4dZchs7e<\/a><\/p>\n — Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) April 1, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n