{"id":14502,"date":"2018-04-25T20:41:23","date_gmt":"2018-04-26T00:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14502"},"modified":"2018-04-25T23:57:28","modified_gmt":"2018-04-26T03:57:28","slug":"nwsl-week-four-takeaways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2018\/04\/25\/nwsl-week-four-takeaways\/","title":{"rendered":"NWSL Week Four Takeaways: Aubrey Bledsoe’s Big Game, Utah Royals’ Woes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editorial (April 25, 2018)<\/strong> — The North Carolina Courage have not lost their top spot in the NWSL.<\/p>\n

The Courage, after three matches in eight days, has the top spot secured. North Carolina holds 13 points, putting them above the Chicago Red Stars with eight points.<\/p>\n

Last year, North Carolina won the NWSL Supporter’s Shield. Despite having a large chunk of the NWSL season left to play, North Carolina put themselves in a great position to repeat.<\/p>\n

However, they were the only club to be victorious this weekend.<\/p>\n

Here are my four takeaways from Wednesday night’s matches and this weekend.<\/p>\n

NWSL Week Four Takeaways<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Aubrey Bledsoe’s Big Game<\/h2>\n

Aubrey Bledsoe has been a fortress for the Washington Spirit this season.<\/p>\n

Last year, there was a lot of confusion in goal. Stephanie Labbe, Didi Haracic, and Kelsey Wys rotated back and forth for Spirit Head Coach Jim Gabarra.<\/p>\n

Now, Bledsoe has cemented herself as the head goalkeeper.<\/p>\n

At Providence Park in Portland, OR, Bledsoe recorded five saves in the Spirit’s 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns<\/a>. Even more impressive, Bledsoe stopped — with her feet — a penalty kick taken by Lindsey Horan.<\/p>\n

In front of\u00a014,485 fans at Providence Park, the odds were stacked against Bledsoe. However, she came up big for Washington to deny Portland the victory — and a crucial three points.<\/p>\n

Give it to Bledsoe; she’s becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\ude4c\u00a0Give it up for @AubreyBledsoe<\/a>!
Aubrey's clutch PK stop has earned her #NWSL<\/a> Save of the Week honors!#WeWill<\/a> \/\/ #SpiritFam<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8ReySO5Wm2<\/a><\/p>\n

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) April 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n