Photo Credit: NWSL
Los Angeles, CA | April 17 | Kelly Landaverde – @kel_una
Most games this week ended up with lone goal victories.
Orlando vs Gotham FC
The pride remains winless in this Challenge cup so far. A late goal cost them the valuable three points. The Pride returned to Exploria Stadium with fans for the first time since October 12,2019. The locals did well in the first half, and during the 15 minutes of the second half. Peterson played a low cross into the Box looking for Sydney Leroux, who slid onto it, but the ball went inches wide of the post. Both took shots from outside the box later on, but neither were threatening. The best chance for the visitors was in the 11th minute. Nicole Baxter played a cross into the box, and Konya Plummer committed a hand ball in the area, and the referee awarded a penalty kick. Naiomi Kawasumi stepped up, she hit a low shot to the right of Harris, who was able to make a diving save to keep the game scoreless. Orlando’s best chance came in the 38th minute. Phoebe McClernon played a great ball to Leroux, who got behind the Gotham defense. On a one on one with Didi Haracic, ended up making a great save, and denying the purple the opening goal. However, Gotham hit them on a counter attack in the 79th minute, Ifeoma Onomonu sent in a perfect ball after a run down the right wing. Monaghan was wide open and received the ball at the back post, who just took a little tap into the net for the 0-1. Ashlyn Harris made a good effort of trying to prevent the ball from going inside, but she couldn’t stop it from happening. The pride is back in action next Wednesday against the Spirit.
Washington Spirit vs Racing Louisville
Another lone goal win from the Spirit who picked up their first win at the Audi Field. Huster broke Louisville’s defensive lines open, and she fed Rodman into space on the right. From the end line, Rodman fired a cross into the box. Thanks to a stoppage time volley goal past Betos from Ashley Sanchez in the 93rd minute. Despite that she got a touch on the ball couldn’t keep it out. Louisville were the early aggressors. But Washington was more threatening, in the second half a free kick was sent into the box and headed towards goal, but was intercepted by Michelle Bretos. At the half they already had five shots on goal, and ended the match with 18. While Racing only totaled eight shots.
Chicago Red Stars vs Thorns
A lone goal gave ‘The Thorns’ another three point consecutive second win. Morgan Weaver returned to the pitch after the red card she was issued from the opening game, it was later rescinded after a video review by the NWSL disciplinary committee. The review resulted in an extra game suspension for Edmonds. The Thorns were still without their international stars, Christine Sinclair, Lindsey Horan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sophia Smith and Crystal Dunn. Simone Charley and Parsons were serving their suspension for being red carded in the previous match as well. The Red Stars were without three starters as well: Alyssa Naeher, Julie Ertz and Tierna Davidson. Those players have already returned from international duty and are expected to be available before the Thorns’ next Challenge Cup match on Wednesday. Past that hour mark, is when Weaver made a long run into Chicago’s box, and her left foot shot beat Cassie Miller to put the Thorns ahead in the 66th minute with a spectacular finish. They notched their second win the west division of the 2021 Challenge Cup with her goal. Celeste Boureille assisted Weaver with a long ball who got around Casey Krueger. With less possession of the ball, but the ‘red thorns’ created more lethal goal chances.
OL Reign vs Houston Dash
This was the only game during this NWSL week that ended in a scoreless draw. The Reign made their season debut at home. The Reign had an 11-8 advantage in shots, including 4-3 in shots on target. This is the second game that ends in a scoreless draw for the Dash. Sofia Huerta played against her old team. Houston and Chicago are goalless in their first two matches. Houston demonstrated that they’re struggling without their stars who are on international duty. Though the Dash could welcome Rachel Daly back, along with Nichelle Prince, and Kristie Mewis, during their next match against Kansas City on April 26th. On the other hand, the Reign had strong individual performances from Leah Pruitt, Huerta on the wing, from Tziarra King and Jasmyne Spencer off the bench. Wednesday’s match against the Thorns will be a great rivalry match for the Reign, who will need to find some offense.