1. Gotham FC and Portland Thorns exchange blows in potential game of the year
The matchup between Gotham FC and the Portland Thorns had a little bit of everything from red cards to goals to the return of legendary players. Midge Purce opened the scoring early for Gotham with a volley inside the penalty area in the second minute, but the match came to a halt after Emily Sonett suffered a non-contact injury to her left knee that forced her to be subbed off in the 11th minute. Gotham controlled possession,
but the Thorns scored the next two goals despite some amazing saves by Ann-Katrin Berger. Then, Sam Kerr scored for the first time for Gotham FC in nearly seven years with the equalizing goal in the 62nd minute.
Gotham continued to press on for the win even after a jersey pull by Jayden Perry as the final defender set Portland down a player, but it wasn’t enough to get through the Thorns defense resulting in points for both teams.
2. Sophia Cantore scores lone goal for Spirit
The Washington maintained their lead at the top of the NWSL table with a tough 1-0 road victory against the Washington Spirit. Denver managed to keep Washington at bay, but were not equiped to handle a to handle a golazo from outside the box by Sofia Cantore. Denver created some chances to try to equalize, but the Spirit were solid defensively to keep the three points.
3. Utah Royals offense booms for 4-1 win against North Carolina Courage
The Utah Royals managed to beat the North Carolina Courage on the road 4-1 despite having less quality shots with a smaller xG differential and conceding the majority of possession to the Courage. In the duration of the match Royals captain Kate Del Fava reached 10,000 NWSL minutes, and scored her first goal of the season with a header in only the sixth minute.
4. San Diego products score goals for Reign 2-0 road win against Wave
Two players who grew up in San Diego scored in Seattle Reign’s 2-0 road win against San Diego Wave. Both players, Jordyn Bugg and Maggie Mercado grew up playing for the youth club San Diego Surf, who now share the same grounds for their training facilities. Both goals came via the header in set pieces opportunities. Mercado scored the first following a throw-in set piece and Bugg scored the second with a header after a corner kick.
The win also marked Laura Harvey’s 100th regular season win with the Seattle Reign. Harvey also holds the record for the most wins (119) by any coach in NWSL history.
5. Houston Dash score stoppage time goal in second-straight week
Last week Dash rookie Kat Rader scored the equalizing goal in stoppage time, this week Linda Ullmark scored the game-winner in a 1-0 victory at home against Bay FC. The win keeps puts them three points out of the final playoff spot and directly in the mix alongside nearly half the league who may be fighting it out until the end of the season.
6. Racing Louisville end Angel City hot streak
Racing Louisville ended six-match winless streak with a 2-1 win on the road against Angel City FC who themselves were on a three match hot streak since returning from the midseason break. Louisville were buoyed by a brace from rookie Maja Lardner which included her first two goals as a professional.
Louisville remain in last place with only 11 points halfway through their season, but at least are showing signs of life to make the second half of the season more interesting.
7. Orlando Pride overcome missed Banda and penalty in 1-0 win against Chicago
Many NWSL teams will be missing important players with the start of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, but the Orlando Pride may be the most affected without Zambian star forward Barbra Banda. Orlando was unable to score in the first half despite earning a penalty then went until the 88th minute when Julie Doyle broke through to earn the victory.
8. Boston Legacy pull off win against KC Current despite late red card
The Kansas City Current are in similar situation as Orlando having to play without Temwa Chawinga who is away for WAFCON and only one goal behind Banda in the golden boot race. Boston continued their improved run since the midseason break and made the Current’s play look manageable. The Legacy needed only one goal in the 17th minute by Aissata Traoré following a corner kick set piece.
