NWSL: Week 2 Preview

After an exciting opening weekend, the National Women’s Soccer League features more exciting matchups in week two.

Marta s set to make her debut and the North Carolina Courage host their inaugural match. This and more in the NWSL week two preview.

Orlando Pride vs. Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are set to host their first match at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday afternoon. They will be in search of their first points of the season after dropping their opener to the Portland Thorns. Their opponents will also be hoping for points, as they also fell in their opening fixture.

New arrival, Marta, will make her debut for the Pride on Saturday as the Brazilian superstar will be a much-needed addition to the midfield. The club was weak in the middle of the park last weekend, and unable to provide adequate support up top. She has the ability to completely transform this club.

https://twitter.com/ORLPride/status/855443415231860736

The Washington Spirit were poor offensively in their debut despite controlling possession. Their new look roster took a hit this week when it was announced midfielder Joanna Lohman tore her ACL.

If the Pride can take advantage of their opportunities then they should be the favorites to win this contest.

How to Watch: Lifetime

Chicago Red Stars vs. FC Kansas City

The other Saturday afternoon clash will pit the two midwest clubs against each other as FC Kansas City look to build off their 2-0 shutout win in week one. Kansas City received goals from Sydney Leroux and Amy Rodriguez, who were both making their returns to the NWSL after taking last year off. Unfortunately, it was announced this week that Rodriguez will be out for the season with a torn ACL.

A tough loss for Kansas City in the midfield that will be hard to cope with. Britanny Ratcliffe came on as a substitute for Rodriguez last weekend and should be the replacement for her on Saturday.

It was a tough start to the season for the Chicago Red Stars as they were shutout 2-0 by the Houston Dash last Saturday. The scoreline doesn’t represent how close it actually was as the Red Stars did play well at times and both of the Dash’s goals were top class finishes.

Red Stars striker Christen Press is capable of making a big impact on this match and it will be an interesting battle between her and Leroux for who can come up with a breakthrough goal.

How to Watch: go90

North Carolina FC vs. Portland Thorns FC

North Carolina FC will play their inaugural match at home on Saturday as they welcome the star-studded Portland Thorns. Both clubs opened their seasons with victories in week one and looked fantastic on offense.

This will be a good test for the Thorns early on as they look to replicate their season from 2016 where they were one of the best clubs on the road. North Carolina had a formidable defense in week one as they did not allow a shot on goal.

The midfield may be where the Thorns get their advantage from as they shined against the Pride at home last weekend. Up top, Nadia Nadim and Christine Sinclair are two players who can devastate any backline in the NWSL. Thus, the Thorns have to be the favorites going into Saturday night’s match.

How to Watch: go90

Seattle Reign vs. Houston Dash

It will be a fitting end to Saturday’s action as the Houston Dash look to end their losing streak to the Seattle Reign. The Texas club has never beaten the Reign in the NWSL and look able enough to do so after a strong performance in week one. Kealia Ohai and Rachel Daly both netted goals in a 2-0 win and are looking like a dangerous duo to watch in 2017.

The Reign earned a point from their opening match and saw Megan Rapinoe open her goal account with a successful spot kick conversion. Defensively, they are led by Lauren Barnes who was the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2016. Barnes will have to a have a big match in order to slow the potent Dash attack.

Expect this one to be a close match as it could very well come down to the wire. However, if the Dash offense is allowed space then they are very capable of producing a similar result as last week.

Next: NWSL Power Rankings: Week 1

Boston Breakers vs. Sky Blue

An east coast battle between the Boston Breakers and Sky Blue will bring a close to the week two action. Sky Blue will be looking for their fourth consecutive victory against the Breakers, with the New Jersey club won both meetings last season by a one-goal margin.

The Breakers have a talented young player in Rose Lavelle, who will be making her home debut on Sunday. She was very active in the club’s opening match and should be one to watch for this week as well.

Sarah Killion scored the lone goal for Sky Blue in their 1-1 draw against the Reign. They should be the favorites in this one, as they return most of their roster to the 2017 season. This could be a massive result for them early on.

How to Watch: go90