NWSL Week 3 Preview

The NWSL enters the third week of the season as the North Carolina Courage find themselves alone at the top of the table coming into this weekend’s slate of action.

A few surprising results in week two revealed more about the 10 teams in the NWSL. The Courage upset the Portland Thorns at home, while the Seattle Reign routed the Houston Dash for a surprising 5-1 win. A look at this weekend’s action.

Portland Thorns vs. Chicago Red Stars

The nationally televised match of the week promises to be any exciting game as the Thorns host the Red Stars. Both sides had opposite results in week two, with the Red Stars winning and the Thorns dropping three points.

After a dominant midfield display in week one, the Thorns struggled to replicate on offense, only producing one shot on goal against the Courage. A better performance will be needed against a Red Stars side that has been playing well defensively.

Julie Ertz was a big part of the Red Stars win last weekend, the midfielder scored the lone goal for her club and also drew a penalty. Christen Press will be in search of her first goal of the season, after missing that spot kick against FC Kansas City.

Last season, the Thorns earned four points against the Red Stars, which included a win at Providence Park.

North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride

It’s been a fantastic start to the season for the Courage. The club has won their two inaugural matches in the NWSL and became the first club in NWSL history to start the season with back-to-back shutouts.

Courage goalkeeper, Sabrina D’Angelo, has recorded both clean sheets for the club and is off to the best start in her career. The Courage has received goals from Debinha and McCall Zerboni in both their wins.

The Pride has struggled in their first two matches, they were rescued by Danica Evans’ late equalizer in their 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit. Marta will make her second straight start for the club, who had one shot on goal against the Spirit.

Boston Breakers vs. Seattle Reign

After a 5-1 win in week two, the Regin will look to continue their goal scoring ways against the Breakers on the road. Five different players scored in the win over the Dash, which included Megan Rapinoe, who leads the NWSL in goal scoring with two goals in two appearances.

The Reign have never lost to the Breakers, and last season they won both matchups by a combined score of 5-0.

Rose Lavelle and Natasha Dowie led the Breakers to victory against Sky Blue FC last weekend. The club is off to a good start after they lost their three opening home matches in 2016.

Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash

The Spirit welcome the Dash on Saturday night as both clubs look to find the win column after failing to do so in week two. It will be another tough road test for the Dash, who has never won at Maryland SoccerPlex.

Last weekend, the Spirit earned a point against the Pride as Line Sigvardsen Jensen scored her first career NWSL goal.

This could be a tough match for the Dash, but games like these will be key if they hope to advance to the postseason. The Spirit won both meetings between the two last season.

Next: NWSL Power Rankings: Week 2

Sky Blue FC vs. FC Kansas City

Sky Blue host Kansas City as both clubs look to recover from their first defeats of 2017. Last season, Kansas City won the series with a win and a draw against the New Jersey club.

Sydney Leroux will be the player to watch, the American striker scored in the opening match and should be an ever present threat up top.

This will be the home opener for Sky Blue, who only won three home matches in 2016. A home victory won’t be easy, but are a priority in 2017.