NWSL: Week 4 Preview

The North Carolina Courage will look to make it four in a row and the west coast rivalry takes center stage on Saturday night. This and more in the National Women’s Soccer League week four preview.

Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash

The Chicago Red Stars return home in search of another three points after winning their home opener in week two. They fell for the second time on the road last weekend, struggling offensively. Their only goal this season as come from defender Julie Ertz.

After a 1-0 win for the Houston Dash in week three, the Texas club recovered nicely from a 5-1 trouncing in week two. Kealia Ohai has led the club thus far in goal scoring with two. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams is undefeated in net and should get the start against the Red Stars. In 2016, the Dash defeated the Red Stars at home and earned a point from the reverse fixture on the road.

Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue hit the road after winning their home opener last weekend. The New Jersey club has taken one point from their two road fixtures this season and has only conceded twice. Sarah Killion and Raquel Rodriguez have scored the only two goals of the season.

The Spirit has dropped two matches by just one goal and is sitting near the bottom of the table with only a point. Not where last year’s finalist expected to be. Last season, the two clubs split the season series with two wins and two losses apiece in their four meetings.

Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign

It will be the first west coast rivalry meeting between these two, as the Portland Thorns look to record their seventh consecutive home win.  They got back on track after losing in the second week, taking a 1-0 win back home in week three. Nadia Nadim is off to good start as the striker has scored two goals already.

The Reign were exposed by the Boston Breakers last weekend with a 3-0 loss on the road. They will look to do better against them main rivals. Megan Rapinoe has led the club in scoring with two goals. Last season, the Reign were only one of three clubs in the NWSL to defeat the Thorns.

Boston Breakers vs. North Carolina Courage

Two of the hottest clubs in the league will meet on Sunday evening for the potential top spot in the table. The Courage has won all three of their fixtures to start off 2017, outscoring their opponents 5-1.

The Breakers have been led by Natasha Dowie, who has scored two goals, and rookie Rose Lavelle. Can the Breaker’s defense stand up to a team offensive effort from the Courage that has seen five different players score for them?

Orlando Pride were the first club to score against the Courage, who have been formidable on defense. They should be tested by the Breakers, who have surprised many after a poor season in 2016.

Next: NWSL Power Rankings: Week 2

FC Kansas City vs. Orlando Pride

After dropping two consecutive matches on the road, Kansas City will return home in search of three points. Their opponents sit bottom of the table coming into week four and have struggled to gel.

Kansas City will need to have more offensive production and continue working towards regrouping after the loss of Amy Rodriguez. The Pride has failed to find the finishing touch as they are creating chances but not putting the ball into the back of the net. Marta has been a positive influence on the club, but their defensive mistakes have been concerning.