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NWSL: Week 4 Roundup, Standings, and Team of the Week

By Eric Harris

Aug 16, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazil midfield Marta (10) celebrates a shootout goal during the women's semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Sweden at Maracana during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic games. Sweden won the game. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazil midfield Marta (10) celebrates a shootout goal during the women's semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Sweden at Maracana during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic games. Sweden won the game. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Separation in the standings grow after a wild and high scoring week 4.

On the production side of things, it was the least exciting weekend in NWSL. (Yay no major streaming issues!) On the field, there were fireworks all over the place. The Cascadia clash between Seattle and Portland ended in a 2-2 draw. Washington beat Sky Blue in a seven goal thriller, and Chicago got back on track against Houston.

Saturday had only three games but 13 goals, and three of them were own goals. All three matches featured teams wanting to go for three points and that led to some wide open play and fantastic goals.

Sunday didn’t have as many goals but just as much drama. In Boston, Jess McDonald scored for North Carolina and became NWSL’s all time leading scorer, passing Kim Little with her 33rd goal. FC Kansas City and Orlando split the points after Marta got her first NWSL goal and Erika Tymrak evened things up late.

Standings

  1. NC Courage: 12 pts, +5 GD
  2. Portland Thorns FC: 7 pts, +2 GD
  3. Boston Breakers: 6 pts, +1 GD
  4. Chicago Red Stars: 6 pts, 0 GD
  5. Houston Dash: 6 pts, -3 GD
  6. Seattle Reign FC: 5 pts, +1 GD
  7. FC Kansas City: 4 pts, 0 GD
  8. Sky Blue FC: 4 pt, -1 GD
  9. Washington Spirit: 4 pt, -1 GD
  10. Orlando Pride: 2 pt, -4 GD

Match Recaps

Chicago 2 – Houston 0

The Red Stars got on the board in the first half thanks to a Houston own goal on a free kick. Chicago was knocking on the door the whole second half then Julie Ertz got a goal by pouncing on a loose ball first. Chicago finally looked able to put away a team they needed to, and the Dash continue their up and down season.

Washington 4 – Sky Blue FC 3

This game was a wild one that went up and down for the full 90 mintutes. Francisca Ordega and Samantha Kerr were all over the place for their respective teams. Ordega had two goals and created the chance that led to an own goal. Kerr and Kelley O’Hara could’ve equalized late but Stephanie Labbe held them out for the win.

Portland 2 – Seattle 2

Over 16,000 fans packed in Providence Park and got their moneys worth. Jessica Fishlock scored an absolute golazo in the first minute. She later put one in the back of the wrong net to even things up. Merritt Mathias responded almost immediately to give the Reign the lead back. Things were physical throughout and as the Reign looked to get tired towards the end Allie Long headed home the equalizer to salvage a point.

Boston 0 – North Carolina 1

The only goal in this one . North Carolina looks to be a clear cut above the rest of the league and remains perfect on the year. Boston walks away from this game with nothing, but is still competitive and looks like they could stick around the top half of the table for a while.

Kansas City 1 – Orlando 1

Marta got her first goal with the Pride early on in the second half. After last week’s controversial comments Ashlyn Harris again made several saves to keep Orlando in it, but she couldn’t keep out all the shots though as Erika Tymrak got a rebound past her to split the points.

Team Of The Week

Despite scoring an own goal, Fishlock is on the team due to her goal. Her defensive pressure was vital in the midfield as well. A pair of centerbacks who led their teams to shutouts make the list. And Meghan Klingenberg was a second half difference maker for the Thorns in their rivalry match up.

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