NWSL: Week 5 Roundup, Standings and Team of the Week

The League Table Only Got Tighter After Some Unexpected Results In Week 5

North Carolina was the only team without a loss and Orlando was the only team without a win, so naturally the Pride looked fantastic in a 3-1 over the league leading Courage. That match was just another example of how unpredictable NWSL can be.

Elsewhere Seattle trounced Washington, but the Spirit announced they’re signing USWNT forward Mallory Pugh. There was plenty of drama and speculation to go around when Pugh announced she won’t stay at UCLA. The Spirit, who have needed some good news for a while, were able to keeper instead of the rumored alternatives of Portland or Paris Saint-Germain.

After a relatively drama free week, the streaming issues came back with Go90. The league had to resort to posting North Carolina and Orlando on their website, a feature normally reserved for fans outside the U.S. This is the fifth week of the season and there are still major issues to work out. Fans are reasonably getting fed up with the issues at this point.

Back on the field, two unexpected teams are looking much better than expected. After a couple of dismal years, Boston is right in the thick of things after a gritty draw in Chicago. Sky Blue may be in the middle of the standings, but are just a point back of second and looked very good in dismantling Houston. These two could really add some depth to the playoff race if they continue playing at this level.

Standings

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

Match Recaps

Seattle 6 – Washington 2

Seattle is a brutal team to face at home, and they proved why on Saturday. Washington was in the match and looked like they had a shot at getting a point, but a poor tactical decision from Jim Gabarra proved to be fatal. Kassey Kallman was subbed off and Washington switch to a 3 back in defense. This left Nahomi Kawasumi with acres of space and Reign FC took full advantage. Kawasumi had a goal and two assists. Seattle got four goals in 10 minutes after the substitution.

Kansas City 0 – Portland 0

Portland continues to tread water until Tobin Heath returns. Against Kansas City they were unable to breakdown the backline that continues to be every bit as good as advertised. The Kansas City attack is still brutal to watch at times though. Sydney Leroux had a golden opportunity after a giveaway in the back, but Adrianna Franch made the save and sealed the first scoreless draw in NWSL this year.

Houston 1 – Sky Blue 3

When Sky Blue has all of their pieces in place, they look like a very dangerous team. They showed that by picking apart the Dash in Houston. Sam Kerr was everywhere, and played a part in all three goals. Drawing the penalty for the first, a beautiful assist on the second, and finished things off by scoring one of her own.

Orlando 3 – North Carolina 1

Just like we all predicted, right? After four great showings, North Carolina finally produced a dud against Orlando and the pride pounced (get it?). Orlando’s Brazilians were the stars, Camila scoring a goal. Marta was also everywhere, providing an assist as well.

Chicago 1 – Boston 1

Boston continues to prove they belong in the playoff discussion. Rose Lavelle had multiple opportunities to run with the ball in space and was very dangerous with those chances, eventually leading to their goal. Christen Press’ header saved the point for Chicago, and she nearly stole the game with another shot in stoppage time.

Team Of The Week