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NWSL Week 13 Recap, Standings, and Team of the Week

By Eric Harris

CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 30: Harlequins line up for the U.S. national anthem before the start of their match against the USA Eagles in an international friendly at PPL Park on August 30, 2015 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Harlequins won 24-19. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images for Harlequins)
CHESTER, PA - AUGUST 30: Harlequins line up for the U.S. national anthem before the start of their match against the USA Eagles in an international friendly at PPL Park on August 30, 2015 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Harlequins won 24-19. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images for Harlequins) /
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With two matchups of top teams, what did we learn?

Between Portland hosting North Carolina, and Sky Blue facing off against Chicago, there were a lot of big implications to Week 13. Portland held serve at home, for a very important 1-0 win. Sam Kerr got a late equalizer (yes, again) to split the points with Chicago.

Between those four teams, Portland obviously had the best week, this combined with Seattle, Chicago, and Sky Blue all drawing means they gained two points on everyone and are now sitting in fourth.

Sky Blue had the better feeling coming out of the draw due to both the late equalizer and remaining in third. While Chicago will feel they missed a chance to take over the top spot in the standings.

North Carolina is still in first, but will need to get back to winning ways quickly to stay at the top of the league.

Match Recaps

Portland 1 – North Carolina 0

Hayley Raso got the goal and Adrianna Franch got her seventh shutout, but it was the backline that was most impressive for Portland. They held North Carolina to just two shots on goal during the match. The win was especially important for Portland getting points while their Euro-based players are away.

Sky Blue 2 – Chicago 2

Two MVP candidates faced off, and both got a goal in the draw. Christen Press had an assist and a goal, giving Chicago a 2-0 lead early on. Then Sky Blue did what they’ve done all year and got back in the game. Sam Kerr’s 90th minute equalizer pulled out another crucial point for them.

Orlando 4 – Kansas City 1

Four goals from four different players is about as complete a performance as you can ask for. Including a goal from Alex Morgan, her first in NWSL this season. The win keeps the Pride within striking distance for the top of the table for now.

Houston 2 – Washington 1

Has Houston risen from the dead? We’ll need a couple more performances like that to be sure. But they’re now unbeaten in five straight after goals from the Brazilian duo of Poliana and Andressa.

Seattle 1 – Boston 1

If Seattle misses out on postseason play, all these dropped points against Boston will be a huge factor as to why. Nahomi Kawasumi had the hosts out in front, but an Adriana Leon equalizer split the points for the two sides.

Standings

  1. North Carolina Courage, 27 points, +7 GD
  2. Chicago Red Stars, 25 points, +5 GD
  3. Sky Blue FC, 23 points, +1 GD
  4. Portland Thorns FC, 22 points +5 GD
  5. Seattle Reign FC, 21 points, +7 GD
  6. Orlando Pride, 19 points, +2 GD
  7. Houston Dash, 17 points, -8 GD
  8. Boston Breakers, 14 points, -5 GD
  9. FC Kansas City, 13 points, -8 GD
  10. Washington Spirit, 12 points, -6 GD

Team of the Week

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