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NWSL: 3 things we learned from matchweek three

By Daniel Garza

PISCATAWAY, NJ - APRIL 15: Seattle Reign FC forward Beverly Yanez (17) during the first half of the National Womens Soccer League game between Sky Blue FC and Seattle Reign FC on April 15, 2018, at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - APRIL 15: Seattle Reign FC forward Beverly Yanez (17) during the first half of the National Womens Soccer League game between Sky Blue FC and Seattle Reign FC on April 15, 2018, at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The return from the international break did not disappoint as the NWSL produced an entertaining third week of the season. Here are three things we learned.

North Carolina Courage remain atop the table at the end of the week with the Portland Thorns close behind. Both clubs earned wins against quality opponents as the early signs have pointed to a possible rematch of the 2017 NWSL Championship.

Elsewhere. the Utah Royals hosted their first match of the season against the Chicago Red Stars as the away side stole the show winning 1-0. Seattle Reign continued their impressive start with a 1-0 win on the road against Sky Blue.

Here are three things we learned from the weekend that was.

Related Story: MLS: Top 5 Goals From Matchweek 7

3. Utah sellout Rio Tinto

The NWSL’s newest club sold out their home opener at Rio Tinto Stadium. Despite losing 1-0 to the Red Stars, it appears that the support from the Utah crowd will be a strength for the Royals moving forward this season.

This a great sign for the league as they may have found a club that has a bright future ahead in terms of long-term growth.

Another impressive storyline from the opening match was the Royals flew out family members from every player’s family to the witness their inaugural match in the NWSL.

2. Colaprico scores goal of the season

The goal of the weekend was scored by the Red Stars Danielle Colaprico. Her volley is the front-runner for the goal of the season thus far. It’s going to take something special to dethrone her from the top spot.

1. Courage can’t be defeated

Three wins in three matches have given the Courage the perfect start to the season. After leaving the game-winning goal late in their first two matches, Saturday’s win was a convincing result with four goals scored over the course of the match.

Goals have come from multiple sources for the Courage as five different players have contributed to the early season success. This is one of their notable early strengths and if it continues it’s hard to see many teams getting three points against them the rest of the way.

Next: MLS Week Seven Power Rankings

It’s not going to be easy to remain at the top, the Thorns are close behind and the Reign are right there as well. This is shaping up to be an intriguing start to the season and Wednesday night’s match between the Reign and Courage is a must watch.

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