NWSL weekly review: Goal of week; 3 things we learned – Courage finally defeated

After going unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches, the North Carolina Courage were met with the defeat for the first time in 2018. Here is the NWSL weekly review.

The North Carolina Courage entered this week with a 12-point lead in the National Women’s Soccer League as the eight other clubs behind them have been struggling to slow down their advance.

However, at the end of the week, the Courage saw their lead reduced by only one point as the Utah Royals were able to become the first club to defeat the NWSL giants.

Related Story: Sporting KC Vs FC Dallas: 3 things we learned

It was not a dominating performance by any means by the Royals who got the game-winner from Brittany Ratcliffe in the 94th minute. The Courage had plenty of chances to take the lead throughout the match and hit the woodwork multiples times. But it was enough for the victory.

Although the defeat doesn’t change much at the top, the Courage were shown to be a beatable club for the first time this season.

There were missed opportunities from other top clubs, including the Seattle Reign and Portland Timbers. Both clubs only managed to record a point in their respective matches. A saved penalty by Aubrey Bledsoe was the defining moment for the Washinton Spirit in their scoreless draw against the Reign, while Portland drew level on the road against the Chicago Red Stars with a 1-1 final score.

Orlando Pride needed a late goal from Rachel Hill to take all three points against Sky Blue. Sydney Leroux scored a brace for the Pride, who now go level on points with the Reign with only goal differential separating the two clubs in the NWSL table.

Here are where things stand at the end of the week.

1. North Carlina Courage-30 pts
2. Seattle Reign-19 pts
3. Orlando Pride-19 pts
4. Utah Royals-17 pts
5. Portland Thorns-16 pts
6. Chicago Red Stars-16 pts
7. Houston Dash-14 pts
8. Washington Spirit-10 pts
9. Sky Blue-2 pts

Goal of the week

There were not many to choose from this week, but Ratcliffe’s goal was a special moment for the Royals and a fine goal in its own right.

3 things we learned

3. Courage finally defeated 

The Courage were finally defeated but given the result of the match, it is not an indication of any major problems the club could face moving forward. Although they were not clinical enough to take all three points they still dominated the majority of the match and a spectacular effort from Ratcliffe was the difference in what was a match that could have gone either way.

2. Orlando Pride continue to score 

With 13 goals in five matches, the Pride have shown they are the most dangerous club offensively in the league. Leroux is coming to form and adding another attacking option for an already potent attack led by Alex Morgan and Marta.

If the Pride can figure out things defensively they are going to be a contender for the title come the playoffs.

Next: NWSL: Week 10 Power Rankings

1. Will the Thorns miss the playoffs 

The Thorns have now slipped outside the top four spots which means if the season ended today they would be out of the playoffs. The defending champions have not been convincing enough to signal any type of title defense in 2018. It’s a competitive race for spots two through six in the table right now and the Thorns can’t afford to have many more draws in the long run.