USWNT in NWSL: Horan and Williams locked in Golden Boot race

The National Women’s Soccer League returned to action following a brief hiatus due to the Tournament of Nations. Here’s how the USWNT players in the league fared.

After a fantastic result in the Tournament of Nations, the United States Women’s National Team players fared very well as a whole in their return to the National Women’s Soccer League.

Here’s how they fared with a breakdown by each match over the weekend.

North Carolina Courage Vs Portland Thorns

Despite not being named to the USWNT roster for the Tournament of Nations, Lynn Williams was the star of this match as she recorded a brace in her club’s 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns.

Crystal Dunn entered as a substitute in the second half. Jaelene Hinkle, Abby Dahlkemper and Merritt Mathias played all 90 minutes on the backline for the North Carolina Courage. The Courage clinched the NWSL Shield with their victory as they continue to runaway with the regular season.

For the Thorns, Lindsey Horan scored the only goal for her club. Horan and Williams are now tied for the league lead in goals with 10 apiece.

Orlando Pride Vs Sky Blue

One of the bigger storylines from this match was Carli Lloyd’s red card in stoppage time. She was sent off for a handball on the goalline as her club held on to a point with Marta’s ensuing spot kick being pushed aside by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

Alex Morgan entered the match as a substitute in the second half. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris came up with a big save in the first half.

Houston Dash Vs Utah Royals

Christen Press scored for the Utah Royals in this match as her and fellow USWNT teammate Becky Sauerbrunn played all 90 minutes in their returning to their club. The Royals went on to win this match 2-1.

Seattle Reign Vs Washington Spirit

Megan Rapinoe started and went 93 minutes for her club as she was substituted in second-half stoppage team in the 2-0 win for the Seattle Reign. Rose Lavelle entered in the 61st minute for the Spirit following her stellar tournament for the USWNT.

A look ahead

Five matches will take place over the course of the next week in the NWSL. With the Courage clinching the top spot in the table, the main attention in the league will shift to the battle for the remaining three spots in the playoff race.

Perhaps the biggest matchup of the coming week will be the Saturday showdown between the Pride and the Thorns as the second and third-place clubs look to contend for the all-important second seed in the playoff picture.

We’ll see you next week for what should be an exciting recap of the USWNT players impact in the NWSL.