The Cascadia rivalry headlines the NWSL’s weekend matchups as teams fight to knock San Diego from the top of the table.
Portland Thorns vs. OL Reign
Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
The Cascadia rivalry is heading to Portland, with the Thorns and OL Reign set for a Friday night showdown at Providence Park.
OL Reign enter the matchup on the heels of a 2-2 draw with Racing Louisville — and after a hectic start to the season, in which they played the Spirit in their regular-season opener and the Challenge Cup semifinals in the span of three days.
The Thorns, on the other hand, haven’t played a game in two weeks and will enter Friday well-rested.
Portland’s Sophia Smith has been on a tear this season, lighting up the attack for club and country. OL Reign will look to slow Smith down while executing their own chances in the box against a solid Thorns backline.
Sophia Smith is THAT GIRL. And will always be THAT GIRL. 😤#BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/AC4R7UgkkV— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 31, 2022
Sophia Smith is THAT GIRL. And will always be THAT GIRL. 😤#BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/AC4R7UgkkV
Orlando Pride vs. Kansas City Current
Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Kansas City will travel to Orlando on Saturday in search of the club’s first win of the season.
After surging to the Challenge Cup semifinals, the Current has failed to score in their first two regular-season contests. Kansas City will need to get its offense going against the Pride, who are coming off a 1-0 win over Angel City.
At just over two minutes, @sydneyleroux's goal against Angel City was our third fastest in Club history 💪#PrideOfOrlando | #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/7uD8WGR1Ex— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 11, 2022
At just over two minutes, @sydneyleroux's goal against Angel City was our third fastest in Club history 💪#PrideOfOrlando | #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/7uD8WGR1Ex
NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Gotham FC needs a solid home performance against a tough North Carolina side after the club’s harrowing 4-0 loss to San Diego Wave. The New Jersey/ New York team has struggled to find consistency at the start of the season, with Gotham’s attack appearing disjointed.
The Challenge Cup champion Courage will test Gotham with their lethal attack and organized midfield.
First of many for our Kero 💙 pic.twitter.com/r5UsTGsmpH— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) May 7, 2022
First of many for our Kero 💙 pic.twitter.com/r5UsTGsmpH
Racing Louisville vs. Houston Dash
Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on Twitch
Racing Louisville and the Houston Dash already faced each other twice in the Challenge Cup, with the clubs each taking home a win.
The Dash notched their first shutout of 2022 in last Sunday’s matchup against Kansas City as Houston looks to shore up its defensive woes. The Dash will have their hands full against a lively Louisville side as they hope to improve upon their defensive performances.
JANE CAMPBELL ISN'T MESSING AROUND Y'ALL pic.twitter.com/7ixgir9wyf— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) May 8, 2022
JANE CAMPBELL ISN'T MESSING AROUND Y'ALL pic.twitter.com/7ixgir9wyf
San Diego Wave FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+
The San Diego Wave lead the NWSL standings heading into the weekend after notching a 1-0 shutout against Houston and a 4-0 blowout over Gotham FC to open the season. The expansion club’s backline looks solid as Alex Morgan goes on a tear up top, making the Wave hard to contain.
The Red Stars are unbeaten so far this season as well after winning their opener against Louisville, even with their lengthy injury list, which includes star Mallory Pugh.
San Diego and Chicago both feature solid backlines and impressive keepers, meaning Sunday could turn into a defensive battle.
⚽⚽ Need We Say More?! ⚽⚽Cheers to @alexmorgan13 for taking home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 🍻 pic.twitter.com/qaNPqtwACr— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 11, 2022
⚽⚽ Need We Say More?! ⚽⚽Cheers to @alexmorgan13 for taking home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 🍻 pic.twitter.com/qaNPqtwACr
Washington Spirit vs. Angel City FC
The Washington Spirit will host Angel City on Sunday after a grueling Challenge Cup final loss to North Carolina.
The Spirit’s attack appears to be firing on all cylinders, with Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez gelling in the final third.
With some defensive issues still to be worked out, Angel City’s backline will be tested by Washington’s relentless press.
The assist. The finish. @trinity_rodman | @ash_hatch33 pic.twitter.com/0rRlJivYh5— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) May 7, 2022
The assist. The finish. @trinity_rodman | @ash_hatch33 pic.twitter.com/0rRlJivYh5