Photo by Jane G. Photography/Seattle Reign FC
By KAREN VALENZUELA
The first week of the NWSL’s 2015 season is in the books and it was arguably one of the strongest starts to an NWSL season so far, setting the stage for a competitive Week 2.
The first four match-ups of the season allowed a few rookies to come up big against tough competition – look no further than Sabrina D’Angelo spectacular saves for the Flash. We also finally saw how some of the controversial off-season trades and signings would affect the dynamic of each team. Almost every team that played last weekend made a big statement – some good, some not so good.
When the teams return to action this weekend, the match-up to watch may be Seattle Reign FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Last season, the Red Stars were the only team in the league that was able to stop the Reign’s unbeaten streak.
Here is a closer look at this week’s NWSL fixtures:
FC KANSAS CITY at WASHINGTON SPIRIT (Saturday at 7pm – watch live)
Last week saw Kansas City fall to Sky Blue on their own home turf. It was an upset, considering the 2014 season championship rings FC Kansas City was awarded right before kickoff.
The pressure is on Kansas City early to improve and they will need tighten up their finishing ahead of their road match to face Washington Spirit, who had a lackluster performance last Friday against a lethal Houston Dash. While Kansas City had a strong game against a stubborn, physical Sky Blue, Lauren Holiday and Amy Rodriguez should have a better time of finding the net against the Spirit.
It is doubtful we will see star defender and backbone of the Spirit back line Ali Krieger return for Saturday’s game after her worrisome concussion. While she seems to be recovering fine from the reportedly “mild” concussion, her club season may be over until after the World Cup. Coach Mark Parsons may give Crystal Dunn her first start of the season Saturday, as her entrance into the game last week upped Washington’s tempo.
WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH at PORTLAND THORNS FC (Saturday at 7pm EST – watch live)
Some would say the Western New York Flash drew the short straw with the first two teams they have to face in their 2015 season. First up, they faced the Seattle Reign FC, the strongest team in the league last year, and got crushed in their season-opener. This week, they travel to Portland Thorns’ home turf to play against the team that ended last season in third place.
Despite being in for another tough week, the Flash boast some legitimate talent. Their rookies had the best performance of any rookies in Week 1, between goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo’s numerous high-flying saves and Jaelene Hinkle’s solid performance in defense. The Flash has the look of a threatening team down the road.
Portland will have to watch out for Sam Mewis, who had a great game versus Seattle, as well as any long balls WNY will send for Sydney Leroux to run onto. Leroux is disarmingly speedy and will likely be the focal point of the Flash attack.
The biggest threat on the field during Portland’s defeat of Boston last Saturday was Mana Shim. Hands down, she has shown the most improvement since last season, and she came up huge with a goal and a couple of assists. If goalkeeper Nadine Angerer is still resting Saturday, the Flash will need to find a way around Michelle Betos because she was on fire last week, recording six saves.
HOUSTON DASH at SKY BLUE FC (Saturday at 7pm EST – watch live)
This has the potential to be a close match. Houston Dash looked cohesive and threatening against Washington Spirit on last week, though it can be argued that Washington looked shaken up over Ali Krieger’s injury. But with Kealia Ohai and Carli Lloyd, last week’s goal-scorers, taking the field again with Ireland’s Stephanie Roche and No. 1 overall draft pick Morgan Brian, Sky Blue might be in trouble.
If Sky Blue wants to walk away with three points, they will need to break down Houston’s defense, which seemed to be the weakest link for the team last Friday. Kelley O’Hara has proven herself on the flanks and she’s capable of dangerous crosses into the box. Forward Nadia Nadim showed she’s not afraid of taking chances with her beautiful volley goal last week.
This matchup is the Dash’s chance to prove they are capable of having a complete turnaround season from 2014, much like Seattle Reign did last year from their first season.
SEATTLE REIGN FC at CHICAGO RED STARS (Saturday at 8pm EST – watch live)
This will be the Chicago Red Stars first match of the season, which makes it unclear what to expect from this squad. Julie Johnston won the honor of Rookie of the Year for the 2014 NWSL season, and she has the calm, intelligent play of a veteran. Christen Press is not splitting her time by playing abroad this season, so she will be starting up top for the Red Stars, providing a boost with her ability to create a goal out of nowhere. Chicago will look to bring plenty of physical play to the game — that might work well to stall Reign’s super fast tempo if they’re constantly being knocked off the ball.
On the Reign side, Megan Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock have found their groove together, Kim Little is still as dangerous as ever, Beverly Yanez has already stepped up her game since last season, and they’ve found what looks to be a successful replacement in Merritt Mathias for last year’s loan and difference-maker Nahomi Kawasumi.
The Red Stars will need to break down Seattle’s defensive line, which includes the same four who were consistently solid last year. Continuing their momentum from last year, the Reign are looking like a well-oiled machine again. The Red Stars were one of the few times that found success breaking the Reign down last year, which will make this a match-up to watch.
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What are your predictions for Week 2? What match-up are you most looking forward to watching?
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