After two weeks off the Reign are back in action this weekend at home against the undefeated Red Stars. It’s Week 8 in the NWSL:
Saturday
Portland Thorns FC (2-2-2) at Washington Spirit (3-3-1)
7:00 pm EDT, Maryland SoccerPlex
Watch: Youtube
Series: Thorns lead, 4-0-2
Points of Interest: The Spirit had the Thorns on the ropes when they scored two early goals at Providence Park before settling for a 2-2 draw. Now home at the Plex they will be looking to high pressure the Thorns again and help Crystal Dunn continue her torrid pace. At the other end of the pitch the struggling Thorns’ offense will try to get the better of a Spirit side that has surrendered some less than glamorous goals this season.
FC Kansas City (3-3-1) at Boston Breakers (2-3-1)
7:00 pm EDT, Soldiers Field
Watch: Youtube
Series: Kansas City lead, 5-1-0
Points of Interest: The Breakers have not had much luck against Kansas City the last two seasons, but they enter this one with their defense rounding into form while Kansas City’s attack has struggled without their World Cup players. The Breakers are 2-0-1 at Soldiers Field and have a chance to establish a home field presence at their new park.
Chicago Red Stars (4-0-2) at Seattle Reign FC (2-2-1)
10:00 pm EDT, Memorial Stadium
Watch: Youtube
Series: tied, 3-3-2
Points of Interest: One of the highlights of the early season features the defending Shield winners against the team pacing the table into the third month. The Red Stars probably played the Reign tighter over three games than any other team last season including the 1-0 win that snapped Seattle’s 16-match unbeaten streak. If the Reign are to return the favor and knock the Red Stars off their unbeaten perch they will have to do it without Jessica Fishlock who will serve a red card suspension.
Sunday
Houston Dash (2-2-2) at Sky Blue FC (1-3-3)
3:00 pm EDT, Yurcak Field
Watch: Youtube
Series: Sky Blue lead, 2-1-1
Points of Interest: The Dash exit their biggest win in club history, a tough, 1-0 victory in Portland. Sky Blue meanwhile are on a club-record equaling six-match winless run and are now looking up at every other NWSL club. The Dash defense has held up reasonably well under injury and World Cup absence while Sky Blue has goals from only two players—Katy Freels and Nadia Nadim—and have yet to score twice in any game this season.
