David Blair/Portland Thorns FC
By LEOPOLDO PONCE
Week six of the NWSL turned out to be a nail-biter, with two teams putting together rallies for draws.
Sky Blue FC’s rally came down to the wire, as they managed to score in the 90th minute to steal a point from Reign FC. Despite Sky Blue’s dramatic late equalizer, the more impressive comeback came from Thorns FC, as they managed to dig themselves out of yet another early two-goal deficit to salvage a draw.
This week was also highlighted by several strong goalkeeping performances, as Nicole Barnhart, Nadine Angerer and Kelsey Wys all came up big.
Now with those impressive performances in mind, let’s take a quick look at this week’s NWSL action:
ELIZABETH BOGUS GOAL LEADS FC KANSAS CITY TO VICTORY
FC Kansas City strung together its third consecutive victory by defeating the Western New York Flash, 1-0, on a 73rd-minute goal by Elizabeth Bogus Friday night.
The Flash continued its strong offensive performance from last week, as it managed to get off 19 shots, including seven from Lynn Williams. But despite their chances and attacking pressure, Williams and her teammates were unable to find the back of the net.
An impressive performance from FC Kansas City goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, who came up with seven saves, managed to keep the game level. That allowed Bogus the chance to play the hero late on, as she found the back of the net for the second time in as many games to earn all three points.
The Western New York Flash will not have to wait long to try and avenge their defeat , as these teams face off again in Kansas City this Thursday.
Here are the match highlights:
RED STARS STAY ON HOT STREAK WITH VICTORY OVER BREAKERS
The Chicago Red Stars showed the league why they sit atop the table with a 3-0 victory over Boston Breakers on Saturday. The Red Stars were led to victory by an impressive performance from Sofia Huerta, who netted two goals and assisted on another.
The Breakers run of poor defense continued Saturday, as they allowed three goals for the second straight game and have conceded a league-worst 12 goals through four matches. As a result, they are currently sit at the bottom of the table.
Early on, however, the Breakers looked as though they may buck the trend, as they got through the first half unscathed. But in the 56th minute, Huerta managed to get break through the Breakers’ defense, round the goalkeeper and slot home the opening goal of the match.
Huerta again made her presence known when she set up Cara Walls’ goal in the 70th minute and completed her brace with an 82nd-minute strike.
Due to technical difficulties during the game, match highlights are not available.
SKY BLUE FC DRAW REIGN FC OFF OF LATE PENALTY
Reign FC looked like the better team throughout the game, but walked away with just a point after Sky Blue FC found a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw Saturday night.
Reign FC had the majority of the chances on the day, but were repeatedly stymied by Sky Blue FC goalkeeper Brittany Cameron, who made seven saves before defender Lauren Barnes finally broke through in the 76th minute.
That goal looked like it would be enough for Reign FC to secure its second straight victory, but a late handball by midfielder Jessica Fishlock gave Sky Blue FC a 90th-minute penalty. Nadia Nadim made no mistake with her resulting effort from the spot, grabbing a late point and snapping Sky Blue FC’s two-game losing skid in the process.
Here are the match highlights:
THORNS FC COME BACK FROM TWO-GOAL DEFICIT TO DRAW SPIRIT
This match was expected to be a wide-open affair and it delivered on that promise from the opening whistle. Two early goals put the visiting Washington Spirit in control, but Thorns FC managed climb back for a 2-2 draw at Providence Park on Saturday.
The Spirit came out firing early and looked to put the game away in the opening minutes. Just three minutes in, a Thorns FC defensive turnover in the box fell to Crystal Dunn, who found the back of the net for a 1-0 edge. Just 11 minutes later, Francisca Ordega steered another Thorns FC past goalkeeper Nadine Angerer for a commanding 2-0 lead.
But Portland did not stay quiet for long. Thorns FC got back into the game in the 28th minute, when Allie Long managed to force a turnover in the midfield and pick out a pass for Sarah Jackson. Jackson got off an early shot that was denied by Kelsey Wys, but Meleana Shim turned in the rebound to cut the deficit in half.
In the 51st minute, Shim again played a part, as she played a through-ball that found Long, who easily slotted home.
Though both Angerer and Wys conceded two goals, they both put together impressive performances. The goalkeepers were repeatedly forced into action, often coming off their line to snuff out chances, and made five saves apiece.
Here are the match highlights:
—–
What did you think of Week 6? Which result was the biggest surprise? Which team impressed you most?
Share your thoughts below.