A busy stretch of matches in the NWSL kicks off this weekend, with most teams set to play three games in the next nine days. Carli Lloyd is back with the Houston Dash, but that wasn’t enough to stop them from losing at home to an Orlando Pride side powered by Marta. The Pride added Alex Morgan back to their roster this week, who is still recovering from her injury in the UEFA Champions League Final.
NWSL Standings After Week 9:
North Carolina Courage: 21 points (+6 GD)
Chicago Red Stars: 17 (+4 GD)
Sky Blue FC: 16 (+1 GD)
Portland Thorns: 15 (+4 GD)
Seattle Reign FC: 13 (+6 GD)
Orlando Pride: 12 (+1 GD)
FC Kansas City: 12 (0 GD)
Washington Spirit: 8 (-5 GD)
Boston Breakers: 8 (-5 GD)
Houston Dash: 6 (-12 GD)
Game of the Week
The lone Sunday game is this weekend’s standout. Sky Blue have put together an impressive start to the season, which was highlighted last weekend by going into Portland and topping the Thorns 3-1. Samantha Kerr has four goals and three assists already this year and is quietly making a push for MVP consideration. The next test for her and the rest of Sky Blue, is a road trip to Chicago where the Red Stars have yet to lose.
Week 10 Schedule:
Saturday, June 24
Houston Dash at Orlando Pride, 3:30 pm ET, Lifetime TV
North Carolina Courage at Boston Breakers, 4:00 pm ET, go90
Portland Thorns FC at Washington Spirit, 7:00 pm ET, go90
FC Kansas City at Seattle Reign, 7:30pm ET, go90
Sunday, June 25
Sky Blue FC at Chicago Red Stars, 6:00pm ET, go90
Sky Blue have a chance to move into second place with a victory. But don’t expect them to close the gap on first as the North Carolina Courage continue to steamroll through the league and traveling to 9th place Boston this weekend.