Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign FC Highlight Week 14 of the NWSL
Sky Blue FC stalled Washington Spirit’s rise to the top of the table as the developing New Jersey club win their third straight match. Chicago tied Houston Dash 1-1 at home, while FC Kansas City stunned WNY Flash in Rochester as NWSL stars were absent due to international call-up and the preparation for Rio in two weeks.
NWSL Soccer News: Week 14 of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) concludes as Portland Thorns FC remain at the top of the table coming out of the weekend. The league leaders and the Boston Breakers both had a bye this week as U.S. Women’s National Team players were absent in preparation for the Rio Olympics that kick off on August 5th.
Washington Spirit traveled to Yurcak Field on Saturday to take on a streaking Sky Blue FC. The host topped the second place side 1-0 led by Leah Galton whose pace put Sky Blue on top during stoppage time of the first half. Galton brought the ball up the field on the left flank and fired a shot past Washington goalkeeper Kelsey Wys from just outside the 6-yard box.
Sky Blue FC win their third straight match as they jump to fourth place in the NWSL, while Washington remain tied in points with the Portland Thorns at the top of the table.
FC Kansas City defeated Western New York Flash 1-0 at Rhinos Stadium as WNY also misses their chance to top the NWSL table. Shea Groom gave the visiting side the lead in the 60th minute off an assist by Tiffany McCarty. The Flash sit one point behind the Thorns and Spirit at the top of the table, while FC Kansas City remain in eighth place.
Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash played out a 1-1 draw at Toyota Park. Chicago’s Danielle Colaprico opened up scoring in the third minute to give the host the early lead, but Houston was able to rally late to salvage a point. Rookie Rachel Daly brought the match level in the 82nd minute with the assisted being attributed to forward Kealia Ohai
Week 14 concluded with Seattle Reign FC hosting the Orlando Pride at Memorial Stadium with a 5-2 victory going to the home side. Four players on Seattle made it on the score sheet with the fifth goal being recorded as an own goal. Orlando’s recent streak comes to a stall as the expansion club now sits in seventh place.
Photo Credit: Western New York Flash
