After a nearly two-week break, the NWSL returns to action having since its stars featuring in international friendlies across the globe. The Courage have dominated the first third of the season, and now get a home and away series with a Boston Breakers side who have to cope without Rose Lavelle (injured).
Meanwhile, down in Houston a new head coach and the return of Carli Lloyd give the Dash fans some belief they can escape the bottom of the table. During the break, the league released an updated schedule moving back a significant number of kick-off times to avoid the summer heat after Rachel Daly collapsed during a recent match in Houston.
NWSL Standings Heading Into Week 9:
North Carolina Courage: 18 points (+4 GD)
Chicago Red Stars: 16 (+4)
Portland Thorns: 15 (+6)
Sky Blue FC: 13 (-1)
Seattle Reign FC: 12 (+6)
FC Kansas City: 11 (0)
Orlando Pride: 9 (-1)
Boston Breakers 8 (-3)
Washington Spirit: 7 (-5)
Houston Dash: 6 (-10)
Game of the Week:
Lifetime has the in form Chicago Red Stars, but probably the best match of the weekend will be Sky Blue FC traveling to the Portland Thorns. Sky Blue is improved over last season and currently has three wins from their last five matches. However, the Thorns are difficult to beat at home and haven’t lost since late April. It’ll be another packed crowd for the rose city as 3rd takes on 4th place.
Here is a look at the full NWSL schedule and how you can catch each match.
Week 9 Schedule:
Washington Spirit at Chicago Red Stars, 3:30 pm ET, Lifetime TV
Boston Breakers at North Carolina Courage, 7:30 pm ET, go90
Seattle Reign at FC Kansas City, 8:00 pm ET, go90
Orlando Pride at Houston Dash, 8:30 pm ET, go90
Sky Blue FC at Portland Thorns, 10:00 pm ET, go90
Three Things To Watch For:
The return of Carli Lloyd to the last place Houston Dash after her time with Manchester City.
How the Boston Breakers fare on the road against the Courage without star rookie Rose Lavelle.
Can the Chicago Red Stars make it four straight wins in a row?
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