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After a week off due to the international break, the NWSL is back in full swing this weekend. It\u2019s to look at the six matches this week and what to keep a special eye for when watching.<\/p>\n
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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n As a surprise to virtually no one, the Portland Thorns have been dominant to open the season. They\u2019ve started by outscoring their opponents by a score of 8-2, and in neither contest did the result ever feel in question. Sophia Smith remains the best player on the best team right now and is looking to retain her MVP trophy.<\/p>\n This team feels a lap ahead of everyone else, and the question is: which, if any, team will close the gap? In the meantime, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Houston can come within two goals.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n These two teams feel a few pieces away before putting a consistently serviceable product out on the field. After winning their first game in controversial fashion, the Gotham failed to muster a shot on target in an emphatic 2-0 loss against the OL Reign.<\/p>\n The Pride has looked lost offensively, and outside of Marta, few signs of hope. Both clubs could use a strong performance and try to string some results together.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Are you ready to watch a track meet? No player offers the sheer explosiveness that Trinity Rodman does on the field. She can change the game in the blink of an eye, and that kind of ability allows the Washington Spirit to play at a blazing tempo.<\/p>\n What\u2019s another team that likes to push the pace? The North Carolina Courage. Kerolin Nicoli, in particular, is dynamite off the wing. I expect many shots and a tremendous offensive duel.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n The thought that I won\u2019t be able to preach to the world how incredible Mallory Swanson is at soccer makes me sad. In the best form of her life, arguably elevating her to the best player in the NWSL, Swanson tore her patella tendon<\/a> in a World Cup tuneup this past weekend against Ireland.<\/p>\n Her greatness had yet to translate to team success in the league, as the Chicago Red Stars have dropped two one-score games to start the year. As Chicago tries to navigate life without their superstar, they find themselves battling another winless squad in the Kansas City Current. Additionally, Kansas City now has a couple of former Red Stars. Will the Red Stars be able to keep their head above water (pun intended)? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Usually, this game would have a simple tagline: Alex Morgan vs. Megan Rapinoe. The latter has been battling an ankle injury that has kept her sidelined to start the year, and there\u2019s been little word on when she\u2019ll return.<\/p>\n Instead, Morgan and the Wave will have to deal with Jess Fishlock, who has looked very impressive for the Reign upfront. If anyone can handle a strong attack, it\u2019s Naomi Girma, who has been arguably the best defender in the league over the first few weeks.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n After a first week they\u2019d like to have back, Angel City FC stunned the Orlando Pride at the death thanks to a game-winning header by Katie Johnson. The 18-year-old phenom Alyssa Thompson provides this team a spark they were sorely lacking, and they show signs of an explosive attack.<\/p>\n Racing Louisville is one of the worst teams on the back end and will likely have a long day trying to contain the pace of Angel City.<\/p>\n Lock of the Week:\u00a0<\/strong>Angel City wins 2-0, and Thompson gets on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Featured image via Getty Images<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nOrlando Pride vs. Gotham FC (April 15 at 7:00 PM ET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Momentum Shifter<\/h3>\n
Xaiver\u2019s Match of the Week: North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit (April 15 at 7:00 PM ET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Attack, Attack, Attack<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Chicago Red Stars vs. Kansas City Current (April 15 at 8:00 PM ET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Starring Without Swanson<\/strong><\/h3>\n
OL Reign vs. San Diego Wave (April 15 at 10:00 PM ET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Riding the Wave<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Angel City vs. Racing Louisville (April 15 at 10:00 PM ET)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Angel\u2019s Rising?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS<\/b><\/h4>\n