by Hannah Chadwick (26/03/2024)
After the excitement of the first round, this round was a lot quieter. With 15 goals scored in seven matches and two ending in a draw. We also saw some unexpected results.
We started the weekend with Orlando Pride vs Angle City. Which finished a 1-1 draw with Marta scoring an 88th minute equaliser for Orlando Pride after Claire Emsile scored a penalty for Angle City. Both teams created many opportunities but they could not find the target due to excellent work from Anderson and Moorhouse as they held their respective teams in the game. Angel City was awarded a penalty after Meggie Doughtery Howard drew a penalty. Which Emsile converted and angle city where ahead. Orlando Pride was given a corner in the 88th minute and Angelia stepped up to take the corner and Marta volleys it home which gives Pride the equaliser they have been looking for. We also saw the debut of Madison Cury who was a draft pick for Angle City.
The second game of the weekend featured Utah Royals vs North Carolina Courage. This game finished 2-1 to Utah Royals. Goals came from Kate Del Fava and Ally Sentnor for the royals and Ashley Sanchez for the Courage. Kate Del headed home for Courage after Paige Monaghan delivered a corner. Draft pick Ally Sentnor scored a screamer from 30 yards out. The Courage were then awarded a penalty and Malia Berkley stepped up to take it but hit the post, Ashley Sanchez moved in to take the shot but was brought down by Merrick. Another penalty was then awarded to Courage and Berkley stepped up once again but the shot was saved by Haught. Courage had opportunities in the second half to bring themselves back into the game but the formation and communication from the royals allowed them to deal with the threat. An amazing piece of play from Ashley Sanchez where she pounced on a poor clearance and opened her scoring account with Courage.
The third game of the weekend was Chicago Red Stars vs Seattle Reign FC. This game finished 2-1 with Julia Bianchi, Maximiliane Rall scoring for the red stars and Ji So-yun making history by being the first Korean player to score in the league when she scored the only goal for Reign. Both the scorers for the Red Stars opened their scoring accounts for the season. Taylor Malham and Jenna Bike were outstanding players for the red stars and were constantly providing opportunities. Ji So-yun scored an incredible goal from outside the 18 yard box which was initiated from a cross which came in by Sofia Heurta but the Red Stars defence cleared it away but Ji So-Yun made no mistake and the ball found its way in the back of the net. And making history in the process.
The fourth game of the weekend was Washington Spirit vs Bay FC. This game finished 2-1 to Spirit. With Croix Bethune scoring the first and Hal Hershfelt scoring in additional time to steal the win for spirit. Both of the spirit goals came from players that are on their debuts and just scored their first goal for the club. We also saw the return of Anna Heilferty who has not played since 2022 after a season ending knee injury which was suffered in preseason for the 2023 season. The goal for Bay came from former spirit player Dorian Bailey who was traded to Bay FC in return for expansion draft protection. Bailey also scored her first goal for Bay while Jen Beattie made her debut. Emily Menges also wore the armband for the first time as a player for Bay FC.
The fifth game of the weekend was a goalless draw between Houston Dash and Racing Louisville. Although both teams did have their fair share of chances with Dash having 12 shots on target to Louisville’s 19. Dash also had three debutants on the pitch with Nagasato, West and Swedish international Rubensson. Keeper Campbell made a total of nine saves which kept Louisville at bay and kept her side in the game. Louisville scored through Turner although this was disallowed due to the offside positioning of Turner. Although Louisville’s best chance did come two minutes later when Turner went one on one with the Dash goalkeeper Campbell but her shot was just wide of goal.
In the sixth game of the weekend San Diego Wave took on Kansas City Current. With the final score being 2-1 to KC Current .Sofia Jakobsson was on target scoring for wave in the 17th minute this is her first goal this season.While Rodriguez and LaBonta were on target for KC Current, both have now opened their scoring accounts for this season. LaBonta scored the game winning penalty after Zaneratto was fouled in the box. This now makes LaBonta KC Currents all time leading penalty scorer having converted six out of seven. San Diego failed to respond and KC Current took the win.
In the seventh and final game of the round Portland Thorns took on Gotham FC. A strike from Gotham’s Esther Gonzalez. Both teams had their chances but goalkeepers Hogan and Miller kept their respective sides in the game with some outstanding saves. Although Sophia Smith did score for Portland Thorns the goal was ruled out due to Smith being in an offside position. Janine Beckie also had a chance on goal but excellent defending by Kelly O’Hara kept it out of goal. Portland battled for the equaliser but were unable to find the back of the net.
The results from this round mean that the only teams to not have lost a game yet are Chicago Red Stars and KC Current. While the current champion San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns are yet to pick up a point.
COMING UP-
Friday 29th March-
Orlando Pride vs Chicago Red Stars
Saturday 30th March-
San Diego Wave vs Seattle Reign FC
KC Current vs Angle City FC
North Carolina Courage vs Gotham FC
Portland Thorns vs Racing Louisville
Sunday 31st March-
Bay FC vs Houston Dash
Washington Spirit vs Utah Royals
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