SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 14: Alex Morgan #13 of San Diego Wave FC looks on during the second half against the OL Reign at Lumen Field on April 14, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Coming off of an international break, the NWSL schedule is jam-packed with five matches on Saturday and an intriguing fixture on Friday night.
Two weeks into the NWSL’s 11th season and the energy throughout the league is arguably at the highest it has ever been. Week three seeks to build off the momentum that the first two created. In contrast to the first two weeks, there will be no matches on Sunday with the majority happening throughout the day on Saturday. From a fascinating west coast clash to an “NWSL After Dark” match on Friday in one of the most boisterous environments in the league, there is a look to look forward to in week three.
The Portland Thorns and Houston Dash will meet in the first Friday matchup of the 2023 campaign while OL Reign will finally make its return to Lumen Field after two games on the east coast. While there will be no matches on Sunday, the NWSL has two “NWSL After Dark” meetings on Saturday night to more than make up for it headlined by the game in Seattle, Washington. Here are a few matches to key an eye on with all six teams back in action following the international hiatus.
3 key fixtures to watch on tap this weekend on the NWSL schedule
3. San Diego Wave at OL Reign
Date: Saturday, April 15, 10:00 pm EST
How to watch: Paramount+
It is three weeks into the campaign, and OL Reign is finally returning to Lumen Field for its home opener. What an opener it is. Casey Stoney and the San Diego Wave are riding high on back-to-back wins to kick off the regular season, netting three goals in both victories. Behind an energetic Jaedyn Shaw, and the composure of Alex Morgan, Stoney’s side has picked up right where it left off offensively in 2023. Stoney’s side must patch up its defense. The Courage and the Red Stars both looked dangerous in their respective attacks during extended periods of time against the Wave.
Laura Harvey’s side rebounded following a brutal defeat at Washington Spirit with an impressive triumph over NJ/NY Gotham FC. It was no secret last season how much the Reign tended to struggle in front of the net. Despite all the quality talent at the top end of the pitch, there are moments when the target eludes them, never forcing the goalkeeper to make a save.
Week 1, it was a storyline, but after a multi-goal display in Week 2, the frontline looks to be settling in. Jess Fishlock scored a stunner for the first breakthrough at Red Bull Arena, one-timing a Rose Lavelle pass into the bottom right corner past the outstretched arms of Abby Smith. On top of finding the scoresheet for the first time this season, the Reign shut out Gotham, not allowing its opposition a single shot on target through 90 minutes. This is a clash of juggernauts. Harvey’s side took four points off of San Diego last season with both contests combining for three total goals. In the battle between two west coast sides, San Diego has to have the upper hand given its ability to be much more clinical in the final third.
Prediction: San Diego Wave 2-1 OL Reign
