Here’s What You Missed This Weekend: 4/12-4/14

Here’s What You Missed This Weekend: 4/12-4/14

Week 3 is in the books. History was made in the Bay, there was a stoppage time stunner in San Diego and a fan favorite returned to her goal scoring ways in Orlando. Here’s what you might have missed this weekend! **Friday, April 12

Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit - 1-3** Fresh off of playing Bay FC in San Jose, where they beat the home team at their inaugural opener, the Dash returned home this weekend and had a taste of their own medicine. After celebrating their 10th anniversary during pregame, the Dash scored in the first minute after the whistle thanks to the quick reaction speed of defender Natalie Jacobs.

It was the quickest goal of the season so far, the quickest goal in Dash history, and also, the last goal for the Dash of the evening. In the second half, the Spirit came back with an equalizer from rookie Hal Hershfelt, who has been having a phenomenal season.

They took the lead late in the game off of a goal from Brittany Ratcliffe and before the final whistle, secured their third victory in a row with a dagger from rookie Croix Bethune. 

Watch the full highlights. Utah Royals vs. Orlando Pride - 0-1 Orlando finally flipped the script, ending their streak of draws and securing a victory. And in the process, they also made franchise history when Marta scored their 200th franchise goal.

The Royals, with 5 shots on goal, made a valiant attempt to get on the score sheet but were unable to tempt the Pride’s 6 foot goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse out of the box to sneak a ball past her. Watch the full highlights. Saturday, April 13 North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns 2-0 The Thorns couldn't catch a break as they continued their unprecedented four match losing streak in North Carolina. For their opponents, it was a different story, as their victory helped them surge to the top of the table.  Tyler Lussi opened the scoring early after taking advantage of a low, skidding corner kick into the box.

Lussi would again make an appearance in the match action when she changed her role to that of assistant, serving up a dime for Haley Hopkins to divert with her head.

The Thorns outshot their opponents 14 to 8 but unfortunately were unable to convert any of them. They also spent less time possessing the ball and most importantly for a team with so many players who can cause havoc in the box, spent less time possessing the ball in the final third. Watch the full highlights. Racing Louisville FC vs. San Diego Wave - 0-0 The good news: Racing is still undefeated. The bad news: draws won’t win you titles. Louisville vs. San Diego ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes of a defensive clinic from both squads. The Wave almost got on the scoresheet early, but Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund showed she’s one of the best showstoppers in the league when she came up big and kept it out.

Unfortunately, that would be San Diego’s best opportunity for the rest of the match, and although they’ll be flying home with a point, they’ll have to put their chances away in the future if they’d like to replicate last season’s results. Watch the full highlights. Chicago Royals vs. Angel City FC - 0-1 Angel City had an angel on their shoulder in Chicago when an own goal and 90 minutes of a defensive clinic secured their first victory of the season. Although Chicago’s unbeaten season came to an end, credit where credit is due to Tatumn Milazo’s inspired goal line clearance.

Angel City FC are headed home to their beloved fans next weekend but North Carolina Courage, who are in fine form this season, await them. Watch the full highlights . **Sunday, April 14

NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current - 1-1** The 2023 NWSL Champions celebrated their new star, trophy, and rings with their loyal fans at their home opener Sunday evening.

Cassie Miller made a huge block in the first 10 minutes when Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga made a breakaway and tried to slip the ball into the corner. Unfortunately for Gotham FC, Chawinga was only getting started and not long later, made another run which was ultimately successful. 

Gotham FC forward Esther González came up big early in the second half, scoring Gotham FC’s first home goal of the season off of a header that looped the ball over Current goalkeeper AD Franch’s outstretched hands. The match ended in a tie, securing the home team a point and keeping Kansas City’s unbeaten streak intact.  Watch the full highlights. Bay FC vs. Seattle Reign FC - 3-2 Bay FC were back home tonight for their second home game ever and finally, were able to give their new but passionate fans a victory.  The action started early when Bay FC forwards Asisat Oshoala and Racheal Kundananji made multiple breakaway runs that Reign FC goalkeeper Claudia Dickey had to save or knock over the bar. They outshot Reign FC but went to the locker room down a goal after an accidental own goal off of Bay FC’s Kayla Sharples.  However, Sharples redeemed herself in the second half, scoring a header off of a corner.

10 minutes later, Bay FC earned another corner kick and after the ball pinged off of multiple players and then exited the box, Alex Loera took advantage of the poor clearance and sent in a rocket of a shot that had no chance of being saved.

The goal registered as an 0.016 xG (expected goal), the lowest xG of any goal scored this season. In the waning minutes of regular time, Bethany Balcer equalized but soon after, Bay FC converted their final goal of the night off of a Joelle Anderson hail mary into the box. The goal ricocheted off of Reign FC defender Alanna Cook’s outstretched leg but was ultimately awarded to Anderson. The 14 minutes of extra time eventually ended, giving Bay FC a deserved victory and Reign FC some homework before they’re back home next weekend.

Watch the full highlights.