NWSL Week 3 round-up: Denver Summit banks first win as Angel City remains perfect | OneFootball

NWSL Week 3 featured 13 matches across five days, with history made by both the Denver Summit and Boston Legacy. Denver earned the first win in the team’s history, while Boston tallied its first ever goal.

Meanwhile, Angel City continued its perfect run and sit atop the table with nine points in three matches, as well as one game in-hand on the closest rivals.

Let’s take a look at all the matches from the week of 23 March – 29 March.

Denver blanks Gotham for historic first win

The Summit had a busy week, and a very successful one at that. The side traveled to Gotham, and earned the franchise’s first ever win. The two sides traded a few decent chances in the first half, but neither side could break through. The visiting side finally got on the board in the 58th minute. Yuna McCormack spotted Melissa Kössler down the right side and fed her a perfect ball. The German international put a calm shot past Ann-Katrin Berger for her league-leading third of the season.

A mishap in front of goal and Denver’s tremendous press lead to the Summit’s second. Berger took a back pass from Emily Sonnett, but could not clear. Tash Flint picked the keeper’s pocket and easily put home the insurance goal. Gotham had a tremendous chance in the 86th minute, but Abby Smith stood tall to keep the clean sheet.

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Utah gets late equalizer, draws Washington

Another very even match gave us one of the most entertaining features of the week. Still looking for its first win, Washington applied excellent offensive pressure on the Royals. The visiting side matched the intensity, and the result was an extremely entertaining draw.

The Spirit struck first, and early. In just the 18th minute, Sofia Cantore sent a shot in from outside the box. The ball took a high deflection and fell right into the path of Rebeca Bernal. She headed into the top of the net, and the home side had the lead. Five minutes later, the Spirit looked to take a two-goal lead, but Trinity Rodman’s effort sailed high.

Just before the half-time whistle, Utah had a glorious opportunity to tie the score. Ana Tejada’s shot was deflected, and Sandy MacIver had to make an acrobatic save to tip the ball over the bar.

Washington came out firing in the second half, and had it not been for the heroics of Utah keeper Mia Justus, the Spirit surely would have tallied more than once. However, she kept her teammates in it, and gave them the chance to grab the equalizer, which they did. In the 84th minute, MacIver made a strong stop on a Utah header from a corner. Her ensuing breakout pass was intercepted by Cece Delzer just outside the box. She saw Mina Tanaka open in front, and the Japanese international cleanly fired into the back of the net.

In the last moments of extra time, Tanaka again put the ball in the net, but she had been correctly ruled offside. Both sides felt as though they should have won, and the draw was well-fought.

Orlando nets three in first half to cruise past Chicago

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Having scored just two goals in the first two games, Chicago was looking to start its offense at home. The Pride, meanwhile, was looking for its first win of the season. Orlando didn’t wait long to make that goal a reality. Just 13 minutes in, Ally Lemos sent a ball in to Barbra Banda. The Zambian striker quickly pushed it past Alyssa Naeher for the early lead. The second Pride goal came just nine minutes later, and may be the prettiest goal of the week. Jacquie Ovalle worked her way down to the Chicago box with some fancy footwork, and laid the ball off to Solai Washington. The winger put the ball back into the box for Ovalle, who gave a magical spin and heel flick to make the score 2-0.

The visitors added a third in the 35th minute off of a perfect corner from Ovalle. Her delivery landed right on the foot of Hannah Anderson at the back post. The center back volleyed immediately into the back of the net, and Orlando was fully on the way.

The second half offered no respite for the home side. Haley McCutcheon sent a screamer from outside the box in the 60th minute, but it was just too high and rattled off the crossbar. Chicago had one decent run, but Julia Grosso’s attempt was turned aside by Anna Moorhouse. Orlando does indeed pick up a first win, while Chicago has now been blanked in three of four matches.

Seattle owns first half, dominates Kansas City

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The Reign started off going forward, and the pressure yielded reward in the 18th minute. A Seattle corner fell to Angharad James-Turner. Kansas City keeper Lorena got a piece of the Welsh international’s chip, but not enough to keep the ball out. The goal only increased the home side’s appetite. In minute 26, Sofia Huerta put the ball on a plate for Brittany Ratcliffe at the back post. The winger needed but one touch to place the ball in the net for a 2-0 Seattle lead.

The third came quickly. Just seven minutes after Ratcliffe, Maddie Mercado added her name to the scoresheet. Again, a wonderful ball sent in by Huerta found her teammate directly in front of goal. Mercado’s header was a perfect chef’s kiss, and the Reign was rolling. Mercado nearly scored two goals in less than one minute when she stole the ensuing back-pass from restart. Her effort went just over the bar, and then just two minutes later, Seattle nearly struck again. The legendary Jess Fishlock sent in a shot that hit the crossbar and bounced down. The ball appeared to have crossed the line, but it was not called a goal. The play was not reviewed, and the deficit remained at three.

The second half was mercifully excitement free for the Current. Each side had one early chance, but neither could tally. It is too early in the season to say the wheels have fallen off for Kansas City, but they are in a worrisome stretch. They have scored but one goal over their past three matches, and have lost all three of those matches. Seattle, conversely, is firing on all cylinders and looking strong. They are a force to be reckoned with.

San Diego offense explodes on Portland

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This match could not have started better for the home side. Just two minutes in, Dudinha found herself in the proverbial ‘acres of space’ inside the box. She took her time, picked her spot, and easily put the ball past Morgan Messner. Just six minutes later though, Portland answered. Pietra Tordin read the defense perfectly and stole the ball at midfield. She went in on Leah Freeman and fired past the Wave goalkeeper. The shot came back off the post, but right back to Tordin, who made no mistake the second time.

The first half scoring wasn’t done yet. In the 27th minute, the Wave took the lead back when Portland could not clear their box. Gia Corley’s shot was turned away by Messner, Ludmila put the rebound off the crossbar, then finally, the ball fell to Dudinha. She spotted Lia Godfrey open in front, who fired the ball into the top of the net.

Portland nearly tied the match twice early in the second half. Isabella Obaze’s header found the woodwork in the 55th minute. On the ensuing corner, Maria Müller put a header straight on that Freeman grabbed. In the 70th minute, San Diego nearly repeated the action of their second goal. A shot off the post, a save from the keeper and a juicy rebound, but the Wave was unable to put this one home.

The home team was able to put the match away in the 83rd minute. Kenza Dali sent a wonderful through ball to a streaking Melanie Barcenas. Her first attempt was stopped by Messner, but the Wave forward continued on and put home the rebound. The two sides now sit even in the table at nine points each.

Angel City stays perfect with win over Houston

A red-hot Angel City offense welcomed a Houston side that had yet to concede a goal this season. Something had to give, and it ended up happening in the blink of an eye in the second half. The visitors enjoyed a great start to the match. Their solid defense held Angel City off, and the Dash responded with an early tally. Makenzy Robbe’s header went across the face of goal and came right to Maggie Graham. She delivered a header of her own that Angelina Anderson had no chance at. Avery Patterson nearly doubled the lead just one minute later, but her attempt sailed just over the bar. Houston maintained pressure for the rest of the half, but could not convert.

The second half restart was pure nightmare fuel for the Dash. Just three minutes in, Sveindís Jónsdóttir showed why she is so deadly in the attack. After throwing in for Angel City, she ran to the edge of the box. The ball came to her and she quickly put it top bin to equalize for the home side.

The visiting side didn’t even get a chance to catch a breath after conceding. Less than two minutes later, Angel City took the lead on a great attack. Gisele Thompson sent the ball into the box, and Maiara Niehues headed it home. Houston nearly found the equalizer instantly, but Anderson was able to push Kiki van Zanten’s attempt over the bar. Angel City held on the rest of the way, and remain the NWSL’s only unbeaten side.

Utah wins season first at Boston

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The Legacy started off on the front foot, with striker Aissata Traoré giving Utah fits for the first 15 minutes. Boston could not capitalize however, and the visiting team eventually struck first. In the 33rd minute, the Royals ran a set piece to perfection. Cloé Lacasse spotted Tatumn Milazzo unmarked at the far post. The delivery was perfect, as was Milazzo’s shot. Casey Murphy had no chance, and Utah took the lead to halftime. Telling you all here, watch out for Tatumn Milazzo — she’s the total package.

Utah wasted no time doubling the lead after the restart, but not without controversy. Mina Tanaka went down in the box, and Utah was awarded a penalty. The Boston side and the crowd erupted, as Traoré had been brought down twice in the first half. The plays seemed very similar, yet no penalty had been awarded to the home side.

Lara Prasnikar stepped up to the spot for the Royals and went top bins in the 50th minute for the 2-0 lead. In the 72nd minute, Traoré finally broke through for the home side with the club’s historic first goal. A great through ball from Amanda found her, and the Malian international got on her horse to race past the Utah defense. She put the ball past Mia Justus, and the lead was halved. The Legacy never really threatened again though, and Utah earned a first win of the season.

Denver home opener ends scoreless run against Washington

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The Denver faithful turned out for their side’s historic first home match. 63,004 football fans poured into Mile High Stadium, an NWSL record. The fans were treated to an excellent tilt between two evenly matched sides, that ended as even as it started. The away side tested Abby Smith twice in the first 15 minutes, and she was up to the task. Yazmeen Ryan followed with two great chances for the home side. Her first attempt got behind Sandy MacIver, but dribbled just wide of the far post. A few minutes later, Ryan found herself facing down MacIver from the exact same spot. This time, the shot was dead on, and MacIver made a terrific save. The two sides went into the half scoreless.

The second half was very similar to the first, with Denver having the better of the play. In the 55th minute, Tash Flint unloaded a rocket from 25 yards out. The shot just missed the left side of the goal and rattled off the backstop. A perfect corner delivery from Carson Pickett in the 62nd minute found Melissa Kössler, but her header went wide. Washington answered with two late chances of its own. Kate Wiesner made a great run across the box, but Smith smothered her attempt. And then, in the 94th minute, Hal Hershfelt worked herself free to send a shot toward the top corner. Her attempt went wide, and this was the last play of the match. Washington remains winless this season, while Denver sits right in the middle of the table.

Portland bounces back against Kansas City

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Following the first loss of the season, the Thorns hosted a Current side that is struggling. Last season’s regular season shield winners, Kansas City has yet to find their offense, with star Temwa Chawinga still out with injury. A trip to Providence Park isn’t helpful, as Portland has yet to allow a goal at home.

The first half started off exciting. Ally Sentnor tested Mackenzie Arnold just three minutes in, but the Thorns keeper held firm. Then, in quick succession, Olivia Moultrie and Sophia Wilson each hit the post for the home side. In the 35th minute, Arnold stopped another great Sentnor chance, and the two sides went in scoreless.

Portland broke through early in the second half. Following some sustained pressure from the hosts, Wilson was pulled down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Moultrie calmly slotted home in the bottom corner on 53 minutes. Portland doubled their lead with a wonderfully bold play from Reilyn Turner. Jayden Perry dropped a ball into the box, and Turner was able to get her head on it between the defender and keeper Lorena. The ball continued in, and Portland lead 2-0 in the 63rd minute. Turner nearly made it a brace 15 minutes later, but Lorena made a great kick-save. The Current never mounted another serious challenge, and ended up on the wrong end of a second straight clean sheet.

Seattle holds on against Louisville

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The home side struck early to start this one. In just the 11th minute, Seattle’s Maddie Mercado sent a low shot toward the corner. Jordyn Bloomer got to the spot, but the ball went right through her hands and into the back of the net. The Reign doubled the lead in the 42nd minute. Ainsley McCammon sent a wonderful through ball into the box for Nérilia Mondésir. The Haitian international connected immediately to put the hosts up two going in to the break.

The visiting side came out of the tunnel for the second half and put the pressure on Seattle. Racing had several chances throughout, but Claudia Dickey and the Reign defense held strong until extra time. Louisville finally broke through in the 95th minute. Sarah Weber sent a cross into the box, and Macy Blackburn’s header bounced off the crossbar and over the line. A bit of conjecture followed as the play was not immediately ruled a goal. Video confirmation proved a good goal, and the visitors had cut the lead to one. Unfortunately for Racing, time was called almost immediately after, and Seattle claimed the victory.

Bay scores three in first half to defeat North Carolina

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Even without star midfielder Taylor Huff, the visiting team was too much for the Courage. Bay exploded for three goals in quick succession in the first half, and was able to cruise to the win. Teenage phenom Alex Pfeiffer cut into the box in the 20th minute and fired a rocket. Kailen Sheridan could not get to the powerful, low shot, and Bay took the lead.

Just 11 minutes later, Keira Barry doubled the lead. Cristiana Girelli stole the ball at midfield and drove down the right side. She spotted Barry open in the middle, and the England international calmly slotted home. Bay added a third quickly after. In the 35th minute, Pfeiffer dropped a ball into the box. Dorian Bailey made a perfect run and sent a header past Sheridan.

The home side got on the board midway through the second half. An excellent team goal that started at their own backline finished with the Courage scoring in the 66th minute. After a passing clinic, Ryan Williams had the ball on the Bay endline. She sent a perfect cross into the box, and Manaka Matsukubo fired home. However, that would be all the home team could muster. Both sides sit mid-table early on this season.

San Diego blanks Chicago for third win

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San Diego was on the front foot for the entirety of this match, but took some time before they could put one home. The Wave was clearly the better side throughout the first half, as Chicago did not muster a single shot in the half. The hosting side peppered Alyssa Naeher, meanwhile, but couldn’t solve the Chicago keeper. The two sides went in all square, but that was not too last.

San Diego came out firing just as it had the first half, and gained the reward in the 56th minute. Lia Godfrey took a pass from Dudinha in the box, got herself into a great shooting spot, and put the ball far post for a 1-0 Wave lead.

Dudinha earned her second assist not much later. In the 73rd minute, the Brazilian international intercepted a back pass from the Chicago defense. She passed over to Melanie Barcenas, who unleashed an absolute screamer from just outside the box. The shot blasted in off of the crossbar, and the home side was up by two. The game finished as it had run, with Chicago registering its only shot on goal in the 93rd minute, one easily saved by Leah Freeman. San Diego is tied at the top of the table with Angel City, Seattle and Portland.

Gotham and Orlando hold each other scoreless

The last match of the week featured yet another entertaining draw. Gotham is having an anemic offensive season thus far. The defending champs had scored just a single goal in their first three matches. Orlando is finding the back of the net, and yet, has the same record as Gotham.

The first half was evenly matched, with both sides sending efforts on goal. Ann-Katrin Berger for the home side had to make the most difficult save, a point-blank stop on Jacquie Ovalle. Across the way, Anna Moorhouse turned away everything thrown at her without difficulty. Both defenses played well, keeping threats to the outside and trusting their keepers to make saves that keepers should make.

The second half continued much as the first, with both keepers tested from long range. Nothing could get by either woman, and the two sides settled for a scoreless draw. This is very concerning for Gotham, who still sits on that one goal for the season. Scoreless draws will not get a team to the playoffs. Orlando also needs to step up its production. Of five goals scored in four matches, three came in a single match.

NWSL Week 3 results in full

Gotham FC 0-2 Denver Summit

Washington Spirit 1-1 Utah Royals

Chicago Stars 0-3 Orlando Pride

Seattle Reign 3-0 Kansas City Current

San Diego Wave 3-1 Portland Thorns

Angel City FC 2-1 Houston Dash

Boston Legacy 1-2 Utah Royals

Denver Summit 0-0 Washington Spirit

Portland Thorns 2-0 Kansas City Current

Seattle Reign 2-1 Racing Louisville

North Carolina Courage 1-3 Bay FC

San Diego Wave 2-0 Chicago Stars

Gotham FC 0-0 Orlando Pride

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