Seattle Reigns after weekend action in the NWSL

FC Kansas City celebrates victory over Houston DashBY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com

Four games were featured across the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) over the weekend with every team except the Chicago Red Stars seeing action.

The Seattle Reign (5-0-0) extended their league lead with a 2-1 victory over the Washington Spirit (2-3-0). Seattle sits securely atop the standings with 15 points; their closest competition Portland Thorns FC with 8 points.

Washington struck first in the contest with Ali Krieger notching a Spirit goal at the 53’ mark after the teams played a scoreless first half. But Krieger’s mark was neutralized just two minutes later when Seattle’s Jessica Fishlock riffled a kick past Spirit goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.

The deciding goal came at the 76th minute mark when Sydney Leroux nabbed her first goal of the season, beating Spirit defender Tori Huster in a one-on-one battle before netting the goal.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Washington Spirit highlights

In other action the Western New York Flash (1-1-1) and Portland Thorns FC (2-0-2) played to a 1-1 draw Saturday. Sonia Bermudez gave the Flash the initial lead at the 39’ mark, but Portland equalized just four minutes later when Jessica McDonald took advantage of a bobbled save by Flash goaltender Lydia Williams. Despite two big scoring chances late in the second half, Portland couldn’t convert for the win.

The game saw the return of USWNT star Abby Wambach to the Flash line-up who missed the team’s first two contests with an orbital bone fracture. Wambach was held to two shots on goal.

Portland Thorns FC vs. Western New York Flash highlights

The Boston Breakers (1-3-0) fell to home team Sky Blue FC (1-2-2) 1-0 Saturday with Monica Ocampo netting the game’s only goal. Ocampo scored off an assist from Kelley O’Hara at the 14’ mark. The win was the first for Sky Blue FC who faces Chicago Wednesday night.

Finally, in the most lopsided contest of the weekend FC Kansas City (2-2-1) defeated the Houston Dash (1-3-0) 4-0 disappointing the 5,198 fans at Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium.

Kansas City was on the attack from the start, earning a corner kick just two minutes into the game. A near miss by Lauren Holiday was followed quickly by two backline breakthroughs by Amy Rodriguez by the 11th minute. Stalwart effort by Dash goalkeeper Erin McLeod thwarted Kansas City’s initial attempts but in the 13th minute Liz Bogus tucked a goal past a sliding McLeod to give her team the lead.

Early in the second half Rodriguez capitalized on yet another scoring opportunity, giving Kansas City an insurance goal they never needed. Erika Tymrak and Frances Silva added late goals for Kansas City cementing the victory.

Upcoming games in the NWSL include:

Wednesday, May 7

FC Kansas City at Western New York Flash
Chicago Red Stars at Sky Blue FC

Saturday, May 10

Seattle Reign FC at Portland Thorns FC

Sunday, May 11

Sky Blue FC at Western New York Flash
Houston Dash at Chicago Red Stars
Washington Spirit at FC Kansas City

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