Seattle Reign, NWSL Shield winners. August 26, 2015. Photo by NWSL.

National Women’s Soccer League: Week of September 1

Here at 32 Flags, we’re proud to provide weekly updates of the National Women’s Soccer League as well as a Standings and Schedule page. Playoff spots are finalized with only a week to go in the regular season…go and support women’s club soccer!

News Summary

  • The playoffs are set! The four teams that will play for the championship are Seattle, Chicago, Washington, and FC Kansas City. Seeding is not settled yet.. except for Seattle. They are really good and easily #1.
  • Seattle have official won the NWSL Shield. Congrats!
  • Dramatic goals by Seattle and Washington this week to secure draws. Ultimately, these points are meaningless, but you can’t tell from the heart these team showed in the final minutes of their games.
  • Who’s the MVP? Kim Little or Crystal Dunn? Both strikers benefited from not playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

August 25- 31 Results

Seattle Reign, NWSL Shield winners. August 26, 2015. Photo by NWSL.

Seattle Reign, NWSL Shield winners. August 26, 2015. Photo by NWSL.

Seattle Reign def. Boston Breakers, 3-1 — Video Link

  • Seattle Goals: Megan Rapinoe (21′), Kendell Fletcher (34′), Kim Little (56′); Boston Goals: Maddy Evans (88′)
  • Megan Rapinoe breaks her goal drought and Kim Little marches toward that MVP trophy. Seattle are killin’ it right now, looking unbeatable going into the final week of the season.

FC Kansas City draw Washington Spirit, 0-0 —  Video Link

  • FC Kansas City Goals: None; Washington Goals: None
  • Lauren Holiday and Crystal Dunn had their chances (10 combined shots), but the goals just weren’t falling.

Chicago Red Stars def. Western New York Flash, 2-0 Video Link

  • Chicago Goals: Christen Press (40′), Jen Hoy (65′); WNY Goals: None

Seattle Reign draw Sky Blue FC, 1-1 Video Link

  • Seattle Goals: Jessica Fishlock (90′); Sky Blue Goals: Nadia Nadim (6′)
  • Seattle has the skill, and in this game they had the drama and the luck.
Crystal Dunn dribbles past a Western New York Flash defender. Photo by Washington Spirit.

Crystal Dunn dribbles past a Western New York Flash defender. Photo by Washington Spirit.

Houston Dash def. Boston Breakers, 1-0 Video Link

  • Houston Goals: Ella Masar (34′); Boston Goals: None
  • Can’t help but think the FIFA Women’s World Cup ruined Houston’s chances at the playoffs. Carli Lloyd and Morgan Brian are playing well, but look gassed after so many USWNT appearances. Assuming no major roster changes, look for Houston to challenge Seattle for the league next year.

Washington Spirit draw Portland Thorns, 3-3 Video Link

  • Washington Goals: Francisca Ordega (6′), Crystal Dunn (45′,81′); Portland Goals: Alex Morgan (53′), Tobin Heath (71′ PK), Jodie Taylor (80′)
  • A great and exciting game to showcase the NWSL on national television. Portland players looked angry at missing the playoffs, especially Alex Morgan, who is beginning to look like herself again. On the other side, Crystal Dunn looks angry that she didn’t get the call for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She should definitely get calls in the coming months.

This Week’s Fixtures

Wednesday, September 2:

  • FC Kansas City @ Sky Blue FC, 7 EST

Friday, September 4:

  • Portland Thorns @ Western New York Flash, 8 pm EST

Saturday, September 5:

  • Seattle Reign FC @ Washington Spirit, 7 EST

Sunday, September 6:

  • Houston Dash @ Chicago Red Stars, 8:30 EST

Standings

[table id=NWSL /]

About Josh Howard

Josh Howard is a PhD Candidate in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University where he writes about empathy, museums, and visitor studies. He is also a massive DC United fan and serves as a co-editor for ussporthistory.com. For more, check out jhowardhistory.com.

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