USWNT players in NWSL: week 18

There were four NWSL matchups this past weekend as Houston Dash - North Carolina Courage was postponed in light of Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the region. (Check out how to help with relief efforts here.) The other four results were all pretty tight one-goal races, but the teams you might have expected to win did win, with the exception of Portland - Seattle, as the Thorns have finally beaten the Reign at Memorial Stadium for the first time. Here’s how USWNT players in NWSL did this past week.

FC Kansas City 1 - 2 Orlando Pride

Becky Sauerbrunn: Decent defensive game from Sauerbrunn despite the scoreline. She was often in place to block off passing channels to Alex Morgan and also did her best to push KC higher on the field.

Sydney Leroux: She had some nice moments dropping the ball into position for teammates but didn’t manage to score despite at least one excellent opportunity to do so.

Ali Krieger: Fairly busy game for Krieger even though KC didn’t press as much into the box, but she had her hands full keeping an eye on Lo’eau Labonta and Shea Groom.

Alex Morgan: She scored the game winner for Orlando late in the game with an amazing leaping heel flick, making up for a lot of early chasing as KC tried to prevent the Orlando press.

Ashlyn Harris: Even though she didn’t come out enough on KC’s goal, she did enough to help Orlando get the win with a full-stretch save in the first half and some sweeper-keeper action.

Seattle Reign 1 - 2 Portland Thorns

Meghan Klingenberg: Good set piece delivery as usual, but not a ton of defensive work for her to do as Seattle were a bit lackluster in the attack.

Allie Long: Long subbed in for Amandine Henry in the 58’. She did some defensive work to stymie Seattle in the midfield and even though she’s been in and out recently, showed that good understanding she has with Horan.

Lindsey Horan: One of the if not the most active player for Portland on the day. She helped keep patient control in the midfield as a shield for the back line and worked hard as a ballwinner.

Washington Spirit 1 - 2 Chicago Red Stars

Mallory Pugh: An assist on the day from Pugh wasn’t enough to get the Spirit a point at home, but what an assist it was. Her service, and not just on the FK, helped bring out some great movement from her teammates, especially Cheyna Williams.

Casey Short: Perhaps a slightly less busy night for Short than for her right-sided counterpart Arin Gilliand with Pugh hunting more on Washington’s left, but still a need for her to put in some tackles as Chicago played a tougher game.

Julie Ertz: Ertz’s long ball provided beautiful service for Press, who gobbles up those types of passes all day.

Christen Press: She got the late gamewinner for Chicago with a good first touch and calmness going one-v-one with a goalkeeper.

Alyssa Naeher: Not a ton for Naeher to do on the night as the Spirit’s attack was fairly limited in the final third, but Washington’s one goal was a tough one.

Sky Blue FC 1 - 0 Boston Breakers

Abby Smith: Despite several fantastic saves on the night, including a tip over the bar, her one really unfortunate play coming far off her line and not communicating with the CBs cost Boston some points.

Kelley O’Hara: With O’Hara still not 100%, she subbed in in the 59’ for Kayla Mills. She was quite threatening when cutting right through the middle and warned off some of Boston’s flank play.