Hello to all my fellow soccer fans,
Let’s get the big stuff out of the way first. The Chicago Stars fired their head coach Martin Sjögren on Wednesday, with assistant coach Karina Báez serving as interim head coach for the rest of the season. This is the team’s 5th coach since the start of 2025, and former head coach Lorne Donaldson, who I think was unjustly fired, will return to the Stars as “interim director of coaching” until the end of the season. The Stars’ season is down the drain anyway, especially with Jordyn Huitema out on the SEI list, so why not just get a head start on next season and clean house? They already fired their GM in May, and we will see who will get the dream job next. I hear Alex Straus is available.
Olivia Moultrie was put on the SEI list for Portland, which is devastating for the Thorns and for the USWNT. Thank god Emma Hayes has been debuting players left and right in preparation for this next World Cup cycle, because we are now likely to be without two huge starters for the team in Moultrie and Emily Sonnett. For the Thorns, however, when one door closes, another opens. Caiya Hanks has been activated from the SEI list, meaning that she will be eligible to play starting this week. It’s unlikely she will get any meaningful minutes for awhile, but it’s great to have a player of her caliber back in the rotation for the Thorns.
Finally, and this is just for me, Phoebe Bridgers released a new album and I’m thrilled.
On to this weekend’s fixtures, including a Challenge Cup rematch between Gotham and KC!
Friday, August 14th
Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current
5 PM PT, Prime Video
Boy howdy, this should be a good one if you’re a Gotham fan! Gotham has been on a tear recently, going undefeated in their last 7 games. Kansas City…has not. KC’s availability report leaves a lot to be desired, with Ellie Bravo-Young out, Michelle Cooper questionable, and Temwa Chawinga out on international duty with Malawi, among others. While Gotham is still without new signing Denise O’Sullivan, they have managed to dress the wound left by Emily Sonnett in defense rather effectively, and are proving to be suffocating to opposing offenses. Gotham has been great at home this year as well, which is new for the Bats, so I anticipate another tight but decisive win by Gotham. I am going to go Gotham 2-0 KC, especially if Michelle Cooper isn’t dressed for the game.
Utah Royals vs. Bay FC
7 PM PT, NWSL+
A game at home against an inconsistent Bay FC team is pretty much best-case scenario for Utah after a disappointing loss to the Denver Summit last week. Bay has been ineffectual in offense over the last few weeks, only scoring 2 in their last 4 games. Utah has scored 10 in their last 4 games, so I anticipate a lot of goals from the home team. Utah 3-0 Bay.
Seattle Reign vs. Chicago Stars
7 PM PT, NWSL+
The Stars have a very small chance of rebounding against a strong Seattle Reign team, especially after firing their head coach this week. They have been on a steady rise since the international break, scoring a lot of goals against difficult opponents. Chicago is not a difficult opponent, so I don’t see that changing for this week. Mia Fishel and Maddie Mercado will certainly get on the board somehow, and Chicago just doesn’t have an answer. Seattle 2-0 Chicago, and my bonus bet is goals from Fishel and Mercado.
San Diego Wave vs. Denver Summit
7 PM PT, NWSL+
This game sees Denver coming off an upset win and San Diego coming off a frustrating loss, so both teams have something to prove. San Diego is missing Kenza Dali and Kiki Pickett, and Denver is missing Lindsey Heaps. Notably, Cat Macario is available to play for San Diego for the first time since they signed her in March of this year. I think of the matchups so far, this should be the most even one this evening, since both teams have quite a bit of offensive firepower. I am going to say San Diego 2-1 Denver, since SD are the home team and could see one of the best forwards in the world get some minutes for them.
Saturday, August 15th
Racing Louisville vs. Boston Legacy
3:30 PM PT, ION
Bottom of the table matchup! Both Racing and Boston have a lot of momentum coming into this game, with Racing winning 3 of their last 4 games and scoring 8 goals throughout those. Boston has been unbeaten in 2 of their last 4 games, and have scored 6 goals in those games. This is a truly neutral game with no playoff implications, so let’s have some fun with it, right? Let’s get Emma Sears a hat-trick, let’s score 3 in the first 20, make it fun! The last thing I want from this is a defensive standoff, and I don’t see us getting that. Final score, Louisville 3-2 Boston. Why not!
Portland Thorns vs. Orlando Pride
5:45 PM PT, ION
After Portland’s electric game against Boston, taking on Orlando at home should be a total piece of cake. Hopefully we see Caiya Hanks get into this game, and Barbra Banda returns from WAFCON this week, so will likely get at least a half hour with the Pride. I’m looking forward to a lot of goals. Portland 4-3 Orlando, just because Banda will score.
Sunday, August 15th
North Carolina Courage vs. Houston Dash
4 PM PT, NWSL+
Based on recent form, North Carolina will stomp Houston in the first half, and Houston will come back with a late-game penalty. Houston have only scored more than 1 goal in 1 game against Denver in the past 7 games, while North Carolina have scored more than 1 goal in 4 of their last 7 games, and have scored 12 in their last 4 games. To me, Houston doesn’t stand a chance. North Carolina 4-1 Houston.
Angel City FC vs. Washington Spirit
6 PM PT, ESPN
How many more tight ties do we think Angel City has in them? Maybe one more against a struggling and frustrated Spirit? Washington have won 3 of their last 6 games by 1 goal, and lost the other 3 by the same margin. If Angel City can run their defense efficiently, they stand a solid chance of shutting out Trinity Rodman and Sofia Cantore. But, can Angel City get some grit under pressure? I don’t know, to be honest. I’m going to say Angel City 1-1 Washington Spirit, because both of these teams just seem to be in a funk.
That’s it for this weekend’s games, I’ll be back early next week with a recap of these and a preview for Wednesday’s games. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
Anna
PB 3 and 4 NWSL games?! I love Friday the 14th!