Fansided

3 major takeaways from the first week of NWSL matches

By Caden Charpentier

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 26: Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit celebrates her goal in the second half of the NWSL match against OL Reign at Audi Field on March 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 26: Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit celebrates her goal in the second half of the NWSL match against OL Reign at Audi Field on March 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 26: Michele Vasconcelos #15 of the Portland Thorns FC celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Orlando Pride at Providence Park on March 26, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 26: Michele Vasconcelos #15 of the Portland Thorns FC celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second half against the Orlando Pride at Providence Park on March 26, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

Takeaways from NWSL week 1: Portland Thorns picks up right where they left off in 2022

What did you expect? Just looking at the Portland Thorns’ opening lineup this season should give any opposing coach nightmares. There are just so many ways in which this team can break you down. The efficiency of this Thorns’ attack is quite extraordinary. While their rivals up north struggled to finish any of their chances, Portland forced Anna Moorhouse into making saves. 16 shots on target out of the team’s 27 in total. It is the eighth competitive match in a row, dating back to last season in which the Thorns reached six or more shots on target in a single game.

Mike Norris, in just his first game as a head coach in the league, proved it will be an easy transition from Rhian Wilkinson. Eight different players for Portland collected double-digit shots including five that hit the target more than once. Sam Coffey picked up right where she left off in 2022 while Morgan Weaver began a massive 2023 campaign on the right foot. From Hina Sugita to a reinvigorated Crystal Dunn on the wing, Portland has arguably the most talent in the league. It was not just one player. Sophia Smith dazzled per usual, but it is the collective team play of this squad that makes them the most dangerous club to play against in the NWSL.

Check out our NWSL hub page for more news, analysis, opinion and unique women’s soccer coverage. And don’t forget to follow FOR(E) on Twitter, FanSided’s home for women’s sports.

Home/NWSL