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NWSL Week 3: Biggest storylines from a dramatic week in the NWSL

By Caden Charpentier

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Angel City FC celebrates a goal by Savannah McCaskill #9 in the second half against Racing Louisville FC at BMO Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Angel City FC celebrates a goal by Savannah McCaskill #9 in the second half against Racing Louisville FC at BMO Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 18: Head coach Laura Harvey of the OL Reign looks on before the match against the Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park on March 18, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 18: Head coach Laura Harvey of the OL Reign looks on before the match against the Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park on March 18, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

2. OL Reign sends NWSL a message with one-goal triumph over San Diego Wave

Laura Harvey’s OL Reign came out of the gate with a concerning loss on the road against the Washington Spirit. Continuing with the theme of the Reign, chances were being created, but the final product was simply not quite there. Behind the brilliance of Harvey pushing all the buttons, the Seattle side has pieced together a championship-type response. Keeping Gotham from collecting a shot on target through 90 minutes on the road was quite impressive, but this club was going to be tested to the limit during its home opener.

Casey Stoney and the unbeaten San Diego Wave came to Lumen Field with one goal in mind, continue the kind of form they have created through the first two weeks. Behind over 9,000 strong, the Reign held the Wave scoreless for just the sixth time in their franchise’s short history. San Diego created chances to break the deadlock through the match, but it was the stability of Phallon Tullis-Joyce that made all the difference, denying all three of the away side’s shot attempts.

When the contest looked like it was going to end in a scoreless draw, the Washington native Olivia Van der Jagt netted a stunning right-footed volley outside the penalty to beat Kailen Sheridan on a night where it looked like nothing was going to get past her. The triumph sends Harvey’s side up to fourth place, tied with the Wave on points and goal differential. The depth of this squad is quite glaring and as this team pushes for the franchise’s first title, these are the types of gritty wins that are going to help achieve that goal.

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