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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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Apr 15, 2023; Cary, North Carolina, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) warm up prior to the game at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2023; Cary, North Carolina, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) warm up prior to the game at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Do not count out the Washington Spirit

Nobody saw this coming. In his first season at the helm of the Washington Spirit, Mark Parsons has already collected one less win than this club reached in all of last season. Tied on points with the juggernaut Portland Thorns, Parson’s side is already blowing his team’s preseason expectations out of the water. With the departures of veterans like Emily Sonnet and Kelley O’Hara via the trade market and free agency respectively, the DC side was going to have to bank on a lot more new faces than they have been accustomed to.

Captained by the elusive Trinity Rodman in attack, the Spirit have a uniqueness about them that makes them one of the most intriguing clubs looking ahead to the rest of the campaign. Ashley Hatch and Rodman both netted goals in a 2-1 week 3 victory on the road against their coastal rivals, the North Carolina Courage. After blowing a two-goal lead at halftime in Louisville, this is the kind of response Parsons was looking for. Some may still see this club as one that will eventually fall off, but with Rodman playing at this level, anything can happen.

In soccer, efficiency is a massive part of the game. Washington converted on two of its five total shots, and punished the Courage whenever they gifted a chance to find the back of the net. With the Houston Dash coming up back at Audi Field, we are going to learn a whole lot more about this club. For right now, this start to the season is incredibly impressive for a side, especially with a first-year head coach in a talent-littered league.

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