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NWSL news: Sophia Smith runs riot, Gotham FC get back on track

By Caden Charpentier

Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 3, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Bethany Balcer (8) crosses the ball against Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey (17) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Thomas Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Bethany Balcer (8) crosses the ball against Portland Thorns FC midfielder Sam Coffey (17) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Thomas Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

NWSL news: Laura Harvey’s use dominant defensive display, and two Bethany Balcer goals to take 2-1 win

For the road team, the first half was something else. OL Reign walked into a packed Snapdragon Stadium and completely stymied the San Diego Wave’s attack. Casey Stoney’s team has no shots on goal in the first 45 minutes and fell victim to a Bethany Balcer header within the first eight minutes. It was not an offensive masterclass in the first half by either side, but when challenged, the Wave could not pass the test.

The urgency from San Diego was lacking as Balcer powered her way through the middle of the backline to find the back of the net. Stoney’s team did not wait around to respond, using the link-up for Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw to knot the match at one all. It it was not for Sofia Huerta’s cross, and another header by Balcer, the Reign would be regretting not adding an extra goal in the first 45 minutes.

For the second time, San Diego was punished for its poor defense. Three out of Balcer’s seven goals in the 2022 regular season were by way of a header. In fact, no player headed goals in the league since 2021 than the Reign striker. The center-backs have to be aware of where No. 8 in white it at all times when Harvey’s side are in the final third of the pitch. It is the Michigan native’s fifth goal across all competitions this season and two multi-goal matches. With many of her teammates going off to Australia and New Zealand, Balcer is going to have the opportunity to continue this form. Her instincts with the ball in the air helped her side rebound from a disappointing display on the road in the heat of Houston, Texas.

The defending NWSL Shield winners have now won three out of their last five in the league. Just two points separate them and their rivals, Portland at the top of the table. Stoney’s team slides down to sixth position, and are winless in their last three following its second straight home defeat. A visit to the last-place Red Stars is a positive sight for San Diego. Even with that, just one shot on target, and defensive lapses like on Saturday night are not going to get the job done against any team in this league.

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