NWSL schedule: KC visit Thorns for title rematch, Gotham host ACFC, Week 14 preview

Even with the internationals away on duty ahead of the World Cup, the NWSL continues on with the second to last week of the regular season before an extended hiatus. 

NWSL schedule: 2022 NWSL Championship rematch Part 2

Kansas City Current at Portland Thorns

Date: Saturday, July 1, 10:00 p.m. EST

How to watch: CBS Sports Network

The last two teams standing in the NWSL last season are in completely different positions heading into the 14th week of the season. In week two, these sides faced off in Kansas City. Behind a Sophia Smith hat trick and an offensive onslaught by the Thorns, Portland walloped the Current 4-1. That was then. Now, KC has a new interim manager, and both teams must cope with life without their stars.

The Thorns are coming off of a UKG Challenge Cup defeat to OL Reign at home where that consistent offensive firepower was absent. It was only the second time in 2023 that the Thorns have been shut out in any competition. Morgan Weaver had the night off, most likely to keep her fresh for the last two regular season fixtures before the break. Without Smith, and veteran Christine Sinclair among others, Weaver is going to be the No. 1 option in the Portland attack. Her finishing is going to be critical because no team in the top eight has conceded more goals than the Thorns.

If Mike Norris’ team wants to maintain their place at the top of the next two weeks, they are going to have to display much more quality in the attacking third compared to the mid-week. Kansas City, who aren’t as hurt by the World Cup as many others took down Orlando 2-1 last week on the road. Even with Debinha out of the lineup, this Current side is littered with talent. A depleted Oregon side opens the door for Caroline Sjöblom’s side to snatch some vital points in order to make up ground on the 10 teams above them.

Prediction: Kansas City Current 2-1 Portland Thorns 

NWSL schedule: Surging Angel City travel east to Jersey

Angel City FC at NJ/NY Gotham FC

Date: Sunday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. EST

How to watch: Paramount+

The tide is beginning to shift in Los Angeles. Ali Riley said after their UKG Challenge Cup win over the San Diego Wave that they truly believe they can turn this season around. With Becki Tweed at the helm, Angel City is unbeaten in its last two regular season fixtures including a triumph over Casey Stoney’s Wave at Snapdragon Stadium. Players like Scarlett Camberos, and Jasmyne Spencer are reasons to believe that this side has a chance to rise even higher up the table in the coming weeks. The travel does not help ACFC, having to fly across the country during a week with shorten preparation time.

For Gotham FC, Margaret Purce’s arrival back into the team from injury could not have come at a more opportune time. Nine of the club’s 15 total regular season goals have come via two of its international stars. Purce found the back of the net already against ACFC earlier this season back in March when her penalty equalized the match at one apiece.

Young players like Jenna Nighswonger along with Yazmeen Ryan and Purce will be key in accomplishing the task to keep this New Jersey side in the postseason picture at the end of the day on July 9. Juan Carlos Amorós’ team was one Allie Long free-kick away from being winless in its last five contests. Life without each team’s most dangerous threat going forward is going to take some time to get used to. If Purce is her creative self, and Abby Smith is able to hold firm between the sticks, the home side should be in good position for the points. That is easier said than done considering the confidence that was displayed throughout the entire ACFC team on Wednesday night.

Prediction Angel City FC 1-1 NJ/NY Gotham FC