NWSL schedule: Thorns eye bounce back, Angel City encounter leaders, Week 15 preview

Each club in the NWSL wants to end this stretch on a positive note with this weekend being the last set of regular season matches until Aug. 18. 

NWSL schedule: Portland Thorns aim to end skid at Red Bull Arena against NJ/NY Gotham FC

Portland Thorns at NJ/NY Gotham FC

Date: Sunday, July 9, 5:30 pm EST

How to watch: Paramount+

Despite owning the higher xG last week at home against the Kansas City Current, the Portland Thorns are yet to find the back of the net with their international stars out on duty. Led by Sam Coffey in the middle of the park, and Morgan Weaver in the frontline, the Thorns must find a way to break through against a team that limited their opponent last week to just one shot on target. The Oregon side has already tied their loss total from last season, and another one with seven contests remaining after this one could hurt their postseason seeding.

NJ/NY Gotham FC has the opportunity to tie Portland on points at 25 heading into the break. One of the positives for Juan Carlos Amorós’ side last week was Margaret Purce’s explosiveness coming off the bench at halftime. Purce, who missed being in the pool for the USWNT World Cup roster due to injury had six progressive carries to lead her team against Angel City FC. Her speed and creativity in the final third are X-factors for Gotham, especially in front of its home fans.

After not finding the back of the net for the third time in their last five matches, the New York side got to work this week. They recently added Katie Stengel from Liverpool on loan and Spanish international Maitane López on a two-year deal. It may take some time for the two to adjust, but both have quality experience playing in a top league overseas. It is going to come down to like most matches this upcoming weekend which set of role players step up in those key moments.

Prediction: Portland Thorns 1-1 NJ/NY Gotham FC 

NWSL schedule: Current ride good form into Kentucky, encounter Racing Louisville with chance to move to eighth

Kansas City Current at Racing Louisville

Date: Friday, July 7, 8:00 pm EST

How to watch: Paramount+

Since that impressive triumph over Gotham a few weeks ago at home, Racing Louisville has begun to pivot in form. The Kentucky side dropped points in their last two contests including last week’s road test where they held a two-goal lead late in the second half against OL Reign.

A win would have put Racing into seventh on goal differential over the Houston Dash. Kim Björkegren’s team head back home for a meeting with one of only two sides that have taken six points from their last two fixtures in the regular season. Caroline Sjöblom’s Kansas City Current have won three out of their last four in all competitions, taking down the Thorns at Providence Park last weekend.

The away side had just four shots on the Portland net. None of that mattered because of Michelle Cooper’s composure at the penalty spot, converting the game’s only goal via a chance created by fellow rookie Alexa Spaanstra.

These two midwest foes have met once in the league and once in the UKG Challenge Cup so far during this campaign. Racing took both fixtures, shutting out KC on its home turf back in May. Heading into the matchup, the Current are just one point behind Louisville.

After spending time on the road for the last two games, being back at home has to feel good for Björkegren’s side. The last time Racing lost a match at home was against the North Carolina Courage on May 27. Not only is the boost of being in front of their fans going to be a boost, but veteran Nadia Nadim is officially off the injury list and available for selection.

Prediction: Kansas City Current 1-2 Racing Louisville