It’s early to say that being first and second in the standings means much. After three weeks of matches, Orlando and Washington hold the top spots, respectively. This could be a blip in the season, like expansion-side Racing Louisville FC holding onto the top spot after week two, or the rise of two potential playoff contenders.
Orlando’s 2021 season is a build-up of years of expectation. In 2017, they signed Brazilian midfielder Marta. That year they made the playoffs. Forward Sydney Leroux joined in 2018, and the idea was that a team with Marta, Leroux, and forward Alex Morgan would wreak havoc on the league. What followed was time away for injury, players returning from injury but then time away for pregnancy, coming back together but then a pandemic happens. Now that everyone is available and healthy, what they’re getting are victories.
Washington’s last playoff push goes back further than Orlando. They lost in the 2016 NWSL Championship, on penalties, against the Western New York Flash, now NC Courage. They haven’t been back since. Then, in 2021, they felt expectations build. The same type that surrounded Orlando for years. No. 2 2021 draft pick, forward Trinity Rodman, fellow forwards Ashley Hatch, Ashley Sanchez and the addition of US International defenders Kelley O’Hara and Emily Sonnett left supporters thinking that D.C. was back.
Sunday, Orlando, and Washington bring renewed excitement into a matchup of first and second in the league.
Recent Form
This weekend isn’t the first time they’ve played in the young 2021 season. May 16, they played to a 1-1 draw at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium. The result didn’t reflect the number of chances from both sides. It took until the 76th minute for either team to score a goal when Washington’s leading goal scorer Ashley Hatch scored her first goal of the season. Not to be outdone, Orlando’s Morgan was on the receiving end of a booming counterattack pass, tying the match in the 84th minute.
Since their season began, Orlando beat the Courage, in Cary, NC, for the first time ever. They followed it up with home victories against the Portland Thorns and Kansas City NWSL. Controversy surrounded their most recent victory, as the replay wasn’t conclusive that Orlando’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory crossed the goal line. Without the replay system VAR at the league’s disposal, the result stands; a result that put Orlando at the top of the league.
Washington had one slip-up, losing 2-0 to Louisville, but it wasn’t for glaring issues in their offense. They put 10 shots on goal and had 13 shots blocked. If not for Louisville’s captain and goalkeeper Michelle Betos having a lights-out performance, they could have gone up big. Then, after field issues left them playing their first home match of 2021 in Houston, they won in an unusual fashion. With 10 players on the field, after midfielder Andi Sullivan was sent off for two yellow cards in the 50th minute, they won 2-1. Last weekend, they won 1-0 on an own goal from OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe.
Area to Watch
While Orlando and Washington both have dangerous front lines of attack, Orlando’s Leroux and Morgan versus the Spirit backline featuring Sonnett and O’Hara, it’s not the positional clash to watch. It’s Orlando’s defensive third versus the attack of Washington.
Orlando Defensive Growth
Of the six teams that have played four matches, Orlando has allowed the fewest goals (3). That’s huge when you consider their opponents and where they’ve been in years past. Half of their matches were against Portland and away to Carolina. They’ve given up less than a goal per match, compared to their last NWSL regular season in 2019 where they averaged 2.2.
Anchoring the defensive group are center backs, Ali Krieger and Phoebe McClernon. The veteran/youth tandem haven’t missed a minute of game time this season. They’re going to have a tough time against the Spirit. For Skinner, the defense, and youngster McClernon has to continue strong defensive play.
“We’ve got to be defending 1v1s, stay resolute, and that’s something that we’ll continue to work on,” said Skinner. “It’s just concentration. When you’re a young player, and it’s going well, you have to keep riding that wave.”
They’re also breaking up attacks in the defensive midfield and on the sidelines. Fullback Ali Riley has broken up plays and made it difficult for opposing wingers. In the midfield is Gunnhildur Jónsdóttir. The Icelandic defender began 2021, in the Challenge Cup, as a fullback. Orlando manager Marc Skinner moved her into a defensive midfielder role and its paid dividends. She covers a lot of ground, stopping plays before they have the chance to develop. This work converts into offense.
“The players are working hard to defend and be a solid unit so that we can supply the forwards with the opportunity to win us the game,” said Skinner. For the opponents, they too have a group that can win them the game.
Washington’s Deep Attack
Once Rodman hears the match whistle, she doesn’t waste time in the attack. In each of her three starts, she’s had goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the match. She only has one assist, but eight shots on goal.
Then there’s Hatch. She leads the team in goals (2), including a 70th minute game-winner at their “home” match in Houston. Both came using different strengths. A leaping-headed effort put Washington ahead in their earlier matchup. A goal that even goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris couldn’t stop. In Houston, she used her speed and timed a run perfectly to stay onside for a breakaway goal.
The Spirit can also mix up their offensive attack, making planning difficult. They’ve used Rodman, Hatch, and Sanchez in the front early in the year. Sanchez sometimes plays the 10-role. Then there’s attacking midfielder Kumi Yokoyama who can also move into a forward position. Once opponents get used to who Richie Burke puts on the pitch, they switch personnel and play with a different look.
How to Watch
Orlando and Washington will bring a counter-attacking, fast-paced, game to Audi Field. It’s Washington’s first true home match of the 2021 regular season, giving local supporters the first chance to see their team in-person.
When: Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Audi Field, in Washington D.C.
How: Paramount+
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