Week 4 of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is about to start after the first mid-week matches of the season. The league teams are now preparing for regular season action, and with each club having to deal with Challenge Cup contests on Wednesday, lineup rotation could be something that we see utilized throughout the league in week 4. The third week of April matches in the NWSL brings a Saturday slate of four games highlighted by the fixture in the D.C. followed by two to close out the weekend on Sunday evening.
Week 4 of the NWSL promises to be a thrilling one, with some exciting matches scheduled for the weekend. Here are three intriguing fixtures to look out for:
1. San Diego Wave at Angel City FC
Date: Sunday, April 23, 8:00 p.m. EST
How to watch: Paramount+
This California clash will undoubtedly be a must-watch match on Sunday night. Both San Diego Wave and Angel City FC came into the NWSL last year and immediately shook things up. Both clubs have passionate fanbases and have produced some quality football on the pitch.
BMO Stadium in Los Angeles is always buzzing, and both matches that Angel City FC has played at home so far have been thrillers. In both instances, a team came back down a goal to snatch a result. In front of approximately 22,000 fans last season, Angel City FC outlasted San Diego Wave on their home soil 2-1 through an 81′ goal by Scottish international Claire Emslie. No home field provides as much of an advantage as the soccer-specific stadium in Exposition Park.
Angel City FC battled the Wave in the 2022 campaign in two matches decided by just one goal. Heading into L.A, Casey Stoney’s side is seeking to rebound from a tough defeat at Lumen Field where OL Reign found the game’s only breakthrough in the fifth minute of stoppage time. For Coombe’s side, this is by far the best team they have faced so far this season. The grit of this squad has been quite evident following the comeback against Racing Louisville, but can they keep their head against a much more talented team like San Diego? Not only is this the first time this season these two California sides will meet, but it could also be the first regular season match back in the NWSL for Julie Ertz since May 16, 2021.
Prediction: San Diego Wave 1-1 Angel City FC
2. Houston Dash at North Carolina Courage
Date: Saturday, April 22, 7:00 p.m. EST
How to watch: Paramount+
The Houston Dash is back on the road against another top opponent, the North Carolina Courage. Houston is coming off a mid-week match against the Chicago Red Stars in which they fell to a 1-0 defeat. The Dash had a tough start to the 2023 season, having to face three of the league’s top teams in their opening three games. However, they will be looking to turn things around on Saturday against the Courage.
North Carolina is also coming off a mid-week defeat, losing 2-0 to Gotham FC. The Courage will be looking to bounce back from that defeat and secure their second win of the season. This will be another tough match for Houston, but they will be hoping to finally get some points on the board.
Prediction: North Carolina Courage 2-1 Houston Dash
3. Racing Louisville at Portland Thorns FC
Date: Sunday, April 23, 10:00 p.m. EST
How to watch: Paramount+
Racing Louisville is still without a point this season, and things won’t get any easier for them as they travel to Providence Park to face Portland Thorns FC. Portland is one of the league’s top teams and has started the season strongly, winning two of their opening three matches.
Racing Louisville has shown some promise this season, but they have struggled to convert that into results. They will need to be at their best if they are to get anything out of this match against Portland. However, Portland’s strong start to the season makes them the clear favorites in this one.
Prediction: Portland Thorns FC 2-0 Racing Louisville
