The NWSL came back with a bang last week. There were goals galore to go with some surprising results, shaking up the league standings in the process. The Thorns recaptured their spot at the top, and the Orlando Pride are somehow three points out of the last playoff spot with a 5-0 thumping of Chicago. Here’s what to watch for Matchday 17 in the NWSL.
Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave: Friday, August 25 at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+
With a win, Orlando would take San Diego’s spot in the playoffs. That was an unthinkable statement if you looked at the table halfway through the season. The Pride have won four of their last six, racking up 12 points, leapfrogging the remaining teams from 8th-12th. Watch out for a hungry Orlando team to come out flying against San Diego.
This Pride team beat San Diego 3-1 back in April on the road. The Wave has a decent road record, 5-1-7, and the Pride’s record at home is in the same ballpark at 5-1-4. Everything about this game screams an Orlando win, but this might be an emotional letdown spot after a huge 5-0 win. The Wave is coming off a huge win at Gotham and has Alex Morgan back against her former team. San Diego likely gets their revenge from the loss at home to Orlando earlier this…
