NWSL Week 11: New Girls Rising
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Insert someone other than Krieger and Dunn here.
With most of the international teams calling up their players after last week's matches, some team sheets will look VERY different in week 11. Across every squad, the NWSL will be without some of its best talent. Some of, mind you, because the NWSL isn't limited to talented women who happen to play for their countries in the Olympics. A few of the best don't get to go to the Olympics due to their home countries not qualifying, or by virtue of their not being selected as part of the tiny 18-player Olympic rosters. Sad for them, bonus for us!
So, get ready to meet some new players over the next month. With a professional future on the line, they'll be giving it everything they've got. It's an audition for bigger and better things, and we'll be watching.
After five days of football last week, we're only being gifted with FOUR total matches this week. But perhaps you have some other plans other than football for the weekend?
Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
After my dear Boston Breakers were... well... after what happened last weekend in Rochester, Bold Predictions are now merely good fun predictions and once the games are over they will never be referenced again. Unless I get them all correct.
Chicago Red Stars at WNY Flash
Friday at 7:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: Nobody wants to go to Rochester this year. The Flash won't miss their Olympians as badly as will Chicago. The only real question is: Who will repeatedly foul McCall Zerboni without getting a yellow card this week? 3-1 Flash.
FC Kansas City at Washington Spirit
Saturday at 7:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: JoHawk Rising. FCKC's transition was starting to come together, and now GODDESS WHO WALKS AMONG US Broon is away. Washington isn't the same without DMath, but the Spirit look stronger to me at home on 4th of July weekend. So, you know, I'm probbaly wrong. 2-0 FCKC.
Boston Breakers at Seattle Reign
Saturday at 7:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: After suffering a 7-1 defeat away to the Flash last weekend (worst. defeat. ever. no seriously, no hyperbole), the Breakers will be doing everything they can to stay on top. But they might be facing the best Olympics-depleted side in the league. Kim Little will be too hot to handle, too cold to hold. Reign 3-1 Boston, though I'm desperately hoping not.
Sky Blue FC at Portland Thorns
Saturday at 10:30PM Eastern (officially 10:39PM)
Bold Prediction: Strange days have found us. Sky Blue doesn't lose nearly as many women to the Olympics as Portland, which loses three full rosters. Well, it just feels that way. Still, it's a long trip, and a tiring one. I'm taking the visitors to get past the makeshift Thorns (so, get ready for a Thorns blowout). Sky Blue 3-2 Thorns.
