NWSL Week 18: FS1 Games Begin!
/At the beginning of the year, NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush revealed a TV deal with FS1 to cover five matches plus the title game waaaaaay off at the end of the season in September. More announcements were promised. Well, it's September. FS1 matches start today, but those mysterious announcements are still out there in the ether. There's still time.
At 8PM, the Chicago Red Stars host FC Kansas City on FoxSports 1 (FS1). On TV. Not on YouTube. I watched the USWNT play on FS1 or FS2 on a JetBlue flight earlier this year, so FoxSports is widely available, if you pay for the old-school cable thing. Being old, I do. Set your DVR and record that one, because that's not the only game on Wednesday.
Back over on our familiar, intermittently grainy, internet broadcast home on YouTube, there are 3 matches at 7PM and another one at 10PM. Here's the rundown.
Oh, because you asked (nobody asks), Bold Predictions may have been my worst yet. The Breakers got slaughtered, twice. Washington did hold court at home. The Dash did win, eliminating Orlando from playoff contention. FCKC beat Sky Blue, and the Reign drew the Red Stars.
Western NY Flash at Boston Breakers
Wednesday at 7PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: Boston looked tired against Portland on Saturday night, where they were able to collect just one goal in 2nd half stoppage time to make the five goals they surrendered seem fractionally less awful. After having hosted the speedy and rejuvenated Houston Dash last Wednesday before traveling across the country for the west coast game, looking tired was somewhat understandable. The Flash drew away at Washington last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. But I think pride is on the line and Boston won't roll over for the team they still will face twice this season. Draw 1-1.
Oh right, I'll be at this game, so follow the old Twitter feed and I'll try to keep you up to date.
Seattle Reign at Washington Spirit
Wednesday at 7:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: I don't know what to do with either of these teams. One week it's dominance, and the next week it looks like they've forgotten what they did so well in the last match. At their best, these are very good sides. I'm going to give the edge to Washington at home. 2-1
Orlando Pride at Sky Blue FC
Wednesday at 7:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: Orlando should bring some additional WoSo fans to Yurcak Field, and I think they'll like what they see. Kelley O'Hara remains on the Sky Blue sideline with her slushy ankle, which stinks, and Orlando has a long list of players who are out, but I think the players Orlando does field can get 3 points in New Jersey. 2-0 Pride.
FCKC at Chicago Red Stars
Wednesday at 8:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: Chicago takes advantage of the prime time TV coverage and gets some goals. 3-1 Red Stars. FCKC dispatched Sky Blue last week, but I think they'll be outclassed in the windy city. I hate when people call it that, but most people don't typically check with me before speaking. Just like I hate when people call Boston "bean town." Nobody from Boston calls it that.
The GAME IS ON FoxSports 1. On your TV, or on their app. Not on YouTube. No snazzy preview image below. Sorry.
Houston Dash at Portland Thorns
Wednesday at 10:00PM Eastern
Bold Prediction: These are probably the best two teams in the league right now. Kealia Ohai is a force of nature for the Dash, and her pace will embarrass Megan Klingenberg if they get matched up. Add in Rachel Daly, Carli Lloyd, Denise O'Sullivan and more and the Dash are stacked with talent. Plus, everyone is fit and in form at the same time. The Thorns are similarly loaded with winners, and they're a more physical side across the board. I'm giving Portland the edge at home 3-2. But I'm not sure. Houston looked really good in their last two matches.
