Below is a roundup of notes from Week 4 of NWSL regular season action

NOTES TO KNOW

COMEBACK VICTORIES

Week 4 NWSL After Dark did not disappoint. The opening match of the weekend saw the Houston Dash take an early lead over the Washington Spirit. It was not until the second half when midfielder Hal Hershfelt brought the Spirit level. The goals kept pouring in for Washington in a huge second half turnaround that saw forward Brittany Ratcliffe notch the go-ahead goal late in the second half before midfielder Croix Bethune just two minutes later found the ball at her feet in front of goal to net the third and final tally in a 3-1 win for the Spirit. Bay FC, who played in front of a crowd of 16,719 for their second home game of the season. After conceding an own goal by Sharples in the first half. Sharples did not let that get her down as she fought back and scored her first Bay FC goal of the season leveling the score in the second half. In back-to-back chances by the Reign and Bay FC, midfielder Alex Loera notched her first of the season followed by Bethany Balcer to level the score once again. That did not last long as midfielder Joelle Anderson swung a ball towards the net that took a deflection off Seattle defender Alana Cook and into the back of the net to seal the win in the 87th minute. Bay FC held on through 12 minutes of stoppage time for the club’s first home victory.

A FLIP OF THE BOARD

After ending the 2023 season in 11th place, The Kansas City Current now sit comfortably atop this year’s standings heading into Week 5 with the most goals (12) and a 3-0-1 record. On the flip side, Portland Thorns FC face an uphill battle as the 2023 NWSL Sshield contenders and 2022 NWSL Champions are sitting in last place in the standings entering after Week 4 of NWSL action. With three losses and one tie, the Thorns are still looking to secure their first win of the season.

MILESTONES AND RECORDS

MARTA BANGERS

Last weekend, legendary forward Marta came in off the bench for the Orlando Pride in the 62nd minute and made an instant impact on the game, scoring the lone goal just eight minutes after entering the pitch. Thanks to the goal, the Pride notched the first win of the season after a slew of ties to start the campaign. Marta’s second goal of the year also marked the 200th club goal for the Pride, a stat fit for one of the greatest of all time.

QUICK GOALS

Week 4 featured the earliest goal in Houston Dash history as defender Natalie Jacobs scored just 57 seconds into the game after a loose ball in the box sent in by striker Maria Sanchez saw her find the back of the net through traffic. The Dash were not the only team to get up early in Week 4. Tyler Lussi and the North Carolina Courage scored just five minutes into the game against the Thorns and held onto the early lead to secured the win, bolstered by another goal by forward Haley Hopkins.

WRITING HER OWN HISTORY

After earning a start in last weekend’s match, Chicago Red Stars defender Sam Staab broke the league record for consecutive regular season appearances with 94 appearances. Since entering the league, Staab has earned Ironwoman status three times and has started every game of the regular season for the Spirit since 2019.

WEEK 4 MATCH RESULTS

Friday, April 12

Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit | 1 – 3 | Match Recap Utah Royals FC vs. Orlando Pride | 0 – 1 | Match Recap

Saturday, April 13

North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns FC | 2 – 0 | Match Recap Racing Louisville FC vs. San Diego Wave FC |0 – 0 | Match Recap Chicago Red Stars vs. Angel City FC | 0 – 1 | Match Recap

Sunday, April 14

NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current |1 – 1 | Match Recap Bay FC vs. Seattle Reign FC | 3 – 2 | Match Recap