NWSL 2019 - Week 20

The NWSL homestretch is approaching, with four games on this weekend. We begin with...

Utah Royals FC hosting the Portland Thorns FC on Friday. Adrianna Franch and Nicole Barnhart protect the nets. Utah began in the 36th minute with a Becky Sauerbrunn goal, via Christen Press. Portland's Emily Sonnett received a yellow card in the 61st minute for her foul. The Royals' Rachel Corsie earned a yellow card for a 65th minute foul. In the 77th minute, the Thorns went down to ten women as Sonnett received a second yellow card for a foul, while Utah's Amy Rodriguez got a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. In the 80th minute, Lindsey Horan of Portland picked up a yellow card for a foul. The final held at 1-0, with Sauerbrunn as the woman of the match.

On Saturday, Sky Blue FC welcomes the North Carolina Courage. Stephanie Labbe and Kailen Sheridan are the keepers. North Carolina started with an early gift as Erica Skroski of Sky Blue deflected a cross into the net for an own goal. Sky Blue tied it in the 13th minute with a Carli Lloyd penalty kick goal. The Courage retook the lead in the 57th minute with a Crystal Dunn goal, via Kristen Hamilton. Sky Blue's Raquel Rodriguez picked up a yellow card for a 79th minute foul. The final remained at 2-1, with the woman of the match being Dunn.

Also, Reign FC brings in the Orlando Pride. Ashlyn Harris and Casey Murphy guard the woodwork. Reign opened in the 3rd minute with a Darian Jenkins goal, passed from Bethany Balcer. Reign added on in the 12th minute with another Jenkins goal, helped along by Steph Catley. Reign extended the lead in the 17th minute as Beverly Yanez scored, with the help of Rosie White. In the 61st minute, Lauren Barnes took a yellow card for a foul. Orlando got on the board in the 79th minute with a Camila penalty kick goal. This only made it 3-1, the final, with Jenkins selected as woman of the match.

Finally, Sunday sees the Chicago Red Stars host the Houston Dash. Jane Campbell and Alyssa Naeher are the American keepers. Chicago led off in the 7th minute with a Sam Kerr goal, assisted by Morgan Brian. Lindsay Agnew of Houston received a yellow card for a foul in the 40th minute. The Red Stars added on with a Kerr goal in the 44th minute, set up by Yuki Nagasato. Chicago extended the lead as Savannah McCaskill scored in the 65th minute, thanks to Casey Short. The Red Stars' Nagasato took a yellow card for a foul in the 90th minute. The final held at 3-0, and Kerr was awarded woman of the match honors.

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