NWSL Review : Debutants Vicky Losada and Kim Little make huge impacts in game week one

Not So Little : Kim Little on target for Seattle Reign.

On 12^th April USA’s women’s top league, the National Womens Soccer League (NWSL), finally kicked off and the first game week in the league provided excitement, of course.

The first fixtures were FC Kansas against Sky Blue FC and new comers, Houston Dash against defending champions, Portland Thorns FC.

It was the defending champions who opened the goal window for the entire season; Portland’s Allie Long scored in the 24^th minute at Houston as it was the only goal in that game and delivered the first 3 points of the season. The FIFA women’s player of the year, Nadine Angerer crowned her debut with a clean sheet.

In Kansas, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Sky Blue responded just three minutes after the break as Katy Freels scored to rescue a point few moments from when Amy Rodriguez scored in the first half.

The next day in the league provided the most goals as Western New York Flash saw off Washington Spirits FC while Seattle Reign thrashed the Boston Breakers and both winning teams were inspired by their debutants.

New York Flash’s Spanish import, Vicky Losada, scored twice and assisted the third as they rolled over the Spirits. Christine Narin’s goal in the 50^th minute could have inspired a comeback for them but Brittany Taylor’s goal four minutes after sealed the 3 points for the Flash.

Elsewhere in Seattle, Sydney Leroux was facing her former team, Boston Breakers, but couldn’t make them pay for letting her go. Seattle’s goals came from Scottish midfielder, Kim Little and USA’s playmaker, Megan Rapinoe.

 Little in contradiction to the name at the back of her jersey made a huge impact scoring a brace, one from the penalty spot and the second from open play while Rapinoe finished well at the 88^th minute to seal all 3 points and completely shut out the Breakers.

A bit of controversy in the first half as Boston’s Johanna Lohman had a shot off the woodwork that many would have thought crossed the line, but replay showed the referee was right not to give it as the entire ball wasn’t past the goal line.

Despite the ninth team in the league, Chicago Red Stars, haven’t played a game yet Seattle are top of the log having scored the most goals on game week one.

So, who’s excited for game week two?