NWSL Matchday 8: How to Watch and Key Injury Updates
Matchday 8 of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) promises exciting matchups and compelling storylines. This week, Gotham FC faces Racing Louisville with significant absences, while the Washington Spirit, dealing with a series of injuries, prepares for a high-profile game against Chicago Stars, broadcasted on ABC. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all the Matchday 8 action, offering insights into how to watch each game, crucial injury updates, and head-to-head records.
Stay informed about the key players who will be missing due to injuries and suspensions, and get the latest broadcast information to ensure you don’t miss any of the action. From Gotham FC’s trip to Louisville to the Washington Spirit’s challenge in Chicago, we’ve got you covered with all the essential details.
Racing Louisville vs. Gotham FC
When: Friday, May 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lynn Family Stadium
How to watch: Amazon Prime Video (US)
H2H: Racing W: 2; Tie: 6; Gotham W: 2
The clash between Racing Louisville and Gotham FC is set for Friday evening. Racing Louisville will be without Ary Borges due to suspension and Katie Lund, who is out for the season with a hip injury. Maddie Pokorny is also sidelined after hip surgery. Bethany Balcer is on mental health leave, while Olivia Sekany and Kirsten Wright remain long-term absentees. Jordan Baggett is unavailable due to an excused absence.
Gotham FC faces its own challenges with Tierna Davidson out with an ACL injury and Rose Lavelle still recovering from an ankle injury. Backup goalkeeper Shelby Hogan is also weeks away from returning, and Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho is sidelined with a hip injury. Jéssica Silva is unavailable due to an excused absence.
Angel City vs. Utah Royals
When: Friday, May 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: BMO Stadium
How to watch: Paramount+ (US) / Golazo Network (US) / NWSL+
H2H: ACFC W: 1; Tie: 1; Royals W: 0
Angel City will host the Utah Royals on Friday night. Angel City continues to miss Jun Endo and captain Ali Riley, both sidelined with long-term injuries. The Utah Royals have their own injury woes, with Claudia Zornoza still weeks away from returning. Imani Dorsey is a new addition to the absentee list due to an ankle injury. Olivia Griffitts is on maternity leave, while Tatumn Milazzo and Cloé Lacasse are out with ACL injuries. Paige Monaghan, Kaleigh Riehl, and Bianca St. Georges are also unavailable. However, Alex Loera is set to make her first appearance of the season, returning from an ACL injury.
Chicago Stars vs. Washington Spirit
When: Saturday, May 10 at 12:50 p.m. ET
Where: SeatGeek Stadium
How to watch: ABC / ESPN+ (US)
H2H: Stars W: 11; Tie: 8; Spirit W: 13
The Chicago Stars will face the Washington Spirit in a nationally televised match on ABC. The Stars will be without Mallory Swanson, who announced her pregnancy and will be on maternity leave. Natalia Kuikka is nearing her return from a knee injury, while Jenna Bike is expected to miss out with a thigh injury.
The Washington Spirit’s injury list includes Trinity Rodman, who is in Europe seeking treatment for a back injury, and Andi Sullivan, who is out for the year with an ACL injury and expecting her first child. Paige Metayer is also sidelined with a knee injury. Hal Hershfelt, Kate Wiesner, and Casey Krueger are progressing in their recovery, while Leicy Santos is pushing to be ready despite an ankle injury.
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride
When: Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: WakeMed Soccer Park
How to watch: ION (US)
H2H: Courage W: 13; Tie: 6; Pride W: 6
The North Carolina Courage will host the Orlando Pride on Saturday evening. The Courage will be without Sydney Collins, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Malia Berkely and Olivia Wingate are expected to be out for a few more weeks with leg injuries.
The Orlando Pride’s injury list includes Summer Yates, who is unlikely to return from an ankle injury sustained a month ago. Amanda Allen and Simone Charley are on the long-term injury list alongside Luana, who is recovering from leukemia treatment. Julie Doyle, Aryssa Mahrt, and Rafaelle are also in the treatment room.
San Diego Wave vs. Portland Thorns
When: Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
How to watch: ION (US)
H2H: Wave W: 4; Tie: 2; Thorns W: 5
The San Diego Wave will face the Portland Thorns at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night. The Wave are hoping for the return of Quincy McMahon and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, both recovering from lower leg injuries. Rookie Trinity Byars is out for the season following an ACL injury. Kyra Carusa and Hillary Beall have missed several weeks with upper leg muscle injuries.
The Thorns have a significant injury list, including Marie Müller, Morgan Weaver, and Nicole Payne, who are all out for the season with knee injuries. Olivia Wade-Katoa and Sophia Wilson are on maternity leave. Daiane and Caiya Hanks picked up injuries in training last week and could miss more time.
KC Current vs. Bay FC
When: Sunday, May 11 at 12:50 p.m. ET
Where: CPKC Stadium
How to watch: ESPN / ESPN+ (US)
H2H: Current W: 2; Tie: 0; Bay W: 0
KC Current will host Bay FC on Sunday afternoon. Temwa Chawinga was only fit enough for 30 minutes in the last match due to a hip issue. Michelle Cooper and Nichelle Prince have been missing time with hip and thigh injuries, respectively. Alex Pfeiffer and Gabrielle Robinson are out with ACL injuries sustained in 2024. Kristen Hamilton is still a few weeks away from returning, and Regan Steigleder picked up a lower leg injury last week.
Bay FC is hoping to have Tess Boade back in the squad as she returns to full fitness. Rachel Hill will be assessed after an upper leg injury. Winger Princess Marfo is out with an excused absence, and Hannah Bebar has been limited due to her graduate studies at Duke University.
Seattle Reign vs. Houston Dash
When: Sunday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Lumen Field
How to watch: Paramount+ (US) / Golazo Network (US) / NWSL+
H2H: Reign W: 18; Tie: 4; Dash W: 5
The Seattle Reign will host the Houston Dash on Sunday evening. Nérilia Mondésir is the closest to returning for the Reign. Ryanne Brown and Veronica Latsko are out for the season with ACL and Achilles injuries, respectively. Jess Fishlock has been out for over a month with a leg injury.
The Houston Dash will be without Allysha Chapman, who has been sidelined for 45 days with a wrist injury. Ramona Bachmann is on parental leave and will be away for several weeks.
Conclusion: NWSL Matchday 8 – A Weekend of Unmissable Action
NWSL Matchday 8 is packed with crucial games, each carrying its own significance. From top-of-the-table clashes to battles against injury-hit squads, every match promises drama and excitement. Whether you’re tuning in to watch Gotham FC battle Louisville, or catching the Washington Spirit’s game against Chicago Stars on ABC, there’s something for every NWSL fan this weekend.
Keep an eye on the injury updates and team news as you plan your viewing schedule. Don’t miss out on the action as the NWSL season continues to unfold. Be sure to check FYM News for post-match analysis, player interviews, and more in-depth coverage of the NWSL.
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