NWSL: Standout Performers from Week 2

The second week of the NWSL regular season didn’t disappoint. Racing Louisville got their first win, Orlando Pride got a win against the NC Courage, and OL Reign came away with the win in the Cascadia rivalry. Orlando and OL both pulled off upset wins that could prove to be a pivotal point even this early in the season. Rachel Daly also became the Houston Dash all-time leading goal scorer this weekend. 

Here are our three players of the week from an exciting weekend of play. 

Mallory Pugh

Pugh has struggled with injuries and hasn’t played consistent minutes in the NWSL the last two years. She’s healthy again and looking great. Her energy and offensive playmaking has created a boost for a struggling Chicago attack. She wasn’t able to find the back of the net in the Red Stars 0-0 tie against NJ/NY Gotham FC but she was active and creating chances all night. Pugh looks as fit as ever and once she begins to gel with her teammates a bit more we could see Mallory Pugh play the best club soccer of her career this season. 

Jess Fishlock

OL Reign got a massive win and their first win of the 2021 NWSL season against the Portland Thorns on Sunday. A big part of both of their goals was Fishlock. She drew the foul outside of the box that set up the free-kick for Megan Rapinoe to put in the net. Then she was able to send the ball to Dani Weatherholt who then knocked it to Shirley Cruz for the goal. 

Emina Ekic

The hometown hero put on a show for Racing Louisville. The rookie came on in the 61st minute and just 15 minutes later she found the back of the net for her first NWSL goal and Louisville’s first regular-season goal. It was a terrific goal from Ekic taking a touch past two defenders and then striking a perfectly placed ball into the side netting. That wasn’t the end of her night though, five minutes later she would help secure the win with an assist on Cece Kizer’s goal. 

The stuff hometown heroes of made of! 💥

How bout it, @emina_ekic10!!! pic.twitter.com/4VRg6tRcIb

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) May 22, 2021