NWSL week 16 ruled by heat, draws – Equalizer Soccer

Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

For yet another week, other storylines overshadowed the actual soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League. We saw a record number of draws, more heat disruptions, and a dramatic game in Washington, D.C., where the most moving action took place off the field. No matter what or where those storylines come from, there is always much to discuss in the most competitive league in the world. So let’s discuss.

Draws aplenty; goals not so much

The restart from the summer international break has seen a clear pattern: lots of draws and very few goals. For the first time in NWSL history, league play resulted in a majority of draws for three consecutive weeks. There have been a total of 13 draws since the league resumed action on August 1, 62% of all results. Comparatively, there were just five draws during the same span this time last season.