Many USL fans will be familiar with the league’s Pick ‘Em, a weekly article where experts guess the results of 5 upcoming fixtures.

We’re excited to share that Director of Women’s Content Elisabeth “Lis” Schendel will be participating in the W League’s version of the Pick ‘Em this season! Every week, the USL W will share her picks and the picks of a few other experts and we at Protagonist Soccer will publish a complimentary piece detailing Lis’ choices and why. Let’s dig in!

This week’s Pick ‘Em fixtures and Lis’ choices are:

Flint City AFC v Indy Eleven
Detroit City v Racing Louisville
Kings Hammer FC v AFC Ann Arbor
Wake FC v NC Courage U23
South Georgia Tormenta FC v South Carolina United FC

Last week didn’t have a panel as there were only 3 games. And this week is also a little tricky since many of the teams have yet to play, so we don’t know what they’re going to look like on the field. So how about we talk about a few things we do know about the teams?

Flint City AFC vs Indy Eleven

Lis’ Prediction: Draw

Both teams have played so we have a little more information to go off of in this prediction, and both were very efficient in different ways when they did play. Indy Eleven’s defense, even though they only had trained once together, worked well together and kept Kings Hammer FC’s attackers out wide. Compare that with Flint City AFC’s forward Jenna Blackburn who scored a brace in her first game and is a prolific scorer for Western Michigan and I predict an even game when they play on Thursday, May 12th at 7PM EST.

Detroit City in action last week against Kalamazoo.

Detroit City vs. Racing Louisville

Lis’ Prediction: Detroit City

We’ve seen Detroit City play. They tied Kalamazoo last weekend. They also played last season in the UWS, so we know what the program looks like and what caliber of players they attract. As for Racing, we have not seen them play yet but we do know they’re going to do very well this season based purely on how professional their environment is, what their roster looks like, and how seriously they take their women’s programs. However, they’re missing a few key players, who are still away at college. I predict last season’s experience paired with already playing a game and working out those first day jitters will benefit Detroit, who are also playing home at Keyworth in front of their loyal supporters this Thursday, May 12th at 7:30PM EST.

Kings Hammer FC vs. AFC Ann Arbor

Lis’ Prediction: AFC Ann Arbor

Kings Hammer FC lost 1-3 last weekend to Indy Eleven, who have an impressive front line and a capable defense. Amanda Schleuter is dangerous in front of the box, but the issue is KHFC’s midfield maintaining possession long enough to get her the ball. AFC Ann Arbor also has a leaky defense, allowing a goal within seconds after scoring one of their own last week against Flint City. This prediction may be wildly off but I think Ann Arbor has it in them to want to prove themselves this week when these two teams play on Friday at 7:00PM EST.

Wake FC vs. NC Courage u23

Lis’ Prediction: NCC U23

This one is going to be quick, it’s hard to bet against NC Courage, whether it’s NWSL or W League. They’ll play each other Saturday, May 14th at 4:30PM EST.

South Georgia Tormenta FC vs. South Carolina United FC

Lis’ Prediction: Tormenta FC

Both teams do soccer very well, specifically their academy/ECNL programs. All their players are selected from their academies and therefore are comfortable with the program and with their teammates, many of whom they’ve played with before. My slight advantage goes to Tormenta FC, who are playing at home and if provided adequate service and support, will surely implement their star forward Elise Holcey effectively and efficiently. These teams play each other Saturday, May 14th at 7:30PM EST.

- Lis Schendel