With the big amateur leagues back in the swing of things, we’re bringing back our 3+1 series. Each week we’ll recap 3 of the best matches from the previous week, then preview 1 of the upcoming week’s matches. Hence the name, 3+1. The W League is hitting its stride and we had a great bunch of matches in week 2!

Review

Stockton Cargo 4 - 0 Marin FC Sirens

Stockton is an improved team over last season and they are rolling in the NorCal. After kicking off the season undefeated in their first two matches, Stockton hosted Marin on Saturday and absolutely dominated. Gianna Gourley got a brace, scoring on both sides of halftime. She’s now scored four goals in three matches and looks to be a key producer for the Cargo. Brianna Visalli and Jaedyn Sanders added goals of their own to complete the scoring for the home side. It’s no wonder the league has Stockton in second spot on the Power Rankings list. The real test will happen this weekend, but more on that at the end of this article.

Racing Louisville 6 - 1 Kings Hammer FC

After losing to defending champions, Indy Eleven, Racing Louisville needed to get their season back on track and facing Kings Hammer FC seemed to be the solution to their problems. Racing raced in front and never looked back in this match, scoring back to back goals in the first half (separated by just two minutes) and then sprinting to the end with four more in the second half. Sophia Boman had a hat trick, with three other Racing players adding goals. Head Coach Callie McKinney talked about the play of Boman and one of her other goalscorers, Tessa Dellarose, after the match. “Even with coaching them, I don’t have to tell them a lot because they naturally start doing things that I want them to do. I think their combination play and the movement off of each other creates a lot of space for everyone on the pitch.”

Sophia Boman was dominant in the Racing win. *Image credit Racing Louisville and Connor Cunningham*

KHFC got a consolation goal at the death, when Brooke Brown scored in the 90th minute, but the rout was complete and Racing is back on track. Given the dominant clubs at the top of the standings (Lexington and Indy), Louisville will need to stay focused to keep in the playoff hunt.

Carolina Ascent 4 - 0 Wake FC

Plenty of excitement about Carolina on their professional front, but this midweek win was a big one for their amateur side as well. After a season-opening loss to NC Fusion, Carolina needed to find its legs against a team that already had two wins on the season, Wake FC. Kathrynn Gonzalez scored a brace, while Sophie Sipprell and Ava Trethewey added goals of their own to complete the 4-0 win over Wake FC. Wake remains in the two slot in the South Atlantic Division and Ascent is now 1-1 in the fourth position. This Division will be competitive with plenty of talent on these squads.

Preview

Stockton Cargo vs SF Glens

I hinted at it earlier, but I really think this match will be a massive tell for where these two clubs are. Glens were such a great squad last year in Nor Cal, winning the division before exiting in the playoffs against the eventual champion. Stockton has clearly taken a step up and looks to challenge the top of the table in the division this season. Stockton has two wins and a draw, while Glens have a single win so far. Which will prevail? This match kicks off tonight and I cannot wait to see what we get!

- Dan Vaughn