Matchweek eight in the NWSL is set to deliver a thrilling Friday triple-header, with four key matchups that could shake up the standings. From Kansas City to San Diego, here's your complete availability report to know who's in, who's out, and how it might impact the action on the pitch.
Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash
The Current will be without several key players, including Alana Cook (knee, SEI), Debinha (D-45), and Vanessa DiBernardo (maternity leave). Also sidelined are Clare Gagne (head, SEI), Mary Long (D-45), Gianna Paul (thigh), and Rocky Rodriguez (head). No players are questionable or on international duty, so expect a thin but determined squad.
Houston faces their own challenges, with Kiki Van Zanten (thigh) joining Evelina Duljan (illness) and Makenzy Robbe (knee, SEI) on the sidelines. The Dash will need to dig deep to find their rhythm without these key contributors.
Seattle Reign vs. Gotham FC
Seattle's attack takes a hit with Lynn Biyendolo (maternity leave) and Jess Fishlock (lower leg) both out. The Reign will rely on their depth to generate chances against a tough Gotham side.
Gotham's injury list is extensive: Bruninha (hamstring), Kayla Duran (knee, SEI), Mandy Freeman (lower leg), Rose Lavelle (hamstring), and Taryn Torres (knee, SEI) are all unavailable. With no questionable players, Gotham's bench will be tested early.
Bay FC vs. Boston Legacy
Bay FC's lineup is missing Abby Dahlkemper, Caprice Dydasco, and Emily Menges (all maternity leave), plus Heather Gilchrist (knee, D45), Alyssa Malonson (knee, SEI), and Alex Pfeiffer (knee). Keira Barry (lower leg) is questionable, adding a layer of uncertainty to their game plan.
Boston will be without Kaká (ankle, D45) and Fauzia Najjemba (thigh), but have no other absences to report. This could be their chance to capitalize on Bay's depleted roster.
San Diego Wave vs. Washington Spirit
San Diego's Trinity Armstrong (knee, SEI), Adriana Leon (back), and Cat Macario (heel) are out, while Ludmila (thigh) is questionable. The Wave will need to find creative solutions in the final third.
Washington's list is dominated by maternity leave absences: Ashley Hatch, Aubrey Kingsbury, and Casey Krueger are all unavailable, along with Deborah Abiodun (hip) and Sara Wojdelko (hand). The Spirit's depth will be put to the test in this crucial matchup.
With so many key players missing, Friday's matches promise to be unpredictable and full of opportunities for emerging stars to shine. Stay tuned for what should be an action-packed night of NWSL soccer.