January 30th / 31st Match Previews
Atlanta Tornados v Philadelphia Lightning (Jan. 30)
Projected Lineups:
ATL: Miguel Rodriguez, Nick Matthew, Omar Mosaad
PHI: Marwan ElShorbagy, Mohamed Abouelghar, Curtis Malik
The themes for this match? Experience and pedigree. Just look at the ages of the players across both lineups. Rodriguez (40), Matthew (45), and Mosaad (37) will be the oldest regular season NSL lineup in league history. How this Atlanta squad holds up physically will be a question heading into the match. Coach Celia Pashley will have to use her substitutions wisely, but she’ll have wonderful complementary skillsets to choose from for whatever Philly throws their way. The NSL regular season debuts of Nick Matthew and Omar Mosaad promise to be electric.
The relatively youthful Philadelphia squad are looking to start fast this season after winning the championship in 2025. They’ll arguably have their strongest lineup for this match, so they’ll feel good about their chances headed into the weekend. What stands out about this Philly team is their consistency and accuracy. In a format that incentivizes bolder, attacking play, the Lightning turned that on its head with their roster construction. If they start off strong again this year, I wonder if that will re-shape the way we think about the NSL format, which everyone is still learning about and adjusting to. I think Philly flexes their championship muscles and controls this match.
PREDICTION: Philadelphia 3-1 Atlanta
DC Inferno v New York Queens (Jan. 31)
Projected Lineups:
DC: Jasmine Hutton, Rowan El Araby, Rachel Arnold
NY: Fayrouz Abouelkheir, Tensi Murphy (questionable), Nour Heikal, Madeleine Hyland (alternate)
This match marks the debut of the New York Queens, who will get to play their first ever NSL match in front of their home crowd. New York is headlined by the first overall pick Fayrouz Abouelkheir. Heading into the draft, every mock had either Tinne Gillis or Siva Subramaniam going first overall. But, the Queens had their eyes set on Fayrouz all along. At just 19 years-of-age, the Queens are betting on Fayrouz to develop into the best player in the league and be the face of their franchise for many years to come. Alongside the attacking prowess of Murphy and Heikal, Fayrouz and the Queens are looking to arrive on the NSL scene as a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.
This DC squad won’t be an easy first matchup for the Queens, however. Coming off a finals appearance, DC adds NSL champion Rowan El Araby to their roster. This group hasn’t played together yet, but their styles should mesh well. Similar to the Lightning on the men’s side, these three players will wear you out with their consistent hitting, but have some attacking firepower when needed. I see this match being close, with high quality squash from both teams.
PREDICTION: DC 2-2 New York (Winner in Overtime Shootout)
