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The North Carolina Courage: The Junkyard Dogs are Back

Posted on by RJ Allen

Last year’s shield winners and NWSL championship runners-up, the North Carolina Courage open the season at home against the Portland Thorns on March 24th. Rarely the underdog, the Courage will embrace a Junkyard Dog mentality from whistle to whistle all season long. Voted by the league general managers and NWSL media association to finish at the top of the table, look for the Courage to show up. 

Head Coach: Paul Riley

2017 record: 16-7-1, first in the league

Projected Starting XI: Considering she started the majority of the games in 2017 following an injury to Sabrina D’Angelo, Katelyn Rowland will likely start in goal. However, the fact that D’Angelo is still with the Courage and fighting for that starting spot means they may take turns at the keeper position until the strongest battle-tested keeper emerges. Look for alternating starts early.

Losing Taylor Smith in the trade to Washington was a tough blow to the Courage’s defensive chemistry. However, the acquisition of Allysha Chapman and Julie King from Boston is likely to fill that defensive space with experience. Paul Riley started a four-woman backline for nearly all of 2017, so look to see USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper and New Zealand international, Abby Erceg hold it down in the center back positions. Per usual, Jaelene Hinkle will likely start out wide on either side.

The midfield is where the Courage earn their Junkyard Dogs nickname. Battling for possession with the best of them, you’ll find future USWNT captain Sam Mewis alongside seasoned veteran McCall Zerboni. Adding to the midfield on the attack, I predict Brazilian number ten Debinha to get the opening-day starting nod, while Kristen Hamilton will return from an injury sustained in the 2017 NWSL championship to avenge the loss to Portland.

Finally, as Riley likes to start a powerful pair up top, Lynn Williams will surely show off her speed in a starting role, and Crystal Dunn, acquired in the aforementioned trade with Washington, will bring her 2015 NWSL Golden Boot power from Chelsea to Cary, where she and Williams will develop the kind of chemistry necessary to make the USWNT successful in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

Player you should know: Sam Mewis. Mewis was only one of two USWNT players to start every single national team match in 2017. Keep your eye on her for her competitive drive and ability to take quality shots on goal. Following the loss to Portland in the NWSL final, an on-camera interview with Mewis showed her determination and desire to get back on the field. Keep an eye on her fire this season.

Under the radar: If you’re not yet familiar with midfielder McCall Zerboni, allow me to make an introduction. In 2017, Zerboni started 25 games and scored three goals. Her voice on the field is audible throughout WakeMed Soccer Park at any given moment, showing her leadership at every turn. Her NWSL play did not go unnoticed, as she was voted to the league’s Best XI and earned her very first USWNT call up on October 22, where she got her first cap in front of a hometown crowd.

Biggest offseason acquisition: Without a doubt, this is Crystal Dunn. While it hurt to lose Taylor Smith and 2017 Rookie of the Year Ashley Hatch, Dunn will bring a consistent spark to the team that was missed on offense last year.

Biggest rival: Portland. The 2017 NWSL Championship was a knock-down, drag-out, physical fight akin to some pay-per-view fights, but without the financial reward. The Courage suffered a string of unnecessary injuries due to the heightened physicality in that game (here’s looking at you, Tobin Heath) and the pain of the loss will not soon be forgotten. Lucky for the league, this rivalry sets the stage for the first Lifetime Game of the Week of the 2018 season.  

Most memorable moment from 2017: Denise O’Sullivan’s goal in the final moments of the semifinal game vs. Chicago.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: There’s something enticing about a team that claims to be the underdog when they rarely are. In North Carolina, the fan base for NWSL soccer is growing, and a team comprised of talented, passionate players is one to watch, for sure.

Predicted finish: First.

Success depends on: The health of the players.

Fun prediction: Crystal Dunn, Carli Lloyd, and Sam Kerr battle it out for the 2018 NWSL Golden Boot.

Euro Roundup: Snow Joke, Silverware and Spectators

Posted on by RJ Allen

Snow Joke

Recently, the UK has been going through some testing times with the weather. At the start of March, a snow storm wreaked havoc everywhere—something we’re not used to. This extreme weather meant many fixtures were postponed. This weekend wasn’t quite as bad, but there was more snow. League games across the country were hit, as well as the FA Cup quarterfinals which were due to take place on Sunday 18th March. Only one game survived, with Sunderland vs Manchester City, Durham vs Everton, and Arsenal vs Charlton all called off. These games look to be rearranged for Sunday, March 25, but this is going to cause scheduling headaches with WSL games to be moved. Liverpool managed to keep their Cup game on against Chelsea, but they might have wished it had been postponed, as Chelsea ensured their place in the semifinals with a 3-0 win.

These postponements—both this season and in previous seasons—do raise some questions. It’s not just snow that’s caused havoc, but heavy rain too. Some teams invest in their playing staff, training and various other things but is it time to start really investing in playing conditions and pitches?

There are some complexities here. Some teams share grounds and might not have much much power to change things. Chelsea, for instance, own the leasehold at Kingsmeadow, but AFC Wimbledon—the previous owners—still share the stadium with them, for the time being. Manchester City own their own stadium, which is the ideal solution. The women play at the Academy Stadium, which is just down the road from the Etihad, where the men’s side plays. Owning it means they can do what they want there and improve the playing surface if needed.

What do you think? Should investments into playing facilities be high on the priority list for women’s clubs?

Silverware

Most leagues operate a winter season beginning in August and September, then ending in May or June. Leagues are now entering championship rounds, relegation rounds, and the business end of the regular season, and this comes along with chances for silverware. Some cups are close to wrapping up.

Arsenal claimed the first silverware of the season when they beat Manchester City 1-0 to win the Continetal Tyres Cup. They have now won the Conti Cup five times—a record—with City having won the other two.

The FA Cup, which pits WSL sides against all comers from county and regional leagues on up, is heading into its final rounds. Charlton are the lowest ranked team left in the competition, as they currently ply their trade in the WPL South. They are up against Arsenal, who have won it the most times (14). Durham are the sole WSL2 representative left, with WSL1 teams making up the rest of the teams. The semifinals will be televised on the BBC for the first time on April 15. The first one will be on at 12:30pm GMT on the Red Button and the second one will be on at 3:30pm on BBC2. The final will be taking place at Wembley on May 5, and it will kick off at 5:30pm GMT. This will also be televised by the BBC on BBC1. This is available to watch for UK viewers with access to this but there are no details yet as to how people outside the UK can watch.

In Sweden, the teams for the Svenska Cupen final have been confirmed. Linköpings narrowly beat Eskilstuna United 2-1 to book their place, with Rosengård beating Djurgårdens to confirm their place as well. This is a repeat of the past few finals, with Linköpings winning in 2015, but Rosengård winning twice in 2016 and 2017.

The main silverware in Europe, however, is the UEFA Champions League, which decides who really is Europe’s best team. The quarterfinals take place on the March 21 28. Manchester City, who were knocked out by Lyon last year in the semifinals, take on Linköpings. Montpellier take on Chelsea, Wolfsburg take on Slavia Praha and Lyon face Barcelona. That final match will be the one to watch—Barcelona made it to the semifinals last year before being knocked out by PSG.

Spectators

Attendance is quite a talked about point in women’s football, with an ever-present debate about how to attract more spectators, and whether women’s sides should be playing at the same grounds as their male counterparts. That’s what Atletico Madrid did this weekend when they took on Madrid CFF in the Madrid derby.

For some background, Real Madrid do not have a women’s team yet. Madrid CFF, or Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino were founded by current president Alfredo Ulloa in 2010. Alfredo is a Madridista, and didn’t want to see his daughter Paola, a goalkeeper, go and play for archrival Atletico, so he started Madrid CFF. Those two teams faced each other at the Wanda Metropolitano and drew 2-2 before a crowd of 22,202. Luckily for Atletico, Barcelona also drew so they stay ahead in the title race.

Thank you for reading yet another Euro Roundup. Are there any leagues you would like to know more about? Let me know on Twitter @englionesses or in the comments below!

Seattle Reign Preview: the NWSL’s Newest Old Team

Posted on by RJ Allen

Once upon a time, the Seattle Reign were the most dominant team in the NWSL, playing a brand of fast-paced, possession-oriented soccer that remains some of the most attractive we’ve seen in the young league. For two years, they were all but unstoppable, winning the shield in 2014 with 54 points and a ridiculous goal differential of +30. Although they’ve never won a championship, that squad was the most successful in league history by just about any other measure.

In 2016 and 2017 though, following the departure of some key players, the Reign fell off. They landed in the middle of the table in both years, combining some great wins with a lot of lackluster performances, with huge defensive shortcomings in 2017 especially.

At the close of the 2017 season, Laura Harvey, the Reign’s only coach to that point, announced her departure, and the team brought on Vlatko Andonovski of FC Kansas City. Andonovski made wholesale changes to the roster this offseason, marking a new era in Reign history. What happens next in Seattle is one of the most interesting open questions going into this new season.

Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski

2017 record: 9-7-8 (34 points), fifth place in the league

Projected Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Lydia Williams (it’s worth noting, though, that she won’t arrive until late April—so if Michelle Betos is in form, Williams could end up fighting for playing time)

Defense: Theresa Nielsen, Yael Averbuch, Lauren Barnes, Steph Catley

Midfield: Jess Fishlock, Allie Long, Rumi Utsugi

Forwards: Megan Rapinoe, Jodie Taylor, Nahomi Kawasumi

Player you should know: Jess Fishlock has been the center of this team for a long time. She’s a famously (or infamously, depending on where you’re standing) physical, extremely hard-working midfielder who can dictate play from the center of the pitch and has a knack for scoring from distance—and under Laura Harvey, she was basically second in command, with a level of influence that went well beyond what she did on the field. Following an enormous roster overhaul this offseason, Fishlock is the most important remaining link to the Reign of old, and one of the biggest questions going into the season is what her working relationship with Andonovski ends up looking like.

Under the radar: To longtime Reign fans, Nahomi Kawasumi is hardly a secret, but she’s a key contributor to the Seattle offense who gets relatively little fanfare in the national press. She’s an archetypal Japanese player, extremely smart and technical with a buttery-smooth touch, and notched nine assists last year—just one short of the single-season record in the NWSL.

Biggest off-season acquisition: With so much turnover, it’s hard to pick just one answer.

I’m going to interpret “biggest” to mean “most surprising,” though, and go with Allie Long. If it weren’t for that other big trade, the Long-Foord trade would have been the biggest news this offseason, simply for the drama: a standby for Portland, who many would have expected to retire in red, seemingly requesting a trade to her club’s longtime rival (more on that in a minute). Thorns fans were heartbroken. Reign fans were skeptical.

Let’s stick to the field, though. Long was inconsistent in 2017—when she played at all—and observers of the national team probably know her best for her ill-fated stint at centerback. Neither is representative, though; over five years in Portland, Long proved herself as a multi-use player who can have an impact anywhere in the central midfield.

“I don’t know exactly what role she’s going to play,” Andonovski told me in a phone interview, “but I feel like she has a quality to play any role in the middle. She can play in front of two center backs and be a great six, but at the same time, she has the stamina and the ability to go box to box—and also, she has the creative and finishing abilities to play at the ten. So I’m pretty sure she’ll do well regardless of what we ask from her.”

Biggest rival: Portland. In the six-year-old NWSL, there are still few actual rivalries—especially given that teams keep relocating or folding altogether. The Thorns-Reign rivalry, however, is absolutely real, in the eyes of fans and players alike. Portland fans carry a much longer-established animosity towards the Seattle Sounders over to the women’s side, while Reign fans look at Portland as the unfairly-advantaged evil empire to the south. Look for things to get especially heated this year, in the wake of the Long trade.

Most memorable moment from 2017: Instead of choosing a single moment, I’m going to point to Seattle’s last two matches against Sky Blue, each of which ended 5-4—one in the Reign’s favor, one in Sky Blue’s. Incredibly, there were two other games last season in which Seattle scored at least five goals, but those two matches brought out both the best and the worst in two teams with high-flying offenses and poor defenses.

The scoreline in the first match was 4-0 in Seattle’s favor by the 60th minute, when Kelley O’Hara put away a penalty. Sky Blue nearly came back to draw, before a Rapinoe goal in the 87th minute netted her a hat trick and put the game away for the Reign. The second match played out similarly, with Seattle up 3-0 heading into halftime before Sam Kerr scored four in the second half. These matches were a perfect storm, a meeting of two teams seemingly engineered to yield the most exciting (or stressful) possible soccer—and if Andonovski has done his job, nothing remotely like them will happen in 2018.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: Seattle are not literally a new team, but in just about every sense short of having moved and rebranded, this is a revamped Seattle team. As such, there are layers of storylines here.

Andonovski is one of the league’s most successful coaches, but headed a team that struggled in the last two years of its existence. The Reign, meanwhile, once played some of the most dominant and attractive soccer we’ve seen in the NWSL, but couldn’t pick up the pieces after losing key players in successive years. It’s an almost poetic matchup.

” I think my coaching style is attacking-minded,” he says. “Based on possession and being able to progress from one zone to another, very methodical, being able to break lines or advance forward with short, sharp, and accurate passes.” Andonovski’s teams have also, historically, been defensively strong, even in years where they stumbled offensively. That’s good news for a Seattle side whose defense was among the worst in the league last year.

Predicted finish: Fourth in the table. This roster has the potential to be really good, but so many new players aren’t going to gel overnight. I expect them to be hit-and-miss early in the season, and pick up steam as they get into the summer.

Success depends on: What else? Defense. That was one of Andonovski’s first priorities coming in, and, accordingly, he’s brought in some world-class defenders to join longtime mainstay Lauren Barnes. Steph Catley and Theresa Nielsen are upgrades at outside back—although the left side of the defense may suffer as Catley misses playing time early for the Asian Cup. Yael Averbuch followed Andonovski from FCKC, and Megan Oyster, picked up in the Boston dispersal draft, is likely a depth piece, but strong one.

Fun prediction: Harvey and Andonovski meet again in the championship match. Lydia Williams is sent off with minutes left in overtime, and, with no subs left, Fishlock goes in goal. Tune in to the 2018 season to see what happens next.

Sky Blue FC Preview: This is Jersey

Posted on by RJ Allen

It’s preseason preview time, and I have the honor of covering Sky Blue FC. This is by no means your ordinary, run-of-the-mill NWSL team. They don’t play in a huge stadium. They don’t have fluffy bathrobes in their locker rooms (as far as I know). And they don’t rep a major city. They rep a whole state: Jersey.

What they do have is a loyal fan base, a welcoming supporters group, and a whole lot of talent. And they wouldn’t want it any other way. So put on some Bruce Springsteen, sit back, relax, and let me tell you a little bit about the bad-ass football club that resides in Piscataway.

Head Coach: Denise Reddy

2017 Record: 10-11-3 (33 points), sixth place in the league

Projected Starting XI: To some extent, it’s a mystery, considering the number of roster changes they made in the offseason, the number of players they invited to preseason camp, and the amount of attacking talent they have on their roster currently. What I do know is that you can guarantee Carli Lloyd will be out on that pitch at the start of the match, and that Kailen Sheridan will be hanging out in goal. Other than that, your guess is as good as mine.

But if I was forced to give you a lineup, then how about this:

Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan
Defenders: Christina Gibbons, Mandy Freeman, Erica Skroski, Rebekah Stott
Midfielders: Daphne Corboz, Raquel Rodriguez, Sarah Killion
Forwards: Carli Lloyd, Janine Beckie, Shea Groom

Player you should know: Carli Lloyd (if you don’t already know her then I will direct you to the first half of the 2015 World Cup Final)

Under the radar: Madison Tiernan—she’s a workhorse, unafraid of physical play or a hard tackle, and game for whatever the team needs. She went to school at Rutgers, so she is a bit of a home-crowd favorite. Word on the street is that her dad, Big Joe as he is affectionately called, has some of the best tailgates before the Sky Blue home matches.

Biggest offseason acquisition: There were a lot of them, but I’m thinking Carli Lloyd takes the cake on this one.

Biggest rival: It isn’t the most intense rivalry, but I would have to say the Washington Spirit. Last season Washington, who ended in dead last, had Sky Blue’s number ever time they met. Accompany that with their close proximity with one another, and there is an extra notch of gamesmanship that gets added to their matches. 

Most memorable moment from 2017: The 5-4 come-from-behind win against Seattle. Sky Blue was down 0-3, but with second half heroics from Sam Kerr, Jersey prevailed with a magnificent stoppage time header. And yes, Sam Kerr is no longer on Sky Blue, but that fight—that never-say-die attitude—surely has not left the team. They are proud, and they are strong, and they will most definitely still bet on themselves even when the chips are down.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: Because you can never quite count them out, and they are frequently underestimated. Sky Blue is the type of team that can be amazingly entertaining to watch, and part of that is because you never know what you are going to get from them. The other part is because they are amazingly talented, incredibly humble, and quite proud to represent the team that they do.

Predicted finish: Some say middle of the pack. Some say bottom of the table. But like I said before, they are frequently underestimated.

Success depends on: If they can field a solid, working back line. And if they can come up with a strategy for how to use the plethora of attacking talent that they possess.

Fun prediction: Denise Reddy accepts the nickname “D-Nice,” Sheridan has 15 clean sheets, and Big Joe adds a chocolate fountain to his tailgate.

Chicago Red Stars Preview: This Could Be Their Year

Posted on by RJ Allen

The Chicago Red Stars are that team that always gets to the playoffs but never gets to the finals. They have historically had one of the top midfields in the league, but when push comes to shove, they always wilt in the biggest moments of the season. 

This offseason saw some big moves, including the departure of longtime players like Jen Hoy and Christen Press and the arrival of some new names—Sam Kerr most famously. That might finally give the Red Stars the push they need to make it to the big dance. 

Head Coach: Rory Dames

2017 record: 11-6-7 (39 points), fourth in the league

Projected Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Arin Gilliland, Katie Naughton, Sam Johnson, Casey Short
Midfielders: Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, Julie Ertz
Forwards: Yūki Nagasato, Sofia Huerta, Sam Kerr

Player you should know: Sam Kerr. While she is brand new to the Red Stars, she is well known to fans of the league, or of the women’s game in general. She’s arguably the best in the world right now, so watch for her to make a big and immediate impact on the team as soon as she hits the pitch.

Under the radar: Danielle Colaprico. Colaprico is the type of player that makes everyone around her better. She does all of the little things right, and occasionally pitches in on the big things, too. Without her the Red Stars would be a little dimmer.

Biggest offseason acquisition: Sam Kerr, by far.

Biggest rival: FC Kansas City had been the historical and geographical rival of the Red Stars. But when it comes to playoffs, the Red Stars have bad blood with both the Washington Spirit and the North Carolina Courage. After beating North Carolina repeatedly during the regular season, they fell just short in the playoffs, in a very physical game. Look out for the Red Stars-Courage matchup to feature some hard-fought games this year.

Most memorable moment from 2017: Losing to North Carolina Courage in the 89th minute in the semifinals.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: The Red Stars have made the semifinals for the last three years. Adding Sam Kerr, Nikki Stanton, and some solid contributors in the college and dispersal drafts should put them  near the top of the contender’s list.

Predicted finish: Second, behind the North Carolina Courage.

Success depends on: Three things need to go right for the Red Stars in 2018 to get them in the playoffs. 1) They need to make sure Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo and USWNT star Julie Ertz stay healthy and in control of the midfield. 2) Sam Kerr needs the support to let her flourish. 3) The back line need to find the same page as Alyssa Naeher and stay there.

Fun prediction: Julie Ertz will lead the NWSL in goals off of headers in 2018.

Orlando Pride Preview: Ready For Year Three

Posted on by RJ Allen

Another NWSL season is almost upon us, and it seems like it’s going to be a pretty good year for the Orlando Pride. The Orlando Pride are entering their third season in the NWSL, and are starting the season with arguably their strongest roster yet. They finished third place last season, and went out in the first round of the playoffs after losing 4-1 to the Portland Thorns on the road. This season, they will look to improve the narrative. On the list of objectives will be to reduce the number of penalties they give up, keep the pressure on for a full 90 minutes, and of course, finally defeat the Portland Thorns.

Head Coach: Tom Sermanni

2017 record: 11-6-7, third place in the league

Projected Starting XI: For this preview, I did two projections because the Pride will be missing a few players on opening day to international duty. I formatted it as a 4-3-3, which was the favored formation last season. Sermanni could also switch to a 4-4-2, or get more experimental with the lineups, but this seemed like a safe place to start. My opening day prediction is: 

Goalkeeper: Ashlyn Harris

Defenders: Ali Krieger, Monica, Shelina Zadorsky, Carson Pickett

Midfielders: Christine Nairn, Marta, Dani Weatherholt

Forwards: Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Rachel Hill

There are only a few changes I would make for a starting XI with a full and healthy roster. Marta can play up top or in the midfield, but considering Sermanni’s options, I think that Sermanni moves Marta up top in place of Rachel Hill and puts Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond in the midfield. I also think he might move the defense around a bit, placing Poliana in as a fullback and moving Krieger back to the central defense. So, my full and healthy starting XI prediction is: 

Goalkeeper: Ashlyn Harris

Defenders: Poliana, Ali Krieger, Shelina Zadorsky, Carson Pickett

Midfielders: Alanna Kennedy, Christine Nairn, Emily van Egmond

Forwards: Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Marta

Player you should know: Marta is a player that lives up to her hype. After joining the Pride last season, she finished the year as one of the top players in the league—with 13 goals, she was the second-highest scorer, behind Sam Kerr, and also notched six assists—and is always a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. She can easily be the difference maker. 

Under the Radar: 24-year-old Australian international Emily Van Egmond is a strong acquisition for the Pride this offseason. She played at VfL Wolfsburg until October 2017 and then played with the Newcastle Jets in the W-League. This will be her second stint in the NWSL, having played with the Chicago Red Stars in 2014 and the Seattle Reign in 2013. Look for her to have a big impact in midfield.

Biggest offseason acquisition: The Pride had a ferocious attack last season, but their defense struggled at times. The acquisition of Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky from the Washington Spirit is a major boost to the backline, and adds another international name to the Pride roster. Zadorsky also has experience playing with Krieger, which will help create better chemistry and stability on the defense.

Biggest rival: The Pride’s biggest rival is the Portland Thorns. Although it’s a one-way rivalry, this seems like one of the biggest hurdles for the Pride. They opened their inaugural NWSL season in Portland and lost. They made it to the playoffs in their second season, traveled to Portland, and lost. The Pride have never defeated the Thorns, and that’s definitely a task on the mind of Tom Sermanni and some of the veteran Pride players. 

Most memorable moment from 2017: The home match against Sky Blue in August, where the Pride won 5-0. The Pride dominated the match, with two goals from Alex Morgan, two goals from Marta, and Dani Weatherholt’s first career goal. It was also Maddy Evans’s last appearance of her career, and she nearly put in a sixth for the Pride before she came off.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: The Pride already had a stacked roster last season, and they’ve only improved during the offseason. With the acquisition of big-name talent like Sydney Leroux, Christine Nairn, and Shelina Zadorsky, among others, the Pride have an opportunity to step up in a big way. They are also coming off a playoff season. They will seek to build on that momentum.

Predicted finish: With a lot of talent in the league this season, it’s difficult to predict exactly where the chips will fall. I predict that the Pride will be on the playoff border, potentially sliding into the third or fourth place slot. They will hang towards the top half of the table, but I don’t think they’re quite the best of the best.

Success depends on: They have an unbelievable offense. Their key to winning is the defense. They brought in a lot of talent over the offseason, but they have to make sure those players have chemistry and that they can work out one of the Pride’s biggest issues: giving up penalties. 

Fun prediction: The Pride will finally beat the Portland Thorns.

Washington Spirit Preview: The Future is Bright

Posted on by RJ Allen

Alright DMV—it’s your turn for a preseason preview for your very own Washington Spirit. There is a lot to get excited for this year, and for years to come. The roster is young, the talent is fierce, and the beer garden is waiting for you at the SoccerPlex. So without further ado, let’s get to know a little bit about the team that represents our nation’s capitol (and VA and MD too).

Head Coach: Jim Gabarra

2017 Record: 5-15-4, last in the league

Projected Starting XI: There are a lot of moving parts to the Spirit, especially after their eventful offseason, so they could mix it up a bit. But the lineup could look a little bit like this:

Goalkeeper: Aubrey Bledsoe

Defense: Taylor Smith, Estelle Johnson, Rebecca Quinn, Caprice Dydasco

Midfield: Estefanía Banini, Tori Huster, Andi Sullivan, Rose Lavelle

Forwards: Ashley Hatch, Mallory Pugh

Player you should know: Mallory Pugh—she is the USWNT kid wonder at 19 years of age.

Under the radar: Estelle Johnson, because she has the most clinically beautiful sliding tackle that has ever happened in the history of the game.

Biggest offseason acquisition: There are so many to choose from. It’s like Sophie’s Choice. But I think I have to go Ashley Hatch on this one. She is the 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year, a W-League champion, and she is primed to have a phenomenal 2018 season.

Biggest rival: This year I believe new rivalries will be born for Washington, but there is always a certain level of angst when they play Sky Blue FC. This year it’ll be made even better considering Denise Reddy left her assistant coaching gig with the Spirit for the head coaching position in Jersey.

Most memorable moment from 2017: The 2017 season wasn’t one that Spirit fans are eager to relive. There were a lot of injuries, and some tough matches played. But they also had some hard-earned wins mixed in, like their 1-0 grind against Portland in June.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: You want to see the future of the USWNT? Take a look at Washington’s roster—Mallory Pugh, Ashley Hatch, Andi Sullivan, Rose Lavelle, Taylor Smith. Who wouldn’t want to watch?

Predicted finish: Some may disagree, but I would argue near the top of the table. Yeah, I’m calling it—they’re going to the playoffs.

Success depends on: Whether they can harness all of that young talent and morph it into the poetry in motion that all of those women are capable of on the field.

Fun prediction: Mallory Pugh, Ashley Hatch, Andi Sullivan, and Rose Lavelle join forces and become a young adult crime-fighting super team. I can see it now—there will be high-speed chases, bad guys put away, and super suits.

Beyond the Tournament: 5 Takeaways From the SheBelieves Cup

Posted on by RJ Allen

The SheBelieves Cup comes at the perfect time of year, in my opinion. It is right before the start of the NWSL season, prepping the WoSo fan base for the next eight months. It also happens to kick off Women’s History Month. What better way to celebrate the history of women than by putting the best female athletes in the world out on a pitch to battle through the wind, rain, and cold during a seven-day span? Because women can handle shit like that, plain and simple. They worked hard out there, and in turn, we got to see some great (and not-so-great) moments of football. And we also got to learn some things in the process. Here are just five:

1. All Alyssa Naeher All The Time!

Jill Ellis knows who she wants in goal. That much is certain. While other countries, like England, gave their backup goalkeepers some playing time during the tournament, the USA refrained. The only keeper needed (or wanted by Ellis) was Alyssa Naeher. Although she played well and had a couple of great saves, it does beg the question of what would happen if she were to get injured. Who would replace her? Would they be ready? And how does that change the dynamic of the team? The USA has some great options in goal, but Ellis’s motto is simple: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

2. England is on the Rise

The Lionesses are a good team, and they are only getting better. From their amazing first match against France, to their new dominating outlook on the game, England is definitely a team to watch out for. They are playing with purpose and intent—even after flying basic economy with a non-direct flight. Nothing seems to shake this team, which is a surprise considering what their past year has entailed. But it seems as though Phil Neville is fitting into his role just fine despite the initial criticism of his hiring and the team hasn’t seemed to let the noise around it faze them whatsoever. I’m sure they didn’t mind having Neville’s mate, David Beckham, stop by the locker room to wish them luck, either.

3. Fran Kirby is a Beast

I’ve been saying this for a while now, but for a lot of women’s soccer fans in America, this was a first time seeing the creativity and precision that is Fran Kirby. The English forward is a playmaker and is amazingly fun to watch. Her passing is pristine, her shooting is lethal, and her work ethic leaves the normal player in the dust. If you didn’t get a chance to catch any of her work during the tournament, do yourself a favor and watch it on replay—you can thank me later. Yes, Fran Kirby may just be the future of football, and a potential Best FIFA Women’s Player candidate.

4. France Has Some Kinks to Work Out

The France team that we saw at the beginning of the SheBelieves Cup was considerably different than the one we saw at the end of it. They got pummeled by England, pulled it together to manage a draw against the US, and then finally became the France the crowd is used to seeing when they defeated Germany 3-0 in their final match. Needless to say, they are having some consistency issues. And match that with a coach that said some rather harsh things about the team after their first match and, well… they have a few things that need to be worked on. But, as can be seen by their match against Germany, they are still a threat going into a World Cup on their home turf.

5. Young America is a Great Thing To See

America is in a transitional phase. Certain fan favorites from the last World Cup are getting older and playing fewer minutes. Other staple players have been out with injuries. And while the depth chart for the USA team seems to go on for miles, there have been points where youthfulness wasn’t its strength. But at the SheBelieves Cup, the young blood was on display. The likes of Mallory Pugh, Tierna Davidson, Andi Sullivan, and surprise sensation Savannah McCaskill, showed what the future of the USWNT could very well look like moving forward. And I must say—it’s not a bad look at all. Sure, the US side still definitely needs polishing, but with the young potential that was shown throughout the tournament, that polishing could produce something completely unseen down the line.

Bonus Takeaway:

German forward Alexandra Popp is a qualified zookeeper. Does that make her the coolest soccer player in the world? It just might…

Regardless of who we cheered for during the SheBelieves Cup, we all got some takeaways from it—some good, some bad. But we also got some great entertainment from some amazingly talented women out on the pitch. And I think we can all agree that we will be tuning in next year to see what the SheBelieves Cup holds for us. 

Houston Dash Preview: Can Houston Stop Being Their Own Worst Enemy?

Posted on by RJ Allen

It’s been a busy offseason in Houston, with the arrival of a new head coach and some significant roster turnover. Given all that change, it may take some time for the real Dash to make themselves known. Still, even with everything that’s up in the air, there are a few clear themes, so let’s dig in and see what we find.

Head Coach: Vera Pauw

2017 record: 7-3-14 (24 points), eighth in the league

Projected Starting XI: You could probably ask 20 people to project Houston’s starting XI and get 25 answers, so there’s no point in pretending that there is a single obvious setup here. With that said, here’s one possible lineup:

Goalkeeper: Jane Campbell
Defenders: Rachel Daly, Amber Brooks, Janine Van Wyk, Cami Levin
Midfielders: Cari Roccaro, Kristie Mewis, Hailey Hanson
Forwards: Nichelle Prince, Savannah Jordan, Kealia Ohai

We’ve seen some signs that Rachel Daly might take on a permanent switch to fullback, which would make her the obvious choice for right back. If that doesn’t pan out, there aren’t a lot of other great options, but Lindsay Agnew is another possibility. At left back, Cami Levin might return, or it could be Lotta Ökvist. Or Agnew. Roccaro played some fullback last year and could swap over. Or any one of a half dozen forwards that likely won’t see much time in actual forward roles.

And you could make comments like this about almost every slot on the pitch. Apart from a few core names, there’s very little reason to think anything is locked down at this point.

Player you should know: Kealia Ohai tied for the Golden Boot in 2016, a performance that earned her a chance with the national team that fall. Unfortunately, an ACL tear took her out for the final two thirds of the entire 2017 season. If she can get back her form from the latter half of 2016, she might just have enough to keep the Houston offense afloat.

Under the radar: Amber Brooks is the rock at the heart of this team. The longtime midfielder made a midseason switch last year to center back and brought some crucial stability to a shaky backline. She’s an important team leader, and a big part of what makes the Dash tick.

Biggest offseason acquisition: The Dash acquired plenty of names this offseason, but by far the biggest was Christen Press. Unfortunately, it seems like all they actually acquired here was the name, since Press herself won’t be playing for them. The next-best choice on the list, then, is probably Savannah Jordan–who has yet to show anything professionally, but has all the potential in the world.

Biggest rival: Themselves.

Most memorable moment from 2017: There are a few candidates here, none of them great. There was the 5-1 shellacking by Seattle in the second game of the season, the firing of Randy Waldrum, the “home” match played five hours away in Edinburg, the heatstroke incident at the end of the 3 PM Lifetime start, and the ACL injury to the captain and star, Kealia Ohai. 2017 did have some good moments, of course, but the most memorable moments were unfortunately mostly negative.

Why they’re the team to watch in 2018: There isn’t another team in the league facing as many huge questions as the Dash. After a series of perplexing offseason moves, and after several years of malaise, will the Pauw regime finally shake off the dust and unleash the attacking potential of this team? Will they be able to emerge from the wreckage of the Press trade, and come together to build some team unity? Is it possible to convert half your roster from forward to defense in one season? If everything comes together, it will make for an incredible story. If it doesn’t, it will be an incredible trainwreck. Either way, there are plenty of huge storylines that deserve following.

Predicted finish: There’s a decent amount of talent on this roster, and if Pauw is able to get them all singing from the same hymnal, a strong finish is by no means implausible. But looking up and down the league, and then looking at the Houston roster, it’s hard to pick any team that you’d put money on the Dash outpacing. My heart says things will stick together and grit out some decent results–maybe even sticking around in the playoff hunt for most of the season. My head says they’ll start out slow and finish slower. I hope my head is wrong, but can’t in good conscience predict anything other than Ninth.

Success depends on: Cobbling together a sustainable defensive unit out of converted forwards and limited defenders. This is not a squad that looks likely to lock games down in the midfield, nor like a team ready to assemble a defensive wall capable of repulsing the superpowered attacks being developed around the league. But at the end of the day, building a stable backline depends as much on organization and commitment as it does on raw talent. If Pauw and her staff are able to get them working together, the team might be able to generate enough stability to unlock the powerful array of offensive weapons at their disposal.

Fun prediction: Rachel Daly’s conversion to fullback works well, and she becomes a regular in the England squad.