With the Orlando Pride joining the NWSL this coming April, we have broken down the rest of the competition the Pride will be playing against this coming season.
Team: Boston Breakers
Founded: 2000
Coach: Matt Beard
Notable players: Kristie Mewis
Last season’s record: 9th Place (4-13-4)
The Breakers currently play at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium in Boston, and are a team that has plenty of players with international experience. Mewis and Naeher are both US Internationals while Naeher was the 3rd string goalkeeper for the United States during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Breakers had a tough season this year, and will be looking to rebound in 2016.
Team: Chicago Red Stars
Founded: 2007
Coach: Rory Dames
Notable players: Christen Press, Julie Johnston, Alyssa Naeher
Last season’s record: 2nd place (8-3-9)
The Red Stars currently feature two US Internationals and regular starters for the National Team. Johnston emerged in 2015 as a one of the strongest defenders for the United States while Press has played regularly for the US in recent years. The Red Stars play at the Sports Complex at Benedictine University. They finished second in the regular season standings in 2015 and were eliminated in the semi-finals of the playoffs. With the significant talent that the Red Stars have on the roster, they will be one of the toughest teams in the league this coming season.
Team: Houston Dash
Founded: 2013
Coach: Randy Waldrum
Notable players: Morgan Brian, Carli Lloyd
Last season’s record: 5th Place (6-8-6)
The Houston Dash are operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group who also own and operate the Houston Dynamo. They play at BBVA Compass Stadium, and haven’t qualified for the playoffs since joining the league in 2014. Morgan Brian and Carli Lloyd are two of the Dash’s strongest players and are regular starters for the USWNT. Retired Boxer Oscar De La Hoya is an equity partner of the Dash.
Team: FC Kansas City
Founded: 2012
Coach: Vlatko Andonovski
Notable players: Heather O’Reilly, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sydney Leroux
Last season’s record: 3rd place (9-6-5)
FC Kansas City knows how to win playoff games. FCKC has won the past two NWSL championships, and have never finished lower than 3rd in the regular season since they joined the league in 2014. FCKC is another club loaded with international talent from the United States, and are a sure fire to be one of the more competitive teams in the league. “The Blues” currently play at Swope Soccer Village.
Team: Portland Thorns
Founded: 2012
Coach: Mark Parsons
Notable players: Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath, Megan Klingenberg
Last season’s record: 6th place (6-9-5)
The Thorns made a massive impact when they joined the league in 2013 winning the NWSL Championship in their first season. They are led by Christine Sinclair who has been one of the top three strikers in the world her entire career. The Thorns did lose a key component this offseason when German goalkeeper, Nadine Angerer retired from soccer. Angerer has been known as one of the best goalkeepers in the world for many years. The Thorns play in Providence Park alongside the Portland Timbers.
Team: Seattle Reign
Founded: 2012
Coach: Laura Harvey
Notable players: Hope Solo
Last season’s record: 1st place (13-3-4)
The Reign have been one of the most consistent teams in the NWSL since the leagues inception. The Reign have one the last two NWSL shields, and have also been runners-up in the playoffs the past two seasons. They currently play at Memorial Stadium and are led by US Internationals Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe.
Team: Sky Blue FC
Founded: 2007
Coach: Christy Holly
Notable players: Kelley O’Hara
Last season’s record: 8th Place (5-8-7)
Sky Blue FC is an original member of the NWSL formation in 2013. They have been a very consistent team since. SBFC are led by US International Kelly O’Hara, and finished in the semi-finals of the playoffs in 2013.
Team: Washington Spirit
Founded: 2012
Coach: Jim Gabarra
Notable players: Ali Krieger, Crystal Dunn
Last season’s record: 4th place (8-6-6)
The Spirit is also an original member of the NWSL. Led by USWNT Right Back Ali Krieger and USWNT right midfielder, Crystal Dunn, the Spirit have one of the strongest right sides in the NWSL. The Spirit played at Maryland SoccerPlex, and have twice made it to the semi-finals of the NWSL playoffs.
Team: Western New York Flash
Founded: 2008
Coach: Aaran Lines
Notable players:Lady Andrade
Last season’s record: 7th place (6-9-5)
The Flash are led by USWNT star Sydney Leroux and Colombian forward Lady Andrade. They play in Rochester, NY at Sahlen’s Stadium and are another original member of the NWSL. The Flash are known for having played home to many international stars such including Abby Wambach and Marta. The Flash won the NWSL shield in 2013 while finishing runners-up in the playoffs that same season.
