We've reached 2016 NWSL postseason, and we already know a new champion will be crowned. Before the playoffs kick-off this weekend it is important to remember that no professional women’s league has survived past a third season. So, as the NWSL gets ready to celebrate this year’s best teams, there is an overarching sense of pride closing out year four.
The American women’s game has been on a roller coaster of a ride over the last 14 months. From winning the World Cup to individual player scandal; failing to win an Olympic gold for a record fourth time to successfully completing a fourth season of league play for the first time.
While all of that is happening at the highest level, the NWSL’s Seattle Reign and U.S. Soccer are quietly working to build the next generation of league and USWNT stars.
A historic fourth season for the NWSL has been competitive down to the final week. With five matches left in the regular season, four teams still have everything to play for. We took look at the weekend ahead and the NWSL Playoff scenarios for each team.
Seattle Reign are the champions of NWSL, at least in terms of media coverage.
They came, they saw, they conquered. That’s the American plan for FC Barcelona and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu following the opening of a Barca office in New York on Tuesday.
The Empire State Building projected the Blaugrana colors, Ronaldinho completed the ribbon-cutting ceremony with a signature no-look pass into a mini-goal and the Barcelona flag was hoisted outside Barca’s new headquarters in Midtown Manhattan.
It wasn’t a particularly good day at the office for Alex Morgan and her club side the Orlando Pride on Saturday. The Pride were defeated 4-2 by the Houston Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Orlando were seemingly done and dusted by the game's 80th minute, the Dash dominating proceedings and holding a comfortable 3-0 advantage. However, Morgan and the Pride were able to pull one back after a clever set piece routine allowed the USWNT striker to break through on goal. Her finish was characteristically precise, nestling into the far corner.
Hope Solo’s six-month ban from the USWNT, and the termination of her contract with the national team, has resulted in the decorated goalkeeper releasing another statement with regards to her status with the Seattle Reign, her NWSL club side.
“After careful consideration, I have decided to end my season with the Seattle Reign, an organization I love playing for. Mentally, I am not there yet,” reads the statement.