Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt spent his Saturday watching a different kind of football than what he's typically used to at the scenic Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection was taking in an NWSL match between the Houston Dash and Utah Royals.
“The football I grew up playing is no longer there. Today, all players care about are their cars, their shoes with their names on, and their image. While for me, the only thing that counted was football. Nothing else.” -Miroslav Klose
Football is under attack. It’s a sentiment that, regardless of how much it resonates with you, is often expressed and passionately argued. Whatever the reason, be it the influx of money, the unsporting concentration of talent or the diminished draw of the international game, there’s cause for cynicism.
After falling to a Megan Rapinoe-inspired Seattle Reign FC in Week 1, the Washington Spirit recorded a 2-0 win over the Orlando Pride in their home opener at Maryland SoccerPlex on Saturday.
Nearly 5,000 were on hand to watch 19-year-old USWNT forward Mallory Pugh open the scoring in the 80th minute with a blistering run that started just inside the halfway line. Pugh finished the move by nutmegging international compatriot Ashlyn Harris in goal.
The Houston Dash cannot catch a break. For the second time in the club’s short history, the Dash acquired a star USWNT player who doesn’t want to play for them. After putting up with an unhappy and unproductive Carli Lloyd for a couple seasons, Houston traded for Christen Press, who refused to report to the squad. The 29-year-old forward instead signed with Göteborg FC in Sweden on Monday.
The sixth season of the National Women’s Soccer League kicked off yesterday with the Seattle Reign hosting the Washington Spirit as one of three matches on opening day. The Reign defeated the Spirit 2-1 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle thanks to goals from USWNT star Megan Rapinoe and new signing Jodie Taylor, an English international.
Rapinoe’s goal came in the 7th minute — a wonderfully struck free kick from over 25 yards out that left Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, an offseason acquisition from Orlando, no chance.
The 2018 NWSL season will kick off on March 24 with a 2017 NWSL Championship rematch between the Portland Thorns and the North Carolina Courage.
The league released its full 2018 schedule Tuesday, including the games of the week, to be shown on the Lifetime network. Matches that aren't on Lifetime will be streamed via the go90 app and website.
Sometimes children are the most astute observers of human behavior in our society. For example, Sydney Leroux Dwyer and Dom Dwyer's toller son Cassius is a very astute observer of soccer behavior. Specifically, we are talking about flopping.
Amy Rodriguez, one of the most decorated players for the USWNT in the past decade, is on the move. The forward with 30 goals in 130 caps is joining NWSL expansion team Utah Royals FC, the club announced Tuesday.
Introducing the newest member of the fam, @AmyRodriguez8
The Orlando Pride have seemingy acquired a habit of snapping up USWNT attackers after their husbands move to Orlando City SC. In 2016, USWNT striker Alex Morgan moved to the Pride following Orlando City's acquisition of her husband, Servando Carrasco. Friday, the Pride traded for USWNT striker Sydney Leroux, whose husband, Dom Dwyer, was recently acquired by Orlando City.