It feels like a decade since we last had sports on American soil. In fact, the night that the NBA was shut down itself felt like it was nine months long. Things have been going well on the Head in the Game front without sports. I (Troy) was able to count all the blades of grass in my backyard and I believe Grant is now fluent in Dutch. Unfortunately, we won't have too much more time to devote to those beloved hubbies.
Being a fairly young league, and the first big sporting event to return, we've decided to put together a get-to-know the league post to help you learn more about the NWSL. This post will go into the league's background, the teams that make it up, and a breakdown of the Challenge Cup. Don't worry all of you NWSL fans, if you're worried that a lot of this information will be redundant for you, we'll be sure to have some insights and fun bits to make things great for everyone.
NWSL FAQ
What is the NWSL? - The NWSL is the National Women's Soccer League. It is the highest level of women's soccer in the United State and one of the top leagues in the entire world.
How long has this thing been going on? - The NWSL was founded in 2012 and began play with eight teams in 2013. After expansion and two teams folding, the league currently has nine teams with a tenth team in Louisville scheduled to enter the league in 2021.
Is the NWSL owned by MLS? - The NWSL is their own separate entity from Major League Soccer. It is similar to how the NBA and WNBA work in that while some teams share a similar owner with their counterparts in the other league, some teams are independently owned. Currently there are four teams owned by MLS franchises (Houston, Orlando, Portland, and Utah). Two teams share ownership with USL (America's second division) teams (North Carolina and soon to be Louisville). One team, OL Reign, is owned by a foreign entity (Olympique Lyonnais of France). The remaining three teams are independently owned.
Does the league feature National Team players? - All 23 players from the 2019 World Cup Champion US Women's National Team ply their trade in the NWSL. In fact, the league had 58 players representing 11 countries in the most recent World Cup.
How doth thou watch the NWSL? - Beginning this season, the NWSL has a broadcast partnership with CBS. That means that normal regular season games are set to air on CBS, CBS Sports Network, CBS All Access, and occasionally on Twitch. I'll get into how you can watch the Challenge Cup tournament later on.
Which team should I be supporting? - That's sort of a subjective question, but I will be presenting info on each team to help you make the decision that is best for you and your family.
What the heck's a Challenge Cup? - Hold your horses partner, I'm getting there.
Why is the Sky Blue FC? - Because.
Meet The Teams
(Please note that the Orlando Pride will not be competing in this tournament after a high volume of positive COVID-19 tests among players and staff. Please also note that not all players listed will be competing in this tournament due to injury or concerns regarding health. For up-to-date rosters please visit the NWSL Website)
Chicago Red Stars
Where? - Bridgeview, Illinois (Chicago Suburb)
When? - Founded in 2007 for Women's Professional Soccer before moving to the Women's Premier Soccer League and finally arriving in the NWSL when the league debuted.
Who? - The Red Stars feature US national-teamers Julie Ertz, Morgan Brian, Tierna Davidson, and Ashlyn Naher. They also feature Yuki Nagasato, who was part of the Japanese national team that won the 2011 World Cup.
Why? - The Red Stars have a fantastic pair of kits (go check them out for yourself). The away kit, in my humble opinion, is one of the best in the entire world.
Houston Dash
Where? - Houston, Texas
When? - Founded in 2013, the Dash began their first season in the league's second season in 2014.
Who? - The Dash are the lone team that didn't have a player on the USWNT for the most recent World Cup. However, they do feature multiple international stars. These include Rachel Daly, who may be England's best player, Sophie Schmidt, who has almost 200 caps for Canada, fellow Canadian Nichelle Prince, and Mexican international Arianna Romero.
Why? - One reason to watch the Dash is their contrarian approach opposed to much of the league. While most teams have tried to build their appeal based on national team stars from the US, the Dash have gone with a more international roster. It makes sense that they're well traveled since they are partially owned by James Harden.
North Carolina Courage
Where? - Cary, North Carolina (within the North Carolina triangle)
When? - Founded in 2017 after purchasing their franchise rights from the Western New York Flash, the Courage played their first league game during the 2018 season.
Who? - The team features multiple US national-teamers: Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Samantha Mewis, and Jessica McDonald. They also feature Abby Erceg, who is the captain of both the Courage and the New Zealand national team.
Why? - If you want a proven winner then you're going to want to go with the North Carolina Courage. In their first season in the league, the Courage won the NWSL Shield (best regular season team) and finished as runners up in the playoff championship game. In their second and third seasons they won both the Shield and the playoffs. If you value winning more than anything, you'll obviously be cheering for the team who has never done worse than second place.
OL Reign (Formerly Seattle Reign FC)
Where? - Tacoma, Washington (outside of Seattle)
When? - Founded under the name Seattle Reign FC in time for the opening NWSL season, the team was recently purchased by French club Olympique Lyonnais and changed their name to OL Reign because of branding.
Who? - OL Reign features Megan Rapinoe and Allie Long of the USWNT. The also feature Rosie White of New Zealand, Jodie Taylor of England, and Rebecca Quinn of Canada.
Why? - By cheering for the Reign, you get to get in on the ground floor of a rebuild while also having multiple pieces already in place. Megin Rapinoe has a big fan base and rightfully so, so why not join it yourself?
Orlando Pride
Special Update - The Pride announced that they will not be attending the NWSL Challenge Cup over concerns about COVID-19 after several players and staff tested positive. Their information is still listed if you'd like to cheer for them when they get back to playing again.
Where? - Orlando, Florida
When? - They were founded in 2015 and began play in 2016.
Who? - The Pride feature Alex Morgan (congrats on the baby btdubs), Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger (congrats on the wedding btdubs). Add on to that Sydney Leroux, who played for the 2015 World Cup winning USWNT, and all time great Marta from Brazil.
Why? - Orlando has a fun roster. On top of the four US players I mentioned up above, add in Marta, who is one of the best players ever.
Portland Thorns FC
Where? - Portland Thorns FC
When? - They were founded in 2012 in time for the inaugural season of the NWSL.
Who? - The Thorns feature from the most recent USWNT World Cup roster Adrianna Franch, Emily Sonnett, Tobin Heath, and reigning MVP Lindsey Horan. They also feature the Canadian G.O.A.T., also known as the G.O.A.T.-eh, Christine Sinclair.
Why? - Much like the Red Stars, if you want to cheer for a team based on their kits, then the Thorns are a great option for you. Once we get back to the point where we can have fans in the stands, Portland has the best crowds in the league, with their average attendance being almost double what the next closest team is.
Sky Blue FC
Where? - Harrison, New Jersey (greater NYC area)
When? - Beginning in the WPS in 2007 before moving to the NWSL for its launch.
Who? - Both Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh play for Sky Blue FC. They also feature Nahomi Kawasumi, who played a big part in the Japanese team that won the 2011 World Cup.
Why? - If you want a sort of underdog story, then Sky Blue FC is the way to go. News came out of some problems that resulted from poor management, which included players having to move multiple times during the season, poor field conditions, and subpar front office staff. Thankfully, a new ownership staff has came in, and things seems to be righting themselves.
Utah Royals FC
Where? - Sandy, Utah (Salt Lake City area)
When? - FC Kansas City moved to Utah after the conclusion of the 2017 season and became what we now know as the Utah Royals.
Who? - The Royals feature multiple players with US national team experience, including Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Christen Press, and Amy Rodriguez. Add on to that Scottish footballer Rachel Corsie and Spanish player Veronica Boquete.
Why? - The Royals are technically the hosts of this whole shindig, and they have a pretty great crest.
Washington Spirit
Where? - The Washington D.C. area (stadium depends on the game)
When? - The Spirit were founded for the launch of the NWSL.
Who? - The Spirit features 2019 World Cup first-teamer Rose Lavelle, Japanese player Kumi Yokoyama, and Canadian national-teamer Jenna Hellstrom.
Why? - While it might be hard to sell you on own player and one player alone, Rose Lavelle might do this. She might have been the most electric part of what the US team did on the field of the last World Cup, and she'll be equally as good for the Spirit.
Challenge Cup Preview
Alright, enough set up. Here is the thing the title promised. Please note that the opening game and championship game are aired on CBS, while every other game is aired on CBS All Access. In the schedule below games on CBS are listed in bold whereas games on CBS All Access are in normal text. Please also note that CBS All Access has a one week free trial, so if you time it right, you should only have to pay for a month of the service.
Format
Beginning on Saturday June 27th, each team will be playing a minimum of four games in beautiful Sandy, Utah. The schedule was determined by a random draw. The eight teams will move on to a knock-out tournament with seeding based on their points total, beginning on Friday July 17. The whole affair concludes with the championship game, to be played on Sunday, July 26th.
Favorites
The favorite going into the tournament has to be the reigning champs, the North Carolina Courage. The Courage have been the class of the league for the past few season and I could see them doing well here both due to their depth and because out of all the teams in the league they are the ones who have the most of their core available. There is a lot of parity in the league, so their top competitors aren't overly easy to pick out, but Portland and Chicago both have a lot of fire power to take a good shot at the Courage.
Schedule
Saturday June 27
12:30 PM - North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns FC
10 PM - Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Spirit
Tuesday July 30
12:30 PM - Houston Dash vs Utah Royals FC
10 PM - OL Reign vs Sky Blue FC
Wednesday July 1
12:30 PM - Chicago Red Stars vs Portland Thorns FC
10 PM - North Carolina Courage vs Washington Spirit
Saturday July 4
12:30 PM - Sky Blue FC vs Utah Royals FC
10 PM - Houston Dash vs OL Reign
Sunday July 5
12:30 PM - Chicago Red Stars vs North Carolina Courage
10 PM - Portland Thorns FC vs Washington Spirit
Wednesday July 8
12:30 PM - OL Reign vs Utah Royals FC
10 PM - Houston Dash vs Sky Blue FC
Sunday July 12
12:30 PM - Houston Dash vs Washington Spirit
10 PM - Chicago Red Stars vs Utah Royals
Monday July 13
12:30 PM - OL Reign vs Portland Thorns FC
10 PM - North Carolina Courage vs Sky Blue FC
Friday July 17
12:30 PM - Quarterfinal 1
10 PM - Quarterfinal 2
Saturday July 18
12:30 PM - Quarterfinal 3
10 PM - Quarterfinal 4
Wednesday July 22
12:30 PM - Semifinal 1
10 PM - Semifinal 2
Sunday July 26
12:30 PM - Championship Game
To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)
