The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional women’s soccer league in the United States. Founded in 2012, the NWSL is the top-level league for women’s soccer in the country, featuring some of the best players from around the world.
The NWSL currently consists of nine teams, each one representing a different region of the country. These teams are the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.
Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars were founded in 2007, with their current incarnation joining the NWSL in 2013. They have yet to win a championship but have consistently been one of the best teams in the league, making the playoffs in 2015, 2018, and 2019. The team is led by midfielder Julie Ertz, one of the best players in the world.
Houston Dash
The Houston Dash were founded in 2013, joining the NWSL the same year. They have never made the playoffs and have struggled in recent seasons, finishing at the bottom of the league in 2018 and 2019. However, the team has some talented players, including forward Rachel Daly and midfielder Kristie Mewis.
North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage were founded in 2017, taking over the spot previously held by the Western New York Flash. Despite being a relatively new team, they have already won two championships, in 2018 and 2019. The Courage are led by forward Lynn Williams and midfielder Samantha Mewis, both of whom are key players for the United States Women’s National Team.
Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride were founded in 2015, joining the NWSL the following year. They have yet to make the playoffs but have some talented players, including forward Alex Morgan, one of the best players in the world. The Pride have also recently acquired midfielder Sydney Leroux, adding even more firepower to their squad.
Portland Thorns FC
Portland Thorns FC were founded in 2012, the same year as the NWSL. They are one of the most successful teams in the league, having won two championships, in 2013 and 2017. The Thorns have some of the best players in the world, including midfielder Tobin Heath and defender Emily Sonnett.
Reign FC
Reign FC were founded in 2012, originally known as Seattle Reign FC before changing their name in 2019. They have made the playoffs in five of their seven seasons in the league, reaching the championship game in 2014 and 2015. The team is led by forward Megan Rapinoe, one of the most recognizable players in the world.
Sky Blue FC
Sky Blue FC were also founded in 2007, originally playing in the defunct Women’s Professional Soccer league before joining the NWSL in 2013. They have struggled in recent seasons, finishing at the bottom of the league in 2018 and 2019. However, the team has some talented players, including midfielder McCall Zerboni and defender Estelle Johnson.
Utah Royals FC
Utah Royals FC were founded in 2017, taking over the spot previously held by FC Kansas City. They have made the playoffs in both of their seasons in the league, reaching the semifinals in 2018 and the quarterfinals in 2019. The team is led by midfielder Amy Rodriguez and defender Becky Sauerbrunn, both of whom are key players for the United States Women’s National Team.
Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit were founded in 2012, the same year as the NWSL. They have made the playoffs in three of their eight seasons in the league, reaching the championship game in 2016. The team has some talented players, including midfielder Rose Lavelle and goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe.
In conclusion, the National Women’s Soccer League has some of the best players in the world, representing teams from all over the country. Whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Red Stars or the Reign FC, there is no shortage of exciting soccer to watch in the NWSL.
