WOMEN'S SOCCCER
THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE 2022 SEASON IS JUST ABOUT UNDERWAY! TO CELEBRATE THEIR TENTH SEASON, SOCCER 360 MAGAZINE’S SEAN MASLIN HAS TEN BIG QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE 2022 CAMPAIGN!
GAME ON! SAN DIEGO, LED BY FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER CASEY STONEY, WILL FEATURE USWNT STAR STRIKER ALEX MORGAN
10.) WHO ARE THE SAN DIEGO WAVE AND ANGEL CITY FC? This season marks the debut of two new teams into the NWSL: San Diego Wave and Angel City FC! While expansion teams can at times be a little lacking in terms of play on the field, the two California-based sides seem to be ready to win now. San Diego, led by former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney, will feature USWNT star striker Alex Morgan and longtime defender Abby Dahlkemper. Meanwhile, Angel City have added Christen Press and New Zealand international defender Ali Riley. 9.) WHO CAN STOP TRINITY RODMAN? Rodman, 19, took the league by storm last season, scoring eight goals and tallying seven assists for the Washington Spirit. Her breakneck pace, coupled with her tactical finishing instantly made her one of the top players in the league, an astounding achievement considering her age. That she was also a key figure in the Spirit’s NWSL title run makes her 2021 even more special. If she can keep it up in 2022 then the Spirit may need to add to their trophy case. 8.) WHO CAN CLAIM THE CHALLENGE CUP? For the third consecutive season, the NWSL Challenge Cup will kick off the NWSL season. The regional tournament has become a favorite among fans and has given teams a chance to get into fitness ahead of the season. Last year’s champion, the Portland Thorns, are primed to make it a second tournament in a row with their veteran heavy lineup.
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SOCCER360 MARCH • APRIL 2022
ABOVE: Alex Morgan sporting her new team's logo on a beach in San Diego RIGHT: Trinity Rodman in action for Washington Spirit BOTTOM RIGHT: Will this be Christine Sinclair's final season?
7.) IS THIS CHRISTINE SINCLAIR’S FINAL SEASON? Sinclair has been the rock for both the Thorns and the Canadian Women’s National Team, scoring an incredible 236 goals for club and country. While she is still going strong at 38, the Thorns will likely start looking at her heir apparent. Sophia Smith had a strong season with six goals in 2021 and will likely be given a heavy workload while Sinclair is away for World Cup Qualification. 6.) CAN FRANCH CLOSE THE GAP FOR THE CURRENT? The Kansas City Current’s first season back in the NWSL wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. The side finished at the bottom of the standings and allowed 36 goals, second worst in the league. Management placed an emphasis on improving their defense with Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch being the centerpiece. French is a two-time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and one of the best defensive organizers in the league.
