The common season was outlined by …
The elites. Orlando, Washington, Gotham and Kansas Metropolis had been the perfect groups within the common season. And there was a 16-point hole between fourth-placed Kansas Metropolis and North Carolina, who completed fifth within the desk. Collectively, the highest 4 had been chargeable for 46% of the wins and 40% of the objectives scored within the 14-team league. The gamers, homeowners and off-field developments related to these squads fashioned most (however not all) of the league’s most fascinating storylines. Will probably be thrilling to see which ones, if any, survive the playoffs. AA
Newcomers. Malawi import Temwa Chawinga tore up the league for 20 objectives, seven forward of fellow newcomer Barbra Banda within the Golden Boot race. Rookie Croix Bethune led the league in assists regardless of lacking the final third of the season, and he or she was simply one in every of a gaggle of recent gamers in Washington who carried the Spirit to second place within the league. European veteran Ann-Katrin Berger took over in aim for Gotham FC, who allowed solely 19 objectives in 25 video games. BD
Emotional farewells. Alex Morgan , whereas Christine Sinclair, the world’s prime worldwide goalscorer, from skilled soccer on the finish of the season. Including to a season of goodbyes, Brazilian legend Marta additionally concluded her worldwide profession in April, prompting widespread hypothesis that the Orlando Satisfaction star could quickly step away from the membership degree as properly. JR
Orlando Satisfaction’s record-setting run to the Defend, and the emergence of a really formidable prime 4. Whereas final season was a remarkably aggressive desk, from first place to final place, this yr noticed the highest 4 actually differentiate themselves. MS
The well being of the league is …
Nearly as good because it’s ever been. Kansas Metropolis’s CPKC Stadium for the way groups can profit from 100% management of their very own services. Gamers like Banda, Chawinga and Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji have given a jolt of pleasure to the league, which ought to encourage groups to scout and purchase extra aggressively in a growing international switch market. The latest CBA settlement between the NWSL and gamers not solely lends stability, but in addition might be a bellwether for different leagues because it . Issues aren’t excellent (facility points in San Diego and elsewhere, possession inertia in a number of markets, a few dangerous branding/rebranding calls, no Resolution Day), however by and enormous the traits are very optimistic. AA
Extraordinary. This league began out with the very barest bones – tiny venues, barely a presence on TV. And it had to take action, given the 2 leagues that had failed earlier than it. There’s at all times a danger in throwing an excessive amount of cash after a scorching league – see the NASL of the late Nineteen Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties – however the NWSL has attracted homeowners to whom any downturn might be barely noticeable of their financial institution accounts. The individuals who acquired issues began deserve plenty of gratitude for laying the groundwork, however the distinction in environment between, say, a Washington Spirit sport of 2014 and a Spirit sport of 2024 is just like the distinction between a dad-rock band in a abandoned bar and Glastonbury pageant. BD
Reaching new heights, with the league surpassing two million in attendance for the primary time in the course of the 2024 common season. This milestone displays a gradual rise in whole and common attendance, with year-over-year features because the league’s inception. Moreover, the brand new CBA introduced in August delivered important enhancements in participant welfare and pay. These developments provide hope for the way forward for the ladies’s sport within the US and around the globe. JR
On strong floor. With Bay FC within the playoffs and Utah Royals ending a good 11 of 14 groups, it’s been one other profitable yr for growth golf equipment. Document setting transfers are bringing prime worldwide expertise to the US. One other historic CBA was signed. The White Home . There’s extra to do, however the milestones preserve coming. MS
Greatest crew that didn’t make the playoffs …
It looks like the simple selection since they completed simply exterior the playoff spots, however Racing Louisville underperformed a lot of their underlying numbers, handled plenty of accidents, and hit dangerous type at a foul time, dropping 4 of their final 5 to drop out of the highest eight. AA
On paper, San Diego ought to have been so significantly better this yr. They’ve the perfect heart again on the planet in Naomi Girma. Kailen Sheridan ranked ninth amongst goalkeepers within the Guardian’s , when no different NWSL keeper made the listing. The excellent news was that teen sensation Jaedyn Shaw tied for the crew lead in objectives. The dangerous information? She had three. Morgan performed 13 video games, scored no objectives, and retired earlier than the season ended. BD
The Utah Royals. The growth facet had a rocky begin, which hindered their postseason bid, however their luck shifted midseason with the appointment of recent supervisor Jimmy Coenraets and the signing of star ahead Cloé Lacasse from Arsenal. By October, Utah’s transformation was obvious, they usually had been even displaying playoff-level type. With this momentum, they might be a formidable contender in 2025. JR
On the ultimate weekend of NWSL’s common season, Racing Louisville had been the one crew nonetheless capable of break into the postseason from beneath the playoffs spots. They fell quick, however deserve credit score for his or her dynamism this yr. MS
Your darkish horses are …
Bay FC’s largest concern at the beginning of their debut season was protection, they usually improved that markedly with the midseason addition of Abby Dahlkemper. They’ve Kundananji, whose dribbling can open up a sport when it will get tight. They face a Washington Spirit crew that has a number of key accidents, together with a season-ender for NWSL help chief Bethune and, extra just lately, a torn ACL for defensive midfielder Andi Sullivan. It’s nonetheless a tall process for Bay FC to win away from house, however they already received two in a row to shut the season and safe the playoffs – the strain might be nothing new. AA
The chasm between the highest 4 and the remainder of the league received’t be straightforward to bridge. The entire remaining playoff groups have gaping holes. However the crew with that intangible “it” issue are Portland. Can the Thorns get one other massive aim from Sinclair earlier than she goes off into retirement? Will Sophia Smith and Olivia Moultrie terrorize opponents? Can Becky Sauerbrunn, who led the crew in minutes performed at age 39, pull collectively the protection in entrance of the revolving door of goalkeepers? It received’t be straightforward, however this crew’s gamers have plenty of expertise getting ends in massive video games. BD
The Portland Thorns might be the postseason’s darkish horse, propelled by an emotional edge with Sinclair calling time on her extraordinary profession. In her last common season sport, the 41-year-old scored in her 2 hundredth NWSL match, energizing each the crew and followers who braved the wind and rain. With a star-studded roster, together with a resurgent Smith, Portland are poised for a deep playoff run which will surpass preliminary expectations. JR
Portland Thorns didn’t verify their playoff spot till the ultimate day, however I’d by no means rule them out within the playoffs. And whereas Kansas Metropolis completed fourth general, I believe they’ve the expertise to make it to the ultimate, if they’ll get previous the Satisfaction. MS
Large crew prone to going out early …
The Thorns are among the many most star-studded and recognizable squads in NWSL, they usually’ll play essentially the most storyline-packed quarterfinal of the bunch once they tackle…one other star-studded and recognizable squad in defending champions Gotham FC on Sunday. By advantage of this heavyweight matchup, each are in danger. AA
Washington’s harm listing appears to be like like an All-Star crew. The Spirit are one of many deepest groups within the league, however this can be an excessive amount of too ask. BD
The Washington Spirit. Regardless of having threats comparable to Trinity Rodman and Leicy Santos, accidents have plagued Jonatan Giráldez’s facet, which might compromise their efficiency towards an in-form opponent. Bay FC, although ranked second-lowest within the playoffs, have set the document for many wins by an NWSL growth crew and know they don’t have anything to lose, making this matchup a possible upset. JR
Something is feasible within the NWSL. To some extent, each massive crew is prone to going out early. But when I had been betting on an “upset”, I’d say Gotham FC-Portland Thorns is one to observe. MS
Participant to observe …
Rodman, as a result of she might be key if the Spirit are to keep away from a quarter-final upset. The USWNT star received’t be at 100% in these playoffs, having solely performed three matches with one begin since getting back from a again harm. However with main scorer Ouleymata Sarr amongst Washington’s lengthy harm listing, Rodman’s talent with the ball at her toes, reference to ahead Ashley Hatch, and talent to learn the sport and pop up in the proper spots might be essential and value keeping track of. AA
Bay FC maintain the document for the very best girls’s switch payment ever paid, spending someplace within the $860,000 vary for Kundananji. By a lot of the yr, she didn’t fairly dwell as much as the billing. However within the growth crew’s final two video games, Kundananji assisted on the lone aim in a win over North Carolina, then scored twice in a 3-2 win over Houston. Is {that a} signal that she’s again within the type from her breakout 2022-23 season at Madrid CFF, the place she scored 25 occasions in 29 video games? BD
Successful the Golden Boot with 20 objectives in 25 matches, Chawinga set a brand new league document and is a frontrunner for MVP. Nevertheless, a latest knee harm that sidelined her for the regular-season finale raises considerations about her availability for the quarter-finals which might harm Kansas Metropolis’s playoff aspirations. JR
Chawinga. There are questions concerning the record-setting Malawian ahead’s health. But when the league’s topscorer is wholesome, Chawinga might be important to her crew’s hopes of getting previous North Carolina this Saturday, then a probable semi-final bout with Orlando Satisfaction, and into the ultimate at their house floor. MS
Semi-finalists …
Orlando, Kansas Metropolis, Bay FC, Portland. AA
Orlando, Washington, Gotham, Kansas Metropolis. BD
Orlando, Washington, Kansas Metropolis, Portland. JR
Orlando, Kansas Metropolis, Gotham, Washington. MS
MLS Cup last …
The ultimate might be an emotional encounter between two legends who will retire on the finish of the season: Portland’s Sinclair and Orlando’s Marta. In the end, Orlando’s stingy protection would be the distinction in a 1-0 win because the Satisfaction cap their good season – and Marta’s profession – with silverware. AA
Gotham FC received it final yr, they usually haven’t misplaced since 1 September. They’ve received eight of their final 10 towards one draw and one loss. They’re loaded with worldwide expertise, each skilled and rising, all through their lineup. Remaining: Gotham 2-1 over Orlando. BD
The champions would be the Satisfaction, who had a rare season after narrowly lacking the playoffs final yr. The Defend winners mixed a potent offense led by Banda’s 19 aim involvements with a powerful backline anchored by Kylie Strom and Emily Sams. With a balanced, resilient squad, Orlando are well-equipped to safe the championship after a virtually flawless common season. JR
Orlando Satisfaction. They went 24 video games unbeaten en path to their first trophy: the NWSL Defend. They’ve an aura of inevitability about them. And whereas they’ll face powerful assessments on the way in which, it appears probably they’ll propel themselves to the ultimate and safe a second membership trophy on arrival. MS