Keep dreaming, even when people laugh at your dreams or tell you that they are impossible to achieve. Keep believing in yourself.
Tobin Heath, member of the U.S. Women's National Team
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has become influential in women’s soccer since it's been created, showcasing great growth and evolution over the years. As the premier professional women’s soccer league in the United States, the NWSL has seen its teams, players and tournaments evolve significantly!
In this article we'll explore
- The Evolution of NWSL Teams
- Top Teams within the League
- Standout Players
- Memorable Games
- Important NWSL Tournaments
What Is the NWSL?
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the top-tier professional women’s soccer league in the United States, established in 2012. It replaced the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) as the highest level of competition for women’s soccer in the U.S. The league began with 8 teams and has since grown to 14 teams in 2024!
The NWSL's goal is to provide a competitive and professional opportunity for women, featuring teams across North America. It also focuses on the development of women’s soccer on a global scale. The NWSL promotes gender equality and inspires future generations of players!
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Top NWSL Teams
Over the years, certain teams have consistently performed at a high level, setting standards and showcasing exceptional talent. Let's check them out!
Portland Thorns FC
Portland Thorns FC is one of the most successful and recognized teams in the league. Established in 2013, the Thorns have won multiple NWSL Championships, including the inaugural 2013 title. The Thorns have set a high bar for success in the league.
North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage, formerly known as the Western New York Flash, relocated to North Carolina in 2017. The team quickly established itself as a strong rival in the league, securing back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Here's a recap of the 2018 championship on YouTube, featuring Portland Thorns as well as North Carolina Courage!
OL Reign
Originally known as Seattle Reign FC, OL Reign has been a competitive team in the NWSL from the beginning. The team underwent a rebranding to OL Reign in 2020 after being acquired by Olympique Lyonnais, a French club known for its success in European women’s soccer. Here is a YouTube video recapitulating the news!
Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars have been a pillar of the NWSL since the league’s early days. Known for their consistent performance, the Red Stars have often been among the top teams in the playoffs. Their dedication to community engagement and player development adds to their reputation.
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Top Players in the NWSL
The success of NWSL teams is evidently influenced by the talent and performance of their players. The league has been home to numerous standout athletes. Let's take a look at a few star players!
Sam Kerr
Australian forward Sam Kerr has been one of the most skillfull players in the NWSL.
Her goal-scoring skills was on full display during her time with the Chicago Red Stars, where she became one of the league’s top scorers. Kerr’s speed, skill and scoring ability made her a key player and definitely a fan favorite.
Tobin Heath
Tobin Heath, an American midfielder, has been a significant figure in women’s soccer.
Her creative plays and technical skills have contributed to the success of several teams, including the Portland Thorns. Heath’s impressive ability to change the game with her vision and passing makes her stand out. She’s known for her quick decision-making under pressure and her ability to deliver precise passes and assists.
Her leadership and experience have made her a key player throughout her career.
Christen Press
Christen Press has been influential both in the NWSL and on the international stage of soccer! Known for her versatility and goal-scoring abilities, Press has played for various teams, including the Chicago Red Stars and the Utah Royals FC. Her skills and leadership qualities are highly regarded all over the world.
Press has an incredible ability to slip through even the toughest defenses, always managing to find the right space and calmly score with precision when it counts. Her speed and agility make her a dangerous forward, capable of playing across the front line. In addition to her fierce offensive skills, she is also known for her work ethic and willingness to track back defensively.
Press’s international experience with the U.S. Women’s National Team has further enhanced her leadership on the field, making her a vital player. Whether it’s scoring or creating opportunities, Press is always a key figure in her team’s offense.
Lindsey Horan
Lindsey Horan has been a star player for the Portland Thorns and the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her midfield presence combined with her ability to score and assist, has made her a vital component of the Thorns’ success. Horan’s plays and vision on the soccer field are exemplary.
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Best Games in the NWSL
The NWSL has witnessed numerous exciting games that have captivated viewers and showcased the league’s competitive nature. Here are a few examples!
The 2013 NWSL Championship
The inaugural NWSL Championship in 2013 was a championship game that has marked the history of the NWSL, with Portland Thorns FC defeating the Western New York Flash 2-0. It definitely set the tone for future championships. Here are the highlights from the game!
The 2018 NWSL Championship
The 2018 NWSL Championship was a very intense final between the North Carolina Courage and the Portland Thorns FC. The Courage secured a 3-0 victory, demonstrating their dominance throughout the season. The match was a testament to the Courage’s strength and tactical skills. Here's a Press Conference and MVP Presentation of the championship on YouTube!
The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Final
The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup was a tournament held in a “bubble” format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final saw the Houston Dash clinch their first title with a 2-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars. The game was notable for its high energy and the Dash’s resilience under challenging circumstances.
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NWSL Tournaments and Awards
In addition to the regular season, the NWSL features several important tournaments and awards that add excitement and competition to the league. Let's take a look!
NWSL Challenge Cup
The NWSL Challenge Cup is an annual tournament that began in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It serves as a preseason competition and allows teams to compete outside of the regular season. This preseason tournament has quickly become an important part of the NWSL calendar!
NWSL Playoffs and Championship
The NWSL Playoffs are where the top teams from the regular season compete for the league's Championship title. The Championship is definitely a highlight of the NWSL season, featuring the best of women’s soccer in the U.S.
In 2024, the Seattle Washington OL Reign won the NWSL Playoffs, therefore claiming the championship title with a standout performance in the finals!
NWSL Shield
The NWSL Shield is awarded to the team that finishes the regular season with the best overall record. It recognizes the team’s consistency and performance throughout the whole season. Winning the Shield is a well regarded achievement and reflects a team’s dominance over the course of the regular season.
The Role of Superprof in Supporting Aspiring Soccer Players in the United States
Superprof is an online tutoring platform that connects individuals with experts in various fields, including sports coaching and fitness training. Are you looking to improve your soccer skills?
Superprof offers personalized training sessions with experienced coaches who can provide guidance on skills improvement, tactical strategies and fitness regimes. By leveraging Superprof’s resources, soccer players can access tailored advice and training methods that will help them enhance their performance on the field. Superprof highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in achieving excellence. What are your athletic goals?
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