. Our writers make their picks for the upcoming battle for the title
The elites. Orlando, Washington, Gotham and Kansas City were the best teams in the regular season. And there was a 16-point gap between fourth-placed Kansas City and North Carolina, who finished fifth in the table. Collectively, the top four were responsible for 46% of the wins and 40% of the goals scored in the 14-team league. The players, owners and off-field developments associated with these squads formed most (but not all) of the league’s most fascinating storylines. It will be exciting to see which of them, if any, survive the playoffs. AA
Newcomers. Malawi import Temwa Chawinga tore up the league for 20 goals, seven ahead of fellow newcomer Barbra Banda in the Golden Boot race. Rookie Croix Bethune led the league in assists despite missing the last third of the season, and she was just one of a gaggle of new players in Washington who carried the Spirit to second place in the league. European veteran Ann-Katrin Berger took over in goal for Gotham FC, who allowed only 19 goals in 25 games. BD
Emotional farewells. Alex Morgan retired in September, while Christine Sinclair, the world’s top international goalscorer, announced her departure from professional soccer at the end of the season. Adding to a season of goodbyes, Brazilian legend Marta also concluded her international career in April, prompting widespread speculation that the Orlando Pride star may soon step away from the club level as well. JR
Orlando Pride’s record-setting run to the Shield, and the emergence of a very formidable top four. Whereas last season was a remarkably competitive table, from first place to last place, this year saw the top four really differentiate themselves. MS
As good as it’s ever been. Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium has provided a blueprint for how teams can benefit from 100% control of their own facilities. Players like Banda, …
Read More
