The 2018/19 W-League season saw more National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players tearing it up on Australian shores than ever before.
Many of these players are now back in the US preparing for the 2019 NWSL season, which kicks off on April 14.
Here is Beyond90’s Quick Guide to the NWSL so that you can keep track of where all your favourite Australian and international W-League players will be headed for the upcoming NWSL season.
ORLANDO PRIDE
Head Coach:
Marc Skinner
2018 Record:
(W-D-L) 8-6-10
Overview and Notable Players:
After the departure of head coach Tom Sermanni at the end of the 2018 season, the Orlando Pride welcome new hire Marc Skinner to the helm. Skinner comes over from Birmingham City Women FC in the FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL), bringing along his assistant coach Carl Green.
Notable returning players include Marta, Alex Morgan, Rachel Hill, Chioma Ubogagu, Dani Weatherholt, Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, Shelina Zadorsky, and Australians Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy. Forward Sydney Leroux was in training, but will miss the remainder of the season due to pregnancy.
In the offseason, the Pride traded Christine Nairn to the Houston Dash for a draft pick and also waived Brazilian defender Poliana. The Pride kick off the regular season on April 14, when they host Portland Thorns FC at Orlando Stadium.
Australian Players:
The 2018 NWSL season proved a frustrating one for Alanna Kennedy, as she continually took the brunt of Tom Sermanni’s many formation changes. While she made the highlight reels more than a few times, the fiery Kennedy was never given a chance to settle into a consistent position. After debuting in the NWSL in 2018, Emily van Egmond returns for her second season anchoring the midfield for the Pride.
W-League Notes:
Alanna Kennedy returned to Sydney FC for the 2018/19 W-League season to claim the club’s first Championship in 5 years. The defender continued to make an impact on offence and defence, scoring the Goal of the Round with a sublime free kick against Melbourne Victory in Round 4.
Emily van Egmond’s season at Newcastle was cut short by an unfortunate ankle injury she suffered at the start of January. She is currently in camp with the Pride and looks to be ready for the season.
In her first season in the W-League, midfielder Dani Weatherholt made quite an impact for Melbourne Victory as a fearless playmaker, helping the team to win their first ever Premiership title.
Defender Carson Pickett proved she can be a threat on both ends of the pitch, scoring two goals and being named 2-time Player of the Month for Brisbane Roar.
The chemistry between Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill continued for Perth Glory this season. In 14 appearances, Hill finished the season the most assists in the league with 7 and was 5th in the Golden Boot race with 6 goals. Her work-rate both on and off the ball made her a fan favourite both at Perth and across the league.
In her first season in the W-League, England international Chioma Ubogagu displayed her unmatched speed and technical abilities, making her a favourite among the fans. Her solo run and goal to win against Melbourne City in Round 11 was particularly memorable, knocking the defending Champions out of the top four.
Media:
Website: https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ORLPride
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORLPride/
Where to watch:
All 2019 NWSL games will be available to livestream. US-based viewers can watch games live and free via Yahoo Sports, while international viewers can watch via the league’s official website, nwslsoccer.com
