2023 NWSL: Everything You Need to Know About the 12 Teams

The 2023 edition of the NWSL is just a few weeks away. The fans are extremely excited and looking forward to a brand-new season but this one will be a bit different. The simple reason is that it clashes with the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Also, the Challenge Cup will take place simultaneously throughout the season this time. After stacking up well in the auction, Portland Thorns will be looking to retain their title this season.

Before the National Women’s Super League begins, let’s take a small sneak-peak at every team in the league.

Angel City FC

When was the club founded?

Angel City FC was founded on 21st July 2020. ACFC is the first women’s professional soccer team in Los Angeles since Los Angeles Sol ceased operations in 2010. The club shares its home ground with MLS’ Los Angeles FC as both the LA soccer clubs play their home games at the BMO stadium.

Angel City FC’s best NWSL season

Angel City FC played its first season in 2022. It was a decent start to their NWSL journey as they finished eighth on the point table. With a few power-packed and technical signings like Alyssa Thompson and many more, ACFC will look to achieve at least a playoff spot in the upcoming season.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Alyssa Thompson, Christen Press, Claire Emslie, and Jun Endo will be the top and most influential players in the squad.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

Renowned celebrities like Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, Eva Longoria, Mia Hamm, and many more major names help set up Angel City FC in 2020.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

Despite this one only being the LA-based club’s second season in the competition, the fans and soccer critics have already rated them very highly. All the eyes will be on Alyssa Thompson from Day 1 itself. The young forward has made a gigantic upgrade and it’s safe to say that everyone expects a lot from the 18-year-old and her team.

San Diego Wave FC

When was the club founded?

San Diego Wave FC was founded on 8th June, 2021. It is the first women’s professional soccer team in San Diego since San Diego Spirit in 2003.

San Diego Wave FC’s best NWSL season

Just like Angel City FC, San Diego FC is only heading into its second season. They had a dream start to their NWSL journey after finishing 3rd on the points table and qualifying for the playoffs in the first season. Without a doubt, they will look to bring the title home this time.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

To help them try and win the title this season, Alex Morgan, Danny Colaprico, Rachel Hill, and Jaedyn Shaw will be the top and most influential players in the squad.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

American Billionaire, Ron Burkle expressed his interest to join the NWSL in 2022. He established San Diego FC in conjunction with Sacramento Republic FC’s expansion bid into the MLS.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

After exceeding everyone’s expectations in the first season, San Diego Wave FC will look to replicate a similar form on the pitch. In fact, this season, Alex Morgan and her team will have the motivation to take that extra step further and win the title.

Retaining most of the players from the inaugural roster, the team will expect Jayden Shaw to add to the team’s goal tally for next season. If that happens, San Diego Wave FC might just have a perfect end to their second season in the league.

OL Reign

When was the club founded?

OL Reign was founded on November 21th, 2012. The Seattle-based soccer team changed its name from Seattle Reign FC to OL Reign after the OL Groupe, the parent company of Olympique Lyonnais became the team’s majority owner in 2020.

OL Reign’s best NWSL season

Last season, OL Reign won the NWSL shield for the third time (2014, 2015, 2022). The 2022 season was their best season. The Seattle-based soccer club finished the season with their best overall record (11-4-7) with 40 points in total. Megan Rapinoe and her team are yet to lift the NWSL title.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

NWSL: Kansas City Current at OL Reign Oct 23, 2022 Seattle, Washington, USA OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe 15 reacts during a play during the second half against the Kansas City Current during the semifinals of the 2022 NWSL Playoffs at Lumen Field. Seattle Lumen Field Washington USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAnne-MariexSorvinx 20221023_tdc_as9_171

Top players of the team

As for this season, Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Barnes, Luany, and Rose Lavelle will be the most influential and top players of OL Reign.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

After the OL Reign takeover, the new team crest includes blue, white, and golden along with a lion symbol.

Current USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski managed OL Reign prior to his national side job. He left the soccer club in 2019 after winning the NWSL Coach of the Year award.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

OL Reign will simply look to win it all this season. The soccer club has been knocking on the championship door consistently for about a decade. However, they’ve always fallen short. The fans have crowned Rose Lavelle as the most important player of the team and consider her form critical to OL Reign winning the title. Additions like Elyse Bennett and Luany could help provide that extra spark.

NJ/NY Gotham FC

When was the club founded?

NJ/NY Gotham was founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue. It was later renamed to NJ/NY Gotham after 2020. The New Jersey-based soccer club is one of the founding members of the NWSL in 2013, after playing in the Women’s Professional Soccer League (WPS) till 2011.

NJ/NY Gotham FC’s best NWSL season

Even after being one of the founding members of the National Women’s Super League, NJ/NY Gotham FC has never really challenged for a title. The league’s inaugural season in 2013 was their best one after they managed to reach the semifinals. The New Jersey-based soccer club hasn’t been able to replicate the same form thereafter.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As of this season, Midge Purce, Yazmeen Ryan, Lynn Williams, and Ifeoma Onumonu will be the most influential and top players from the NJ/NY Gotham FC squad.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

The NJ/NY Gotham club establishment has been around for more than a decade. The older soccer fans in America recognize the club as Sky Blue FC, since all the way back in 2006. In 2009, the club shockingly managed to win the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Their victory was so unexpected that even Barack Obama invited the squad to the White House to honor their success.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

Despite having a decent pre-season draft, the 2022 edition of the National Women’s Super League didn’t go as per their plan. Gotham’s success is heavily dependent on its defensive capabilities. The soccer club is heavily reliant on Allie Long to improve their dreadful defensive display last season after conceding 46 goals.

After finishing at the bottom of the table last season, NJ/NY Gotham acquired Yazmeen Ryan by trading Lynn Williams during the NWSL draft.

Portland Thorns

When was the club founded?

Portland Thorns were founded in 2012. Peregrine Sports LLC which owns the Portland Timbers also owns the Portland Thorns.

Portland Thorns’ best NWSL season

Portland Thorns have won the NWSL Championship three times to date. Their best season in the championship was the 2022/23 season. They’ve been on a decent run during the last few seasons after picking up an NWSL Community Shield and NWSL Shield in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Sophia Smith, Christine Sinclair, and, Becky Sauerbrunn will be the most influential and top players from the Portland Thorns squad.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

The Thorns have surprisingly had the highest average attendance in NWSL for its first seven seasons. Portland Thorns set an attendance record of 25,218 in August 2019.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

Portland Thorns are one of the most fortunate sides in the NWSL. The women’s soccer club has most of its team fully fit prior to the season. Most importantly, the Thorns managed to convince their captain, Sinclair, to sign a one-year deal. Sophia Smith continues to remain their MVP under Christine Sinclair’s leadership.

Chicago Red Stars

When was the club founded?

Chicago Red Stars was originally founded in 2006. The Bridgeview Illinois-based soccer was one of the founding members of the NWSL.

Chicago Red Stars’ best NWSL season 

Chicago Red Stars have never won an NWSL title. However, they’ve always managed to reach the playoff semifinals on a consistent basis. The Red Stars tend to always fall short in the semifinals of the playoffs.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Mallory Pugh, Cari Roccaro, and, Julia Bianchi will be the most influential and top players on the squad.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

Chicago Red Stars was one of the founding members of the NWSL. The ‘Red Stars’ in their name refers to the four six-pointed red stars on the flag of Chicago. The name of the club was finalized through a two-month-long fan poll.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

The Chicago Red Stars were quite unfortunate last season after losing all their starting midfielders. In order to try and stitch the midfield, the club acquired Cari Roccaro and Julia Bianchi. Despite, Mallory Swanson’s attacking presence, the team’s overall performances will depend on how soon the new midfielders can gel together.

Houston Dash

When was the club founded?

Houston Dash was founded on December 11th, 2013. The Houston-based soccer club is affiliated with Houston Dynamo FC, an MLS club.

Houston Dash’s best NWSL season

Houston Dash hasn’t really ever challenged for the league title since their inaugural season. In fact, their best season was the previous one after they managed to secure a top-four finish. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get past the first round of the playoffs.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Sophie Schmidt, Allysha Chapman, and Diana Ordonez will be the most influential and top players on the team.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

‘Dash’ in the name, refers to the ‘fast running speed’ of a horse. Horses were a historical mode of transportation for local Texans in the 1800s.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

The club has done strategically done a good job by retaining its key players like Sophie Schmidt and Allysha Chapman. However, Diana Ordonez could help them qualify for the playoffs after a record-breaking rookie season.

Kansas City Current

When was the club founded?

Kansas City Current was founded on 6th December 2020.

Kansas City Current’s best NWSL season

The club’s best season was arguably the previous season. After a disappointing inaugural season, the women’s soccer club defied expectations and secured a fourth-place finish in 2022. Kansas City Current went on to qualify for the final but couldn’t ultimately get over the line.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Hailie Mace, Alex Loera, Kate Del Fava, Morgan Gautrat, and, Debinha will be the most influential and top players on the team sheet.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

NFL veteran, Patrick Mahomes along with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, are key members of the club’s ownership group.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

Kansas City Current almost had their ‘worst to best’ season. After being outclassed in almost every department, the soccer club has done some serious business in the off-season. They resigned key players like Hailie Mace, Kate Del Fava, and Alex Loera. Debinha is a name to watch out for in the upcoming season. The Brazilian soccer star might just be enough to get Kansas City Current over the line.

North Carolina Courage

When was the club founded?

North Carolina Courage was founded on January 9th, 2017. Stephen Malik acquired the NWSL franchise right from the disbanded soccer club, Western New York Flash. North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC are affiliated with each other. Both teams play their home games at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park.

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North Carolina Courage’s best NWSL season 

The Courage has won the NWSL championship twice since its inaugural season in 2017. The club’s best season was in 2018 after they won the NSWL title and shield along with the ICC Women’s Tournament. The Courage lost just one out of the 26 games during the entire season.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Emily Fox, Estelle Johnson, and, Tyler Lussi are the most influential and top players on the team sheet.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

In 2018, North Carolina Courage became the first team in NWSL history to win the title and the NWSL shield in the same season.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

The soccer club ended an era after losing Debinha and their captain Abby Erceg. However, they’ve taken efforts to strengthen their defense further after acquiring USWNT star, Emily Fox. Without a doubt, the absence of Debinha will definitely hurt them the most.

Orlando Pride

When was the club founded?

Orlando Pride was founded on October 20th, 2015. In 2016, Pride became the tenth team in the National Women’s Soccer League. The women’s soccer club is affiliated with Orlando City SC, an MLS club.

Orlando Pride’s best NWSL season

Orlando Pride has not been in the best form across the last two seasons. Last season, Pride finished tenth on the points table. Their best season was back in 2017, Pride managed to secure a 3 place finish and reach the semifinals of the playoffs.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Brazilian icon Marta is the most influential and important player on the team sheet.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

In 2015, the club’s President Phil Rawlins explained the thought behind ‘Orlando Pride’, the name of the soccer club. He said it ‘captures how we all feel about the City of Orlando, as well as firmly tying into the Lions family’.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

Despite picking a few exciting young prospects during the pre-season draft, Orlando Pride’s success is directly dependent on Marta and Villacorta’s return from their major injuries.

Racing Louisville

When was the club founded?

Racing Louisville was founded on October 22, 2019. The Louisville-based soccer club plays its home games at the Lynn Family Stadium.

Racing Louisville’s best NWSL season

Racing Louisville will be heading into its third NWSL season. After two ninth-place finishes, the soccer club is yet to make an impact in the league.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Uchenna Kanu is the most influential and important player on the team sheet.

Unique or interesting facts about the team

Renowned designer, Matthew Wolff designed the club’s violet circular crest before its inaugural season. Wolff also worked with MLS clubs like New York City FC and Los Angeles FC.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

The international break will hit Racing Louisville the hardest. With heavy loads of international talent, the pressure is really high on the head coach, Kim Bjorkegren to get his tactics right. Without a doubt, this soccer club definitely has the potential to at least achieve a mid-table finish, if luck regarding injuries and unavailable players during the World Cup favors them.

Washington Spirit

When was the club founded?

Washington Spirit was founded in 2012.

Washington Spirit’s best NWSL season

The club’s best season was the 2021 season. Washington Spirit managed to win their first-ever NWSL title. Apart from that, the Washington Spirit has reached the playoff final only on one other occasion in 2016.

2023 NWSL full roster of the team

Top players of the team

As for this season, Trinity Rodman is the most influential and important player on the team sheet.

Any unique or interesting facts about the team

The club’s badge contains eleven stars that represent the eleven players on the pitch. Right below, the ball with a single star represents the fans i.e., the 12 player.

Things to look forward to in 2023 NWSL

The 2021 NWSL Champions had a dreadful 2022 season. After securing a heartbreaking eleventh-place finish, the hierarchy called back Mark Parsons for his second stint at the club. The jury is still out there on whether Parsons can create another title-winning side with youngsters like Trinity Rodman leading the attacking front.

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Who are you supporting for the 2023 NWSL season? Let us know in the comments below.