NWSL: Week 1 Preview

Season 5 of the NWSL Season Kicks Off This Weekend. We preview the first week of action around the league.

A lot has happened since the Western New York Flash topped the Washington Spirit in penalties for the 2016 title. For starters the Flash aren’t even the Flash anymore. They packed up and moved to North Carolina, and that was just the start of plenty of changes for the NWSL.

Whats New?

North Carolina Courage

The Flash moved to North Carolina, but the team is still lead by Paul Riley and is largely the same. Emerging USWNT players like Lynn Williams and Jessica McDonald are still on the team. They will play their home matches at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, home to the NASL side North Carolina FC.

New TV Deal

NWSL gets a game of the week to air on Lifetime each week this season. The sides agreed to a multi-year deal that is important for the longevity of the league. A league in year five is uncharted territory for women’s soccer in the U.S. The fact they are able to make multi-year deals is an important step for the financial stability.

For the rest of the games, fans can find them on the Go90 app. Fans outside of the United States can watch on NWSLSoccer.com.

New Faces

If you’re not familiar with Rose Lavelle, do yourself a favor and check out these highlights. The rookie took the past few USWNT games by storm and made a huge impact for them. She even got her first National Team goal against Russia.

Another one of the most recognizable names in women’s soccer has made her way stateside. Brazilian star Marta joins the Orlando Pride and should bring plenty of tricks with her. Once Alex Morgan returns in the summer, the Pride will be expected to make the playoffs.

Week 1 Games

• Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars (Sat. 2 p.m. ET, Go90)

Houston has to start the year without Carli Lloyd who is playing in Manchester City until the summer. They will get a big first test against one of the most talented teams in Chicago.

• Portland Thorns FC vs. Orlando Pride (Sat. 3 p.m. ET, Lifetime)

The first Game of the Week features the league’s best atmosphere and some of the biggest stars. Marta features for Orlando, while Portland has Christine Sinclair and a handful of USWNT players.

• Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage (Sat. 3 p.m. ET, Go90)

Oh how things can change in six months. It’s a rematch of the 2016 Final but both teams look radically different. North Carolina has all of the changes that come with relocation. Washington will have a completely different lineup after they dealt with several personnel changes in the offseason.

• Seattle Reign FC vs. Sky Blue FC (Sat. 10 p.m. ET, Go90)

Close out your Saturday of soccer with this matchup on the West Coast. Seattle looks to rebound from a difficult 2016 season. Having Megan Rapinoe back from injury and Christine Nairn should help with that. These two squared off to open up last season, with Sky Blue getting the win.

Next: How does the US/CA/MEX bid for World Cup 2026 impact qualifying?

• FC Kansas City vs. Boston Breakers (Sun. 6 p.m. ET, Go90)

Boston had an ugly 2016, but have a completely revamped roster including the previously mentioned Lavelle. Kansas City will get strikers Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux back after the two missed last season due to pregnancy.