ready, set, crash out

Woke up one morning and looked at my phone to see a surprising rumor. Credible reporters in the women’s soccer space were dropping ‘Exclusive’ posts and headlines about Chelsea preparing to make a formal offer for Angel City and USWNT star Alyssa Thompson (who I have dubbed the fourth espresso).

Cue the crash out.

The rumor spawned several debates (a few quite tired ones) that lasted throughout the day. As an avid NWSL-watcher and Chelsea supporter, I gotta say it was all quite amusing. The NWSL secondary transfer window is already closed. That doesn’t mean players can’t leave, but it does mean that if a player the caliber of Thompson were to leave, Angel City would be left with a Brinks truck full of cash but nothing to do with it during the offseason.

I can’t say I’ve seen many comically large sacks of money with dollar signs on them, but I’ve also never heard of them kicking a ball or scoring a goal, making them quite useless in a playoff chase. The rumor does, however, put Angel City on notice. Chelsea, and other teams probably, will most likely be back. This is a good thing for the sport overall. Yes, even including the NWSL.

NWSL fans tend to forget or take for granted the vast amount of talent within the league, especially when a rumor (or actual signing) of a star (particularly USWNT star) comes up. This league remains the most competitive because of the depth and spread of its talent. From USWNT stars to international stars to collegiate stars, these teams are loaded.

There are other conversations to be had about the salary cap, particularly as the market for women’s soccer talent—which started from nothing—grows. But other teams—particularly teams known to be quite serious about women’s soccer on the global stage—noticing the talent and being willing to drop bags is good. Not for validation of the NWSL, but because it’s all part of a healthy ecosystem. The NWSL has plucked several talents out of multiple leagues as well, and will continue to do so. Teams in the NWSL have broken the women’s transfer record three of the last seven times (the same number of times as the WSL).

Chelsea desperately need speed and productivity in wide attacking areas so it makes sense that they’ve reportedly identified one of the best 20-year-old attackers in the world. The future will be interesting, but for now I don’t see Thompson leaving for London before Angel City’s 2025 season is over—if at all. I would, however, immediately buy the shit out of her Chelsea shirt.

Anyway, onto the woso…

upcoming matches for your eyeballs

today, august 29

The NWSL is making sure you get four days of NWSL’ing before most of the European leagues return next weekend. I wish they would’ve spread the games out a bit more, but eff it, we ball.

These are some very tasty matchups and I am a little salty that each time slot has overlap. Jacquie Ovalle (more on her below) could make her NWSL and Orlando Pride debut versus Gotham. She came over from Liga MX Femenil, who are in the midst of the Apertura phase of the season, so she should be match-ready.

In the late night slot I’ll be focused on the Thorns versus Royals. Utah seems to have given up on attacking while Portland leads the NWSL in xG since the break. I wouldn’t call this an unstoppable force versus an immovable object because I very much believe in my heart that Utah can be moved.

Seattle and San Diego could be fun too, but my guess is Laura Harvey is going to focus on making the match as dull as possible. If fireworks start, something will have gone terribly and delightfully wrong.

saturday, august 30

Just one darn match. Rude. But ok.

Thankfully, it should be a good one. The Kansas City Current are marching toward the NWSL Shield and top spot and the only question is when they will clinch it all and get to lift the giant dinner plate. Last season the Pride clinched the title on October 6. Kansas City has a 12 point lead and five games between now and October 6—it won’t be this weekend, but it’s getting close.

North Carolina, meanwhile, have fallen out of the playoff spots. Not by much, they’re tied on points with Gotham (who currently holds the final spot), but are two behind on goal difference. The difference is the Courage not being able to get the ball in the dang goal (and shifting more goals than they should).

Gotham currently sit at totals of 18.12 xG and 16.13 xGA (expected goals against) and is hitting those marks exactly—18 non-own goals scored, 16 conceded. The Courage have 25.04 xG versus just 22 non-own goals scored and have conceded 26 goals from just 20.77 xGA. Oof.

sunday, august 31

Chicago has somehow managed to pull off back-to-back comebacks to draw 3-3. It’s been the best and most interesting the Tsars have looked all season. Unfortunately, due to yellow card suspension (lol), interim head coach Ella Masar will not be on the sideline.

Washington, meanwhile, are picking up results but can’t seem to play normal games either. Their last two featured a match that was 3-0 at halftime that they had to cling onto, and nearly lost all three points in stoppage time due to the opposition’s goalkeeper winning a diving header. Before that they saved a point with a tying goal scored in the 100th minute. So, um, you should probably tune in.

monday, september 1

Both of these teams have had disappointing seasons, but thanks to others around them also struggling could turn things around sneak their way into the playoffs. Since the break Bay FC are second in the league in xG per 96 (1.65), but also concede the sixth highest xGA per 96 (1.15). Angel City under Straus has been pretty ineffective in attack so far, putting up just .91 xG/96 since the break, but have the fifth best xGA (1.0).

Basically, Angel City seem closer to becoming the more balanced side, but will need to focus on their attack without sacrificing the defensive solidity they’ve developed. Three points from either in this match would catapult them into the playoff conversation, so be sure that you are sat.

thing to read

jacquie ovalle’s next move is to the nwsl and we are so blessed

The Orlando Pride went and did the damn thing. Lizbeth ‘Jacquie’ Ovalle has been one of those rarer and rarer gems across soccer that seem more mythical than real. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, more accessibility means more eyes and awareness of the absurd talents that spring up around the globe. But if you only followed Liga MX Femenil through GIFs dropped on social media, Ovalle almost doesn’t seem real.

Now Ovalle is heading to the NWSL to play for one of the league’s best teams, Orlando Pride, and into a spotlight she’s deserved.

2025 nwsl week 17: xG race charts & g+ passing/receiving networks

more #content you might be into

Hey Spirits
Comma, Respectfully
[Spirits v. Bay FC Review]
🍎 Apple | 🟢 Spotify

Annie, Ella & I review the Spirit's 3-2 win over Bay FC at Oracle Park which drew a record crowd of 40,019. We discuss #formations, goals (scored & conceded), and playing the villain, respectfully.

farewell fun

NWSL refs and that is all I can say without being fined.