NWSL Preseason Update
NWSL Preseason kicked off this weekend. A number of teams opened their preseason with a game against a local college team or an inter-squad scrimmage.
Sky Blue FC kicked off their preseason with a 3-0 win against St. John’s University on Saturday. Katie Freels, Maya Hayes, and First Round College Draft pick Sarah Killion scored to lead Sky Blue.
"“I was pretty pleased with the second half,” said Jim Gabarra, Sky Blue FC Technical Director & Head Coach. “During the first half, there was really just one portion where I liked the way we played and maintained possession. I thought we were a little bit tentative and conservative in the first half, but we collectively made some good adjustments at halftime. In the second half, we picked up the tempo and the pressure, and we were able to score some goals. Overall, we are very pleased to get out of here with no injuries and having had the opportunity to play 90 minutes together.”"
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Western New York Flash opened their preseason with a 4-0 win against West Virginia. A number of Flash rookies made their debuts, including First Round College Draft selection Samantha Mewis, who opened the scoring from a free kick. Kristen Edmonds, Jasmyne Spencer, and Lynn Williams also scored for the Flash in the victory over the Mountaineers.
"“I’m excited about the group’s chemistry; we created a lot of opportunities,” said Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines. “I thought our young players came in there and did a very good job in their first outing – especially considering they’ve only been here for five days. These are early days, but there were a lot of encouraging signs that will give us confidence as we build toward the opening day of the season.”"
The Washington Spirit opened preseason with an inter-squad scrimmage. The game featured goals from rookie Caprice Dydasco, Argentian international Estefania Banini, and other new signing Amanda DaCosta.
FC Kansas City routed the Nebraska Cornhuskers 8-1 in their first preseason game. Erika Tymrak and Sarah Hagen each scored a brace in the victory.
"“I am just glad to see the girls back on the field together,” said Huw Williams, Director of Soccer Operations and Assistant Coach. “They have been training hard; two times a day for a week and I am sure they enjoyed playing a real match against a real opposition.”"
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The Chicago Red Stars took down Marquette University 3-0 to open their NWSL preseason slate. Lori Chalupny, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Alyssa Mautz scored in the win.
The Boston Breakers are set to head down to Florida to play a pair of friendlies against the Jamaican National Team.
"“We are excited we can play two quality games in Florida against a national team,” Boston Breakers general manager Lee Billiard said. “We see this as good preparation as we continue through preseason camp.”"
Teams were required to trim their roster today. Mostly players on trial were sent home after the first round of cuts. Many international players are yet to report to camp according to the roster updates. As of now, Lori Chalupny is the only U.S. National Team member to report to an their NWSL team.
Next weekend features another slate of NWSL preseason games. These games will definitely have an impact on the upcoming roster decisions each team will make. With just a couple weeks until the NWSL Season begins, major preparations are being made both on and off the field in hopes of a successful season.