Five NWSL Headlines I Want to See in 2020
The NWSL is a weird league and sometimes we get weird headlines. But sometimes we are given some pretty great ones. Below are five headlines I really hope we see in 2020.
The NWSL Announces a New Commissioner Before The Season Starts
Look, we all know this is a headline that needs to happen in 2020. And the sooner it does the better it is for the league. As long as the person that will be the commissioner is the right fit. They need to have a vision for the league that others might not be able to see just yet.
Sky Blue Breaks 2019 Attendance Mark By July
In 2019 40,059 tickets were sold for Sky Blue home games. If they can bring out even 70% of the 9,415 fans who attended their match at Red Bull Arena, approximately 6,590 per game, they could pass their record in about 6 home matches. While we don’t know what the future holds for Sky Blue FC at Red Bull Arena, it would be pretty great if it was 6,500+ fans per match.
The Orlando Pride Find Their Groove
Orlando has had a rough few years. It's not great for the league that a team with four USWNT players, international talent, and one of the best players to ever put on boots - Marta in case you’re wondering - is always at the bottom of the table. But in 2020 I am hoping they find a little bit of a groove and start earning some points.
The NWSL Rookies are Setting the League on Fire
I hope the newly drafted players set the league on fire. I want to see Sophia Smith get starts and quality minutes for the Portland Thorns FC. But it's not only Smith I hope to see. This year's draft featured some truly solid players. Players like Morgan Weaver, Ashley Sanchez and Tziarra King all have the skills to find real minutes for their teams. It’s a bit up in the air without a new team in the league, but I am hoping we have a real race for Rookie of the Year this year.
Christen Press, Kealia Ohai and Crystal Dunn In Tight Race For Scoring Title
The names for this one matter less than the sentiment. The NWSL has lost a lot of scoring power with Sam Kerr leaving the league. Having a scoring race between three, four or even five players would help draw some eyeballs to the league. Plus, as much as I personally love defense, who doesn’t love world class goals?
What are some headlines you're hoping to see in 2020?