March 21, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
NEW YORK — The National Women’s Soccer League kicks off the 2023 season this Saturday, March 25 in Cary, North Carolina. Now in its 11th year, the NWSL continues to feature the best and brightest players in women’s professional soccer underscored by unmatched competitiveness, intense rivalries and all the excitement the beautiful game has to offer.
KICK US OFF
All 12 teams will be in action during kickoff weekend, with six teams hosting their home openers. Opening the 2023 campaign Saturday, March 25, goalkeeper Adrianna Franch and the Kansas City Current, last year’s NWSL Championship runner-up, head east to take on veteran midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and the 2022 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Champion North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park. In the club’s first full season at Snapdragon Stadium, forward Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave FC host Mallory Swanson (née Pugh) and the Chicago Red Stars in a star-studded matchup to close out opening night.
Action continues Sunday, March 26 with a quartet of matches across the country. Headlined by reigning league and championship MVP Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC begins their title defense with a contest against Marta and the Orlando Pride at Providence Park.
Former teammates Abby Erceg, Diana Ordóñez and Carson Pickett reunite as the Houston Dash host regional foe Racing Louisville FC in the team’s home opener at Shell Energy Stadium, while the Washington Spirit, led by USWNT mainstays Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez begin their home slate at Audi Field, hosting a veteran-lined OL Reign featuring Lauren Barnes, Jess Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe.
Rounding out the weekend, Angel City FC, who averaged more than 19,000 fans in their inaugural season, kick off the club’s second year in the league with a battle of the coasts against NJ/NY Gotham FC and club newcomers Kelley O’Hara and Lynn Williams at BMO Stadium.
Kickoff continues next weekend with a rematch of the 2022 NWSL Championship as defending champion Portland travels to Kansas City for an April 1 matinee at Children’s Mercy Park. The Thorns edged the Current, 2-0, in last year’s season finale which drew a crowd of over 17,000 at Audi Field and a record 915,000 viewers on the CBS Television Network.
NEW FACES
Thirty-four players selected in the most recentNWSL Draft have signed contracts with their respective clubs this season, ushering in a new era of talent across the…