April 27, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
Below is a selection of milestones, moments and notes to know entering Week 5 of NWSL regular season action. Week 5 match coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday as the Houston Dash host the North Carolina Courage at Shell Energy Stadium.
HISTORY TO BE MADE
Saturday’s contest between OL Reign and Racing Louisville FC will prove a historic one for the NWSL as the league celebrates its 1000th regular season match. The contest marks a significant moment for the NWSL, commemorating the league’s rich competitive history and honoring the many legends who have helped the league succeed on and off the field.
Among the players expected to feature in the milestone match are four members of an exclusive club of athletes who have competed in the NWSL every year since its inaugural campaign in 2013, including defender Lauren Barnes, midfielder Jess Fishlock and forwards Jess McDonald and Megan Rapinoe.
The match will also showcase the league’s next generation of starpower, including second-year stars Savannah DeMelo and Jaelin Howell, and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made her NWSL debut in 2021.
ROOKIE WATCH
The next generation of NWSL stars have made an immediate impact on their respective teams. Entering Week 5, four draftees have found the scoresheet, including the 2023 NWSL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick Alyssa Thompson, who scored 11 minutes into her professional debut with Angel City FC, and Chicago Red Stars forward Penelope Hocking, who became the first draftee this season to record a brace. Orlando Pride striker Messiah Bright and Chicago midfielder Ally Schlegel have also earned their first career goals of the 2023 season.
On the defensive half of the field, Orlando centerback Emily Madril is the only draftee to have played every minute of the regular season heading into Week 5. The Boise, Idaho native was drafted by the Pride with the third overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft after signing a professional contract with the league last August.
TAKE A STAAB AT IT
If Washington defender Sam Staab earns a start for the Spirit’s match against the Chicago Red Stars this Saturday, the 26-year old will break the league record for consecutive regular season starts with 73 straight appearances. The record is currently shared between Staab and Spirit teammate Amber Brooks, who started in 72 regular season matches for the Houston Dash from 2017-2019.
A product of Clemson University, Staab was…