Kielbj

As the last embers of a chaotic-even-by-NWSL-standards offseason fade, our 2026 season preview series rises from the ashes left behind by league commish Jessica Berman burning the last shreds of her dignity in the flames of open war with the NWSLPA. Who's to say whether Berman's approval rating or that lede is in worse shape. I'm rusty too! Anyhow, after an offseason that included NWSL agents appearing on Good Morning America, multiple devastated fanbases, far too many emoji teases, and...

Thorns flash, run out of gas yet again Portland's first half against the Pride on Friday was one of their better halves of the entire season. Against an Orlando side who, for all their recent flaws, have retained much of their defensive structure, Portland's 4-3-3 consistently found gaps in behind Orlando's fullbacks. The now-infamous Hina Sugita trade has severely depleted a Thorns roster already about as shallow as a kid's pool behind the trio of Sam Coffey, Jessie Fleming, and Olivia...

I was out of town and unable to watch a majority of this weekend's NWSL matches (though one could also consider my mourning period after...