Page 83 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

Jessie Fleming
Ashley Lawrence
JESSIE FLEMING (CHELSEA/CANADA)
Anchored a Chelsea midfield last season that allowed 15 goals which was the second lowest in the league (Manchester United had 12). Although just 25, Fleming has amassed 55 appearances and 117 caps for Canada, an incredible feat and a sign of just how dominant she has been for both club and country.
ASHLEY LAWRENCE (CHELSEA/CANADA)
Joining her fellow Canadian Fleming at Chelsea this season, Lawrence is considered to be one of the top defenders in the world. With her former team, Paris St. Germain won the 2020-2021 Ligue 1 title and was a member of the team that finished as runners-up in the 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League. She is joining a Chelsea team that has dominated league play and is looking to earn their first Champions League title.
JAYDE RIVIERE (MANCHESTER UNITED/CANADA)
Riviere signed with United back in January and played in just one match for the second place finishers in the FA WSL. She is a pacey defender that can easily shut down attackers in open space and lead the counter-attack when called upon. Although she may not receive many minutes in league, look for her to receive some time in cup competitions.
Jayde Riviere
SOCCER360 MAGAZINE 83
NWSL
STORY
LINES
#5 WORLD CUP HANGOVER
After dealing with the physical and mental exhaustion from a World Cup, players often need time to rest and recover. But with this year’s World Cup being played a little bit later in the season due Australia and New Zealand’s winter timeline, players will not have the same amount of time to recuperate. How coaches and managers choose to allocate their World Cup veterans time to conserve energy will be key down the stretch.
#4 RAPINOE’S LAST SHOT
While Megan Rapinoe may have retired from the United States Women’s National Team, she still will be finishing up her season with OL Reign. The side from Seattle are still in the playoff hunt and having the chance to end her career earning some silverware at home would certainly be a fitting ending for one of the top players in the world.
Megan Rapinoe
#3 SINCLAIR SAYS GOODBYE
Much like with Rapinoe, Christine Sinclair has the chance to end her career on a high note with one of the top sides in the NWSL in the Portland Thorns. Although she was largely
a role player with the Canadian Women’s National Team at the World Cup, she has still contributed significant minutes for the Thorns. Alongside, Sophia Smith the two make a powerful 1-2 combination for the defending champions.
#2 A SPIRIT-ED RESURGENCE
After their sputter last season, the 2021 NWSL Champions Washington Spirit have come storming back, making their way back into the playoff fold. Forward Ashley Hatch has taken her slight of not being including
in the USWNT roster and put her energy toward making other teams pay, leading the team in goals scored. With a returning Trinity Rodman, Andi Sullivan, and Emily Sonnett the Spirit may have what it takes to make it back to the Finals.
#1 A COURAGEOUS EFFORT
Despite a slow start to the season, losing four of their first five matches, the North Carolina Courage have turned things up this summer rocketing to near the top of the NWSL Standings. Entering into September, the
side had allowed just 15 goals all season, the lowest among all teams in the league.