Page 79 - Soccer360 Issue 105

NWSL SEASON PREVIEW
WASHINGTON SPIRIT
2023 Record: 7-6-9, 30 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)
Adrian Gonzalez
FWD Trinity Rodman (2023
NWSL Best XI Second Team, Played for USWNT at 2023 World Cup), MID Andi Sullivan (Played for USWNT at 2023
World Cup), FWD Ouleymata Sarr (French international), DEF Casey Krueger (42 appearances for USWNT, two-time NWSL Best XI), and GK Aubrey Kingsbury (Played for USWNT AT 2023 World Cup)
TITLE (CONTINUED) SHOWDOWN
ROB DOES THE JOB
Tottenham, who flirted with relegation last year before ending ninth in the standings, are enjoying a quiet revolution under Robert Vilahamn, the Swedish coach appointed in July - just a month after Ange Postecoglou took over the men’s team. Both men have impressed and Vilahamn has helped Spurs to the safety of mid-table this time around, with midfielder Grace Clinton earning an England call-up.
DALY UPDATES
Rachel Daly has not been as prolific as she was last term for Aston Villa, when her 22 goals made her the league’s top goalscorer, beating even City striker Shaw to the accolade. Her three-match ban for violent conduct in February, for an apparent elbow on Bristol City’s Megan Connolly, has been disruptive and Villa have missed their
focal point up front but Daly remains one of the division’s sharpest shooters when she returns.
TAKING THE MIKE
Former London City Lionesses boss Melissa Phillips took the helm at
Brighton last summer and after a relegation battle in the wake
of Hope Powell’s departure last season, it appeared stability had arrived for the Seagulls. However,
Phillips was axed in February with the team
tenth in WSL, leaving Mikey Harris - switching from the
men’s academy to the women’s set-up - to try to lead Albion to
safety in the coming months.
RE-ENERGISING HAMMERS
Rehanne Skinner has bundles of experience, having managed Spurs
and Leicester and been No.2 with England, Wales and Arsenal, but has found it tough-
going in her first campaign in charge of West Ham. The 44-year-old’s side have
floated just above the drop zone but must now kick on, bolstered by the loan signing
of Canada defender Shelina Zadorsky from Tottenham in January and the talented
Honoka Hayashi in midfield.
A WINTER SUNDERLAND
While Bristol City look favourites to drop into the second tier, it is much more unclear as to who will replace
them. Sunderland have been leading the Championship table but Crystal Palace, Southampton and Charlton are pushing
them all the way as they look to make it into the top flight. Saints are managed
by Arsenal and England legend Marieanne Spacey-Cale.
Head Coach:
Key Players:
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