Do you miss seeing the likes of Sam Kerr, Yuki Nagasato and Chloe Logarzo strut their stuff in the Westfield W-League?
Despair no longer!
You can watch the best Westfield Matildas and international talent from Australia’s top flight return to the pitch very soon when the National Women’s Soccer League kicks off on April 14 (AEDT).
Here’s where every Westfield W-League player is plying their trade in the upcoming 2019 NWSL campaign.
NWSL EXPLAINER: Everything you need to know about the upcoming 2019 season
W-LEAGUE REPORT CARDS: Remembering Perth Glory’s 2018/19 campaign
WESTFIELD MATILDAS JERSEY: Players on amazing new kit
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ means more of this ?
We're back April 13. pic.twitter.com/Z57R4rlGgr
— NWSL (@NWSL) March 2, 2019
Chicago Red Stars
Perth Glory forward Sam Kerr has amassed a frightening list of individual honours and records over the past two NWSL seasons, including back-to-back Golden Boot wins.
The superstar Westfield Matilda is back on board for 2019, meaning the Red Stars will be among the genuine contenders for silverware.
WATCH: Sam Kerr’s 59 NWSL goals
And with Japanese legend and FIFA World Cup winner Yuki Nagasato pulling the strings behind Kerr, Chicago boast one of the most exciting attacking duos in America’s top flight.
The Red Stars also have Kerr’s Glory teammates Alyssa Mautz, Nikki Stanton and Katie Naughton on their books, while midfielders Arin Wright and Danielle Colaprico, of Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC respectively, complete a talented roster for head coach Rory Dames.
READ: Sam Kerr’s top five Westfield W-League moments
READ: Breaking down Sam Kerr’s phenomenal Westfield W-League scoring record
Hey @samkerr1 … we will see you tomorrow…will be nice to have our @chiredstarsPR family back together again, FINALLY!!!
— Rory Dames (@dames_rory) March 20, 2019
Houston Dash
The team from Texas is dripping in Westfield W-League quality both new and old, which should help propel them towards a maiden NWSL playoff appearance.
Westfield Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne and forward Kyah Simon are decorated Westfield W-League competitors, while American midfielder Christine Nairn, formerly of Orlando Pride, helped Melbourne Victory to their maiden Premiers’ Plate in 2018/19.
? All smiles at the thought of getting back on the field at @BBVACompassStdm! #DashOn pic.twitter.com/46dq2k5KnE
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) March 18, 2019
Sofia Huerta won her maiden Westfield W-League silverware after Sydney FC’s memorable 4-2 Grand Final win over Perth Glory in February, netting a stunning opening goal in the process.
Veronica Latsko scored nine goals in her maiden season in Australia for Adelaide United; the striker and Reds teammate Amber Brooks were big reasons for the club’s highest-ever points tally.
POLKS: Why Brisbane captain is positive about Roar’s future
TOP IMPORTS: Adelaide’s Latsko takes the Westfield W-League by storm
.png)
Orlando Pride
Fresh from her Grand Final victory with Sydney FC – her third Championship medal – serial Westfield W-League trophy-winner Alanna Kennedy will aim to translate her success Down Under for Orlando Pride in 2019.
There is potential for a strong defensive partnership between the Westfield Matildas centre back and Brisbane Roar’s Carson Pickett, while Newcastle Jets captain Emily van Egmond and Melbourne Victory’s Dani Weatherholt shield any defence with utmost diligence.
And up front, the Marc Skinner-coached side possess two excellent forwards in Perth Glory’s American wizard Rachel Hill and Brisbane Roar’s English sharpshooter Chioma Ubogagu.
Portland Thorns
In Sydney FC forward Caitlin Foord and Canberra United flyer Ellie Carpenter, Portland Thorns have two of the best young talents to ever emerge from Australia’s premiere competition.
Add fit-again Brisbane Roar whirlwind Hayley Raso to the mix and the Thorns could be destined for consecutive Championship playoffs should those three Westfield Matildas hit top form.
Raso’s Roar teammate Celeste Boureille and Newcastle Jets shot stopper Britt Eckerstrom, arguably the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season’s most outstanding goalkeeper, add to a Portland roster brimming with quality.
WATCH: Best saves of the Westfield W-League 2018/19 season
TOP IMPORTS: Eckerstrom outstanding for Newcastle Jets
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6003626701001
Seattle Reign
With a cluster of Melbourne City stars on board for Seattle Reign in 2019, last season’s semi-finalists will fancy their chances of cracking the final four again.
Headlining this City cohort are Westfield Matildas trio Steph Catley, Lydia Williams and Elise Kellond-Knight.
This will be midfielder Kellond-Knight’s first stint in the American top flight, but City teammate Lauren Barnes is a defensive stalwart of the Washington-based club, having been a consistent performer since 2013.
Like Barnes, Jasmyne Spencer is also an experienced NWSL veteran and her versatility across the front line should be of immense value for Seattle’s budding Championship assault.
Sky Blue FC
As far as debut seasons in Australia go, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better one than Savannah McCaskill for Sydney FC in 2018/19.
A prolific scorer throughout her college career, the highly rated forward helped spur the Sky Blues’ charge to the Championship with five goals and three assists.
The bar has been raised for the 22-year-old’s return to New Jersey.
With her reputation enhanced and defenders on red alert, McCaskill will be key in dragging the 2018 cellar-dwellers off the foot of the table.
TOP IMPORTS: McCaskill’s incredible Westfield W-League debut
HIGHLIGHTS: The best of McCaskill in 2018/19
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6007582276001
Utah Royals
A bunch of the Westfield W-League’s unsung heroes are returning for Utah Royals’ sophomore NWSL season.
Canberra United’s Scottish defender Rachel Corsie was an ever-present in Utah’s maiden 2018 campaign, as was Adelaide United’s Icelandic striker Gunnhildur Jonsdottir.
Western Sydney Wanderers pair Lo’eau LaBonta and Sydney Miramontez, Newcastle Jets’ Katie Stengel and Melbourne Victory’s Samantha Johnson complete Utah’s squad.
Washington Spirit
The 2019 NWSL season marks the first time Sydney FC midfielder Amy Harrison ventures outside of Australia for club football.
Fortunately, the 22-year-old is accompanied by two seasoned professionals to help guide her maiden campaign for Washington Spirit.
Harrison will be rooming with two Sydney FC teammates in Washington in fellow Australian midfielder Chloe Logarzo and American shot-stopper Aubrey Bledsoe, as the Spirit aim to improve upon last season’s eighth-placed finish.
Canberra United’s Paige Nielsen will also be on board for the Richie Burke-coached team.
READ: Cruel twists and courage behind Harrison’s Westfield Matildas return
