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NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (23-51) at Dallas Mavericks (36-37)

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NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (23-51) at Dallas Mavericks (36-37)

When it comes to trying to make the playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot.

However, they are in for a pleasant circumstance in the coming days: a pair of games against the Charlotte Hornets, who are struggling and have no players. The two teams meet again on Sunday in Charlotte after their Friday night matchup in Dallas.

The Mavericks, who have been close to the playoffs in the Western Conference, need to win these crucial games.

Dallas (36-37) has lost five of its last seven games and two in a row. On Wednesday, the Mavericks suffered a contentious 127-125 home defeat to the Golden State Warriors.

Due to an incident in the third quarter, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stated his intention to file a protest over the outcome. When the Mavericks thought they should have the ball, the Warriors got an uncontested dunk off of an inbounds pass after a timeout.

The Mavericks were happy to see Luka Doncic shine in his return from a five-game absence due to a left thigh strain, despite their ire at the referees. The star guard scored 30 points while dishing out 17 assists.

The Hornets (23-51) have lost five of their last six games, the most recent of which was a 115-96 road defeat on Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

By halftime, the Hornets were without guards Kelly Oubre Jr. (shoulder) and Terry Rozier (foot).

Due to guard Dennis Smith Jr.’s illness during the third quarter, the Hornets finished the game on Thursday night with a smaller bench. Seven players were still available to Charlotte as a result.

The Hornets did not have a player score 20 points for the second time in their last three games.

Since the beginning of February, guard Kyrie Irving has led the Mavericks in scoring eight times. However, Irving is questionable for Friday’s game after suffering a foot injury earlier in the week and missing Wednesday’s game. Since he was acquired by Dallas in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, he has scored 20 or more points in 12 of his 13 games.

Irving played for the Nets on New Year’s Eve and scored 28 points against the Hornets. He scored 33 points in a game on December 7 against Charlotte.

Due to illness, Tim Hardaway Jr. also missed Wednesday’s game, leaving the Dallas rotation shorthanded. He was listed as questionable to play Friday, like Irving.

Meanwhile, rookie guard Jaden Hardy, who came off the bench to score 27 points against Golden State, has provided the Mavericks with a welcome boost.

Hardy, according to Kidd, is learning when to drive and when to slow down and jump.

The Mavericks will play their final home game on Friday before playing three games from April 5-9 to end the regular season.

The Hornets’ rebounding has suffered greatly since rookie center Mark Williams’ thumb injury. By a score of 52-38, the Pelicans dominated Charlotte on the boards.

Dallas also has problems with rebounding. In their last three games, the Mavericks have been out-rebounded, including by 13 boards against the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies.

NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (38-34) at Sacramento Kings (43-29)

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NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (38-34) at Sacramento Kings (43-29)

Western Conference partners moving for season finisher situating meet Friday in Sacramento when the host Kings hope to haul out of a horrible pallet against a physical issue tormented Phoenix Suns team.

After losing to the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics in consecutive games, Sacramento (43-29) is two games behind Memphis for second place in the West. Monday’s 128-120 Utah defeat ended the Kings’ perfect 4-0 road trip, which included victories over Chicago, Brooklyn, and Washington.

Prior to its current slump, which extended to two games upon the Kings’ return home on Tuesday, Sacramento had won six of seven games.

In the 132-109 defeat, Sacramento gave up 36, 27 and 20 points to the Boston trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, and no King scored more than 18 points.

With Phoenix (38-34) coming to Sacramento, Sacramento faces teams that have reached the last two NBA Finals consecutively. To compete for a second Western Conference championship, the Suns acquired Kevin Durant from Brooklyn before the trade deadline.

Durant made his Suns debut on March 1 and scored 37 points in a win over Dallas in his third game. However, Durant has missed the past seven games due to an ankle injury he suffered during pregame warmups on March 8, including Wednesday’s 122-111 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Phoenix tumbled to 2-5 since Durant’s physical issue with the loss. Through Wednesday’s games, the Suns trail Sacramento by five games for third place in the West and hold a tenuous half-game advantage over the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth place.

Phoenix and Minnesota are separated by only two games. The Timberwolves are the conference’s seventh seed, which puts them last out of a guaranteed playoff spot without having to go through the play-in round.

The Suns’ current run of five defeats in six games began on March 11 when they played Sacramento. Seven Kings players scored at least 12 points and the bench combined for 65 points in the Kings’ 128-119 victory in Phoenix.

In the mean time, Deandre Ayton – – who got done with 22 focuses and 12 bounce back in the misfortune – – has missed Phoenix’s last two games with a hip physical issue.

The Suns head to Sacramento hoping to avoid a further slide and increase their frequency at the free throw line with the absence of two key players. The difference in foul shots against the Lakers was 46-20 on Wednesday.

Since March 3, Phoenix has attempted fewer free throws in each game. On Feb. 26, the Suns shot more from the charity stripe than their rivals.

NBA Preview: Houston Rockets (18-55) at Memphis Grizzlies (45-27)

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NBA Preview: Houston Rockets (18-55) at Memphis Grizzlies (45-27)

On Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies’ rotation received a much-needed boost despite the fact that Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke remain out for the remainder of the season.

In the Grizzlies’ 130-125 victory over the Houston Rockets, All-Star guard Ja Morant came back from a nine-game absence and eight-game suspension to score 17 points, provide five assists, and steal two rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.

Memphis (45-27), which extended its winning streak to four games with the victory, won the Southwest Division title and will play the Rockets again on Friday in the series finale. Houston is a 3-0 matchup for the Grizzlies.

The dynamism that has become a hallmark of his game was provided by Morant. His first two baskets were part of three-point plays and were scored with fouls.

Morant assisted on two baskets by Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 37 points, after entering the game late in the first quarter. Morant also had a block, four rebounds, and the usual thrills.

Morant’s acceptance of a bench position demonstrated his readiness to rejoin a winning combination. With Morant out, Memphis won six of its final seven games.

The Rockets (18-55) were able to keep Memphis at bay thanks to their effective offensive play. Houston scored 20 fast-break points, grabbed 20 offensive rebounds, and shot 51.6% from the floor.

Despite their skill on the offensive glass, the Rockets’ 16 turnovers negated their plus-6 advantage in field goal attempts, and they only scored 12 second-chance points. Still, the Rockets made Memphis sweat out the victory with 88 points scored by Jalen Green, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Alperen Sengun on 64.7 percent shooting.

Green had his 13th 30-point game and scored a team-high 32 points. In his last four games, he has scored an average of 29.3 points.

On 12-of-18 shooting, Martin scored a career-high 31 points, marking the 34th time this season that he has shot at least 60 percent. In 28 of those games, he has scored at least two goals.

Stephen Silas, the coach of the Rockets, described Martin as “doing what he does.” He rolls and screens; He knows how to do it well. He was only assertive and hostile. At times, I thought he was even hit at the rim, but he kept going and finished or got to the free-throw line.

National Women’s Soccer League Awards Expansion Team Rights to Utah

NWSL Editor
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National Women’s Soccer League Awards Expansion Team Rights to Utah

Utah Royals FC played three seasons in Utah from 2018 to 2020. They will return in 2024, marking a new era of women’s soccer in Utah

The National Women’s Soccer League, Smith Entertainment Group and Global Football Holdings today announced the return of Utah Royals FC to the state of Utah. The team will begin play in 2024. 

“When we acquired Real Salt Lake last year, we said it was a matter of when, not if, the NWSL would return to Utah. This has always been an integral part of our mission. With today’s announcement, we are thrilled to fulfill the promise we made to our incredible fan base,” said club owner David Blitzer. “We are grateful for the opportunity to use our resources and platform to take women’s soccer to the next level while inspiring future players and fans globally.” 

“We are excited to expand the ‘One Utah’ family and bring the Royals back to Utah,” club owner Ryan Smith said. “Having professional women’s soccer back in the state has always been a top priority for David Blitzer and myself, and is very meaningful to us, the fans, our partners, and the entire state.”

Utah Royals FC will be led by President Michelle Hyncik, who has served as Real Salt Lake’s General Counsel for the past three years. Before making the move to Utah, Hyncik spent five years working with Major League Soccer as Senior Legal Counsel.? Prior to her career in professional sports, Hyncik worked at renowned law firm WilmerHale in New York City as a Senior Associate regulatory attorney. Hyncik received her B.A. from Harvard University, where she was a graduating member of the Harvard Women’s Soccer team, and then earned a J.D. from Columbia University Law School. 

“As someone who credits my entire livelihood to my home on the pitch, I will prioritize empowering our Utah Royals players, and the young girls and boys who look up to them, through providing state of the art facilities, resources, staff, engagement, and opportunities to achieve their full potential,” Hyncik said. “I could not be prouder to be part of this community and the Utah Soccer family as we bring world-class women’s soccer to Utah in 2024.” 

The name, Utah Royals FC, will remain intact and the team will be returning once again to compete at America First Credit Union Field, Utah’s premier soccer stadium, shared with Real Salt Lake. 

“We are delighted to welcome Utah Royals FC and its dedicated fan base back into the league,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “The return of the women’s game to Utah, where soccer roots run deep, is a victory for players and fans alike. As the Royals begin this new chapter under the new ownership and leadership, I am confident the club will build a player-first organization equipped with the tools to thrive on and off the pitch.”

Additionally, the Club has announced America First Credit Union as the Utah Royals FC jersey front partner. America First Credit Union has long been a partner of Real Salt Lake, and recently became the naming rights partner for the Sandy-based venue of Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals, America First Field. 

“America First Credit Union is invested in the wellbeing of our members, our employees, and the best interests of the communities we serve,” said Tammy Gallegos, the Chief Engagement Strategic Officer and EVP for AFCU. “As a founding partner of both Real Salt Lake and the first iteration of the Royals, we are proud to be tied to the passion the club and fans bring to such a broad community in Utah and the surrounding states. We couldn’t be more excited to see the Royals return to Utah to play at America First Credit Union Field and support the organization. Our shared values and desire to create impactful change in the community made this an ideal opportunity for AFCU while also being a natural extension of our partnership with RSL. Welcome home Utah Royals!” 

The announcement marks a new era of women’s soccer in the State of Utah. The inaugural Royals team kicked off its tenure on March 28, 2018 in front of a sold-out, standing room only crowd of 19,203 in Sandy, Utah. During its three seasons, the Club attracted some of the world’s brightest soccer talents, including four FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions in Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press, Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn, as well as Spain’s leading scorer and UEFA Women’s Championship winner, Vero Boquete. The Utah Royals FC averaged the second-highest attendance in the league, exceeding 11,000 fans per game. 

Joining the club for this new, exciting chapter are investors 42 Futbol Group, five business leaders, three of whom are women driving change in their respective industries. Critical to this group is Jessica Gelman, who will serve on the NWSL Board of Governors for the Utah Royals. Jessica is a pioneer in the sports industry and one of the most influential women in sports as CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. 

Collectively, Smith Entertainment Group and Global Football Holding’s soccer interest in Utah? now includes USSF-sanctioned first division sides in both men’s and women’s soccer, including Real Salt Lake (MLS) and Utah Royals FC (NWSL), Real Monarchs (MLS NEXT Pro), who compete in the third division of American soccer, and the RSL Academy (MLS NEXT), widely regarded as one of the top academies in the United States. 

The NWSL is on the eve of its 11th year. Originally founded with eight member clubs, the league has now expanded to 13 teams. Since its inception, the NWSL has experienced immense growth across several key aspects of the organization, including attendance, sponsorship and viewership.

NWSL Season Preview: North Carolina Courage

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NWSL Season Preview: North Carolina Courage

A look at what’s ahead for the North Carolina Courage in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

North Carolina Courage
2022 Season: 7th | 9-8-5 – 32 points

Big Additions:

  • Emily Fox – U.S. Women’s National Team standout and former Racing Louisville FC defender
  • Tyler Lussi – Acquired via trade with Angel City FC
  • Narumi Miura – Acquired via transfer fee via Japanese top flight side Tokyo Verdy Beleza
  • Olivia Wingate – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 6 overall pick

Key Games:

  • March 25: Kansas City Current (H) – Regular Season Opener
  • April 19: Orland Pride (A) – Challenge Cup Opener

What to Expect:
Head coach Sean Nahas and his staff will be fielding a much younger roster heading into the 2023 season as they aim to make the Courage competitive once more, following an offseason that saw a lot of player movement within and outside of North Carolina.

With goalkeepers Casey Murphy and Katelyn Rowland, both of whom played in goal several times last season, returning to the team, North Carolina’s focus is less on the defense. The Courage will benefit from the trade of Emily Fox and Kaleigh Kurtz’s retention, but the number of internationals who may play in this year’s World Cup may not provide them with the desired depth.

After the unfortunate news that Emily Gray suffered an injury during preseason, the focus will shift to the midfielders Brianna Pinto and Denise O’Sullivan. Gray, who was selected third overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft, will not play in 2023 due to an ACL injury. Narumi Miura was brought in to help after Debinha left. She was a regular in the Yogibo WE League and has played for the senior Japanese Women’s National team for over 20 years, including in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Kerolin Nicoli, a Brazilian international, is back at the top, which will please Courage fans after she shared the spotlight with forward Diana Ordóez, who left for Houston. The Courage signed all four draft picks, including Haley Hopkins, Olivia Wingate, midfielder Clara Robbins, and defender Sydney Collins, so Kerolin will also have assistance from the rookies. The fact that all four of those four draft picks came in the first 11 picks of the 2023 NWSL Draft further demonstrates North Carolina’s youth this season.

The Courage will be eager to take the field and demonstrate what they’ve got on Saturday, as Nahas and his crew will welcome back 17 players and add nine new ones. With a lot of questions to answer, the Courage will welcome back nine players.


NWSL Season Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC

NWSL Editor
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NWSL Season Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC

A look at what’s ahead for Gotham FC in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

NJ/NY Gotham FC
2022 Season: 12th | 4-17-1 – 13 points

Big Additions:

  • Bruninha – Brazil international, former Santos defender
  • Kelley O’Hara – Former Washington defender, U.S. Women’s National Team standout
  • Jenna Nighswonger – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 4 overall pick
  • Yazmeen Ryan – Acquired via trade with Portland Thorns, scored two goals in 28 appearances
  • Lynn Williams – Acquired via trade with Kansas City Current, missed majority of 2022 season with leg injury but scored 41 goals in 79 games for North Carolina from 2017-2021

Key Games:

  • March 26: Angel City (A) – Regular Season Opener
  • April 1: OL Reign (H) – Regular Season Home Opener
  • April 19: Washington Spirit (H) – Challenge Cup Opener

What to Expect:
A redesigned Gotham FC roster with a lot of potential heading into the 2023 season has nowhere to go but up. Gotham has added a lot of phenomenal talent to compete this year and will look to a mix of veteran and young talent in order to compete for a possible postseason berth in October. Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós joined the club in November 2022.

The additions of Kelley O’Hara and Bruninha to the defense provide Ali Krieger and co. with a boost in the form of both a veteran presence with O’Hara and a young fullback with potential in Bruninha. Gotham’s defensive record will be one of the first areas it looks to improve moving forward, with all backline positions filled and options in the center back pairing assuming Amorós employs a four-defender system.

The club’s spirits were lowered in the midfield when it lost Taryn Torres to an ACL injury in preseason, but it still has McCall Zerboni, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, and newcomer Yazmeen Ryan to rely on. For the new regime, there are plenty of midfield combinations to choose from, just like there are plenty of combinations for defense. However, one would expect players like Mewis and Long to continue playing, leaving little room for other players.

With Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, and Icelandic international Svava Rós Gumundsdóttir helping to carry the load that Midge Purce and Ifeoma Onumonu were responsible for last season, the forward line has the potential to be more than just fun to watch. Purce and Onumonu were features of Gotham’s play last year without uncertainty, however the expansion of ability all over the board ought to just look to assist the club with climbing in 2023.

Last but not least, Sinead Farrelly, a midfielder who was a Non-Roster Invitee in the club’s camp, is still expected to join Gotham.

 

NWSL Season Preview: Kansas City Current

NWSL Editor
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NWSL Season Preview: Kansas City Current

A look at what’s ahead for the Kansas City Current in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

Kansas City Current
2022 Season: 5th | 10-6-6 – 36 points

Big Additions:

  • Michelle Cooper – 2023 NWSL No. 2 overall pick, 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy winner at Duke University
  • Debinha – Standout Brazilian international who made 115 appearances with North Carolina, scoring 42 goals
  • Hanna Glas – former FC Bayern Munich stalwart, featuring in 50 games for the German giants and winning the Frauen-Bundesliga

Key Games:

  • March 25: North Carolina Courage (A) – Regular Season Opener
  • April 1: Portland Thorns (H) – Regular Season Home Opener, rematch of 2022 NWSL Championship
  • April 19: Houston Dash (A) – Challenge Cup Opener

What to Expect:
After a successful offseason and the return of some of the team’s most important players, the Kansas City Current, who will be competing in the 2022 season, are unquestionably one of the favorites to reach the NWSL Championship once more.

When it comes to the additions, it is impossible to overstate how significant the signing of Brazilian star Debinha is. This is especially true when one considers that Debinha will be joined by another impressive midfield duo in the form of Morgan Gautrat and Vanessa DiBernardo, who captained Chicago last season. After an impressive career at Bayern Munich and on the international stage, Hanna Glas joins the defense. She will add even more solidity to a back line that has goalkeeper Adrianna “AD” Franch and defenders Kate Del Fava, Alex Loera, Hailie Mace, and more returning. 

The forwards Michelle Cooper, who capped off a phenomenal career as a Duke Blue Devil by winning the nation’s Player of the Year award, and Mimmi Larsson, who won two league titles with FC Rosengard in the Swedish league, bolster the club’s attack, so The Current don’t have any weaknesses either. Kristen Hamilton, CeCe Kizer, and Alexa Spaanstra round out the Current’s forward line, demonstrating once more the team’s determination to lead the way under head coach Matt Potter. 

However the club have had blended brings about preseason, losing to Orlando and drawing with Chicago prior to covering off their spat with a success over San Diego, yet there’s little motivation to accept that come Saturday they won’t be raising and all set.

NWSL Season Preview: Houston Dash

NWSL Editor
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NWSL Season Preview: Houston Dash

A look at what’s ahead for the Houston Dash in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

Houston Dash
2022 Season: 4th | 10-6-6 – 36 points

Big Additions:

  • Diana Ordóñez – 11 goals scored in 2022, an NWSL rookie record
  • Courtney Peterson – former Orlando left back
  • Devon Kerr – returning to Houston after time with Washington

Key Games:

  • March 26: Racing Louisville FC (H) – Regular Season Opener
  • April 19: Kansas City Current (H) – Challenge Cup Opener

What to Expect:
With the chance to build on a very successful 2022 season that saw them not only finish fourth in the league but also earn the club’s first playoff berth since 2014 under the direction of interim head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, who is now with Gotham FC, Houston can and should have high hopes for its 2023 campaign.

The Dash are now led by Sam Laity, a former assistant coach for the OL Reign. The team has not only re-signed a core group of players from last year but also added important players as it tries to improve on last year’s performance. Jane Campbell, the team’s goalkeeper, is back to help lead the defense. The club’s as of now intense assault got significantly more risky too, with advances Michelle Alozie, Ryan Gareis, Dark Salmon, and Maria Sánchez all back to lead the line close by new expansion Diana Ordóñez, who set a NWSL standard for most objectives scored as a tenderfoot while with the North Carolina Boldness (11). The Dash are still waiting for Nichelle Prince to come back from an injury that ended her season and prevents her from being selected.

Marisa Viggiano, Shea Groom, and Sophie Schmidt are all returning to the midfield. Barbara Olivieri, who played for Monterrey of the Liga MX Femenil club last year after a successful career at Texas A&M, where she won SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020, will join them. Havana Solaun, who made 20 appearances in two seasons with the North Carolina Courage, is another newcomer who will run the midfielder.

As Houston gets ready for a second run under Laity’s leadership and with a promising roster at his disposal and the assistance of his technical staff, there will be legitimately high expectations.

NWSL Season Preview: Chicago Red Stars

NWSL Editor
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NWSL Season Preview: Chicago Red Stars

A look at what’s ahead for the Chicago Red Stars in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

Chicago Red Stars
2022 Season: 6th | 9-7-6 – 33 points

Big Additions:

  • Julia Bianchi – former Palmeiras midfielder and Brazil international
  • Cari Roccaro – two-time NWSL champion, acquired via trade with Angel City FC
  • Penelope Hocking – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 7 overall pick

Key Games:

  • March 25: San Diego Wave FC (A) – Regular Season Opener
  • April 1: Houston Dash (H) – Regular Season Home Opener
  • May 3: Houston Dash (A) – Challenge Cup Opener

What to Expect:
The Red Stars will attempt to build on a season in which they reached the postseason once more and also finished in second place in the Central Division of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Head coach Chris Petrucelli is in his second season with the team. Now, with returning key players like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, forwards Yuki Nagasato and Mallory Swanson, and defensemen Tatumn Milazzo and Arin Wright, the team will need to come together quickly with a lot of moving parts to compete for a playoff spot. 

In addition to the veterans listed above, there are additional returning to Chicago. The club will undoubtedly be excited by the return of defenders Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger, both of whom missed last year with Davidson making a comeback following an ACL injury and Krueger returning after becoming pregnant. Forward Ella Stevens and defender Bianca St-Georges, among others, are back and ready to play. Cari Roccaro, Addie McCain, and Julia Bianchi, all of whom were acquired in the offseason, will take the place of Danielle Colaprico, Vanessa DiBernardo, and Morgan Gautrat, who all chose to sign with other teams in the offseason. As a result, Chicago’s midfield will look completely different. After establishing herself as one of the most versatile midfielders in Brazil’s top flight, Bianchi will undoubtedly be one to watch.

But Chicago should never be overlooked, especially with players like Nagasato, Stevens, and Swanson back there, as well as draftees like Hocking and Ally Schlegel, who both come from the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Red Stars will give it everything they have in a World Cup year that will make the regular season even more interesting, but the path to a record-setting eighth consecutive postseason appearance may not be easy.

NWSL Season Preview: Angel City FC

NWSL Editor
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NWSL Season Preview: Angel City FC

A look at what’s ahead for Angel City in the 2023 campaign

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.

In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.

Angel City FC
2022 Season: 8th | 8-9-5 – 29 points

Big Additions:

  • Katie Johnson – Three assists in 2022 for San Diego Wave FC
  • Merritt Mathias – Acquired via trade with North Carolina Courage
  • Alyssa Thompson – 2023 NWSL Draft No. 1 overall pick

Key Games:

  • March 26: Gotham FC (H)  – Regular Season Opener
  • April 19: OL Reign (H) – Challenge Cup Opener
  • April 23: San Diego Wave FC (H) – Regular Season

What to Expect:
Angel City FC enters the 2023 season with only good faith after key offseason increases have just reinforced a crew that procured a season finisher appearance in its debut season the year before. Angel City now boasts one of the league’s most terrifying forward lines with Simone Charley, Sydney Leroux, Alyssa Thompson, and Christen Press leading the attack after signing forward Katie Johnson and acquiring defender Merritt Mathias.

On the injury front, Press will undoubtedly keep a close eye on her as the club gets ready to welcome her back after she had three surgeries in eight months last year. The 18-year-old Thompson, who became the youngest player ever selected in the NWSL Draft, will undoubtedly share some of the spotlight. Thompson made her senior U.S. Women’s National Team debut in October, becoming the youngest player to do so since Mallory Pugh (then Swanson) in January 2016 (17 years, 334 days). In the back, defender Sarah Gorden, who tore her ACL in preseason and missed the entire season because of it, has settled in well and performed admirably in the team’s 3-0 preseason victory on March 8 against Club América of Liga MX Femenil.

In another location, goalkeeper DiDi Haracic is one of several significant contract extensions that will only provide Freya Coombe’s team with additional security. Haracic is one of several returning players, many of whom made regular appearances in the starting lineup during the club’s first season in the league.

Regarding Coombe, she stated to AngelCity.com that one of the keys to allowing the aforementioned attacking core to play freely would be the side’s solidity starting in the back:
“In the attack, we’re going to be exciting and fluid.” That is one of our goals. We will need to be able to defend with solidity. Following that, “just possessing well and being efficient in the future.”

The team is now looking ahead to the start of the regular season against NJ/NY Gotham FC on March 26 at BMO Stadium.

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