The 2019 Women’s World Cup has come to an end, with the United States Women’s National Team winning their second consecutive World Cup trophy. For all 23 women on the team, they will return to their respective clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Tournament sensation Megan Rapinoe returns to Seattle to play for her club Reign F.C., who are third in the standings, along with 31-year-old midfielder Allie Long.
Rapinoe’s co-captain Alex Morgan returns to the Orlando Pride, home of goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger as well. The Pride are eighth in the NWSL and will need their returning stars to get anywhere near the playoffs.
The North Carolina Courage, who are tied for first in the NWSL, see four U.S. stars return to the team in defender Abby Dahlkemper, defender Crystal Dunn, midfielder Sam Mewis, and forward Jessica McDonald. The injection of four World Cup winners into the side will be key for the Courage to hold their place atop the table.
Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Adrianna Finch, and Emily Sonnet return to the Portland Thorns, who are tied on points with the Courage but are in second place due to goal differential. Horan, the reigning NWSL Most Valuable Player, will be a huge boost to the side in their run at first place.
The Chicago Red Stars see midfielder Julie Ertz, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defender Tierna Davidson, and midfielder Morgan Brian return. Naeher, who made a crucial save in the semifinal against France and started every game in goal, will likely see out the season between the sticks for the Red Stars.
36-year-old and USWNT retiree Carli Lloyd is the sole national team player for Sky Blue F.C, who are at the bottom of the table in ninth place.
Christen Press, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Kelley O’Hara return to the fifth place Utah Royals, while World Cup Final hero Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh return to the fourth place Washington Spirit.
The Houston Dash are the only team without a player on the USWNT and are in seventh place in the NWSL.
The NWSL plays from April to October, with the Championship game on October 27th on ESPN 2. Every game can be streamed on Yahoo! Sports, with ESPN picking up a new streaming deal where you can watch select games for the rest of the season.
ESPN will broadcast 14 games this season, including the semifinals and 2019 NWSL Championship. @espn #nwsl pic.twitter.com/MinCRqyHUt
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 4, 2019
