So you watched the Women’s World Cup? You watched many matches of the beautiful game and have the biggest crush on Megan Rapinoe for balling out. You’ve decided to commit to a USWNT jersey because you love this team so much. The World Cup may be over, but your love will never die, it’s too bad you don’t have anything to hold you over until the Olympics, oh wait…
Not only can you catch their upcoming victory tour, you can also start getting into the National Women’s Soccer League. Follow the nine teams in the league and you just might get your soccer fix for until the next big international tournament. Your favorite players from the US team, as well as some members of international teams do work in the NWSL.
If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Tacoma/Seattle area, consider being a devoted follower of Reign FC. Your #WCW Megan Rapinoe tears it up for them, so you’ll be able to get your Megan fix for the next year.
Everyone and their mom is in love with Alex Morgan, and for good reason, she’s incredibly talented and extremely fun to watch. Why not watch her when she plays for the Orlando Pride? You’ll get your Alex Morgan and soccer fix all in one!
Another PNW team coming at ya (PNW, good on you for being avid supporters of the beautiful game) with the Portland Thorns. Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan, to name a few players on this squad will fill your appetite for soccer.
Those of you in the Maryland, Virginia, D.C. area, head to Germantown, MD to catch the Washington Spirit. Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh (CO native, let’s go!) shine with their lovely team. Let’s be real, in the dog days of summer in Maryland, soccer is the perfect sport to enjoy and cheer at.
Chi-town is represented by the Chicago Red Stars. Julie Ertz balls out with her team, so for my Midwestern friends, you have a great team to be rooting for in the windy city. Since the Midwest is represented by only one team, it should be a simple decision for who you’ll be following in the NWSL.
The Houston Dash by default becomes the team for Texas, and you know everything is bigger and better in Texas. The Dash are no exception, they are lead by captain Kealia Ohai. She’s played for the USWNT, so you’ve definitely heard of her. If you’re in the Houston area, come through and catch the Dash, you won’t regret it (even if you’re not in the Houston area, watch them on TV).
So you live in New Jersey, first of all, maybe get out to Piscataway to catch the Sky Blue FC. You may have heard of Carli Lloyd, she’s a stud for the USWNT as well as Sky Blue FC. Become a super fan for this club, it’s not like you have anything else to do in New Jersey (second of all, I am so sorry you live in New Jersey).
Utah, land of many great hiking spots, Mormons, and the Utah Royals. Christen Press and Kelly O’hara are just a few of the rockstar player the Utah Royals have on their roster to hold you over until next summer.
Southeast Coast dwellers, don’t think you’ve been left out of the regional assignment of support, the North Carolina Courage (current NWSL champs, NBD) ball out in Cary, NC. Crystal Dunn, among others, obviously put in work for this club. Start following them to help satisfy your craving for soccer.
New fans, old fans, quasi fans, don’t let the World Cup ending end your fanship of US women’s soccer. Watch the teams, love the teams. When you feel that you follow all the happenings of the NWSL, start following NCAA women’s soccer, it’s so much fun. I’m overjoyed that so many people tuned in and watched the USWNT get that four-peat, but it will be even better if those viewers continue following women’s soccer.