Soccer
About
I am a current contributor at American Soccer Analysis, Equalizer Soccer, ESPN, and former contributor at Backheeled.
I was also the co-host of the now-retired Equalizer Podcast, and I’ve appeared on the Total Soccer Show and The Backheeled Show to discuss the National Women’s Soccer League and United States women’s national soccer team.
Published Articles
2026
- "NWSL Power Rankings: San Diego Wave take top spot, Washington Spirit streaks continue" Arianna D. Cascone (2026-05-11)
San Diego Wave takes the top spot in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, while the Washington Spirit's winning streak — now five matches long — continues to impress.
ESPN - "Anatomy of a Goal: Mimi Van Zanten puts away Dudinha's dazzling cross" Arianna D. Cascone (2026-05-13)
Week 7 in the National Women's Soccer League brought no shortage of team goals. Here's a sampling of the highlights: the Denver Summit strung together the longest passing sequence of the season so far on the way to scoring one of their four goals, the Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga notched a hat trick in under 30 minutes, and Racing Louisville's Emma Sears scored a second-half stoppage time goal off the bench to seal a win over then-first place Portland.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Banda shines in stoppage time for Pride" Arianna D. Cascone (2026-04-29)
The National Women's Soccer League's back in action, so that means we're back with another iteration of Anatomy of a Goal! This week, we're honing in on the first of Orlando Pride's two stoppage time efforts against Racing Louisville FC.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Boston celebrates first goal in club history" Arianna D. Cascone (2026-04-01)
Despite the team's early struggles, the expansion club's first goal was highlight reel worthy.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Despite loss, Summit build anticipation with total team goal" Arianna D. Cascone (2026-03-18)
Picking up right where we left off in 2025, Dan Lauletta and I are back with the Anatomy of a Goal series here at The Equalizer. Each week, we'll take a deep dive into a standout goal from the latest slate of National Women's Soccer League games. To kick off the new season, let's break down Denver Summit FC's first-ever goal.
Equalizer Soccer
2025
- "Anatomy of a Goal: Bethune took it and ran with it" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-11-20)
Bethune's insurance goal showed just how confident the Washington Spirit were feeling in Saturday's semifinal.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Linnehan finds Speck on an island" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-11-05)
For the Decision Day edition of Anatomy of a Goal, we're taking a look at the team who just missed the playoffs.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Bay's build up for Taylor Huff" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-10-15)
In this week's iteration of Anatomy of a Goal, we're focusing on Bay FC's single score of Week 24, courtesy of Taylor Huff.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Riley Tiernan and Angel City force own goal" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-09-24)
Better defense from Washington could've prevented LA's second goal in 2-2 draw.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Santos and Rodman combine for a beauty" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-09-10)
In this week's iteration of Anatomy of a Goal, we're taking a look at a team that has been in playoff contention all season.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Ludmila hat trick" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-08-27)
In this week's iteration of Anatomy of a Goal, we're focusing on the Chicago Stars. In Week 17, though, the Stars were on the wrong end of a Ludmila hat trick.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Pietra Tordin scores on a Sam Coffey cross" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-06-25)
For the final iteration of our Anatomy of a Goal series before the National Women’s Soccer League’s summer break, we’re taking a look at the Portland Thorns’ game-winning goal against the Chicago Stars.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: Adames, Reign score a winner against Wave" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-06-11)
The teenager sank a screamer late in the second half to secure Seattle all three points.
Equalizer Soccer - "Macario orchestrates USWNT win over China as Hayes tests new combinations" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-06-01)
Macario’s brilliance powered the USWNT past China, but with the defense rarely tested, questions remain about the team’s best backline.
Equalizer Soccer - "Anatomy of a Goal: A stoppage-time equalizer for Washington" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-05-21)
In this week’s iteration of Anatomy of a Goal, we’re breaking down the final goal in the score-fest that was the Washington Spirit-Utah Royals match-up on Saturday night.
Equalizer Soccer - "After May struggles, Orlando finds out what works, what doesn’t against first-place Kansas City" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-05-19)
The month of May wasn’t the kindest to the Orlando Pride, after a hot start to the season. However, against first-place Kansas City, the Pride are learning what works — and what doesn’t.
Equalizer Soccer - "Assessing Racing Louisville after a scrappy win over the Houston Dash" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-05-04)
Louisville took the win in Houston, but questions remain on both sides of the ball.
Equalizer Soccer - "USWNT experiment proves successful in Brazil friendly" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-04-06)
In a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match, the United States women’s national team downed Brazil by a 2-0 scoreline on Saturday.
Equalizer Soccer - "Thorns and Courage: A storied rivalry hits a rough patch in 2025" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-03-30)
Arguably the two most successful clubs in the league, the Courage and Thorns hold a combined five NWSL Championships, five NWSL Shields, three Challenge Cups, and one Fall Series title.
Equalizer Soccer - "Thorns draw Angel City in home opener, search for answers on the field" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-03-24)
Portland looked overmatched at times against a weak Angel City side. How can they make the playoffs given the state of things?
Equalizer Soccer - "Courage return with a familiar look on offense" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-03-16)
After the North Carolina Courage’s 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville to open their season, head coach Sean Nahas said, “We play a certain brand and it’s not going to be perfect all the time.
Equalizer Soccer - "Is the Rose City withering?" Arianna D. Cascone (2025-03-12)
The Portland Thorns have been a perennial powerhouse in the NWSL since the league’s inception in 2013. This team has won the NWSL Championship three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and the NWSL Shield twice (2016, 2021). 2025 is not poised to be like any of those seasons.
American Soccer Analysis
2024
- "The five most intriguing foreign transfers of the NWSL offseason: Oshoala to Bay FC & more" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-02-09)
NWSL teams have been shopping in some creative places this offseason.
Backheeled - "NWSL stock up, stock down: Is each team better or worse than in 2023?" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-02-01)
With the regular season kicking off next month, we’re taking stock of all 14 teams across the NWSL.
Backheeled - "NWSL analysis: Each team's most exciting offseason move ahead of the 2024 campaign" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-01-25)
It's time to get excited about these offseason moves.
Backheeled - "Dani Weatherholt cites ‘winning culture’ in decision to join North Carolina" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-01-16)
Weatherholt told The Equalizer she was drawn to North Carolina’s style of play, competitive mentality
Equalizer Soccer - "What each NWSL team needs ahead of the draft, 2024 regular season" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-01-10)
Here’s what your team is missing.
Backheeled - "10 NWSL Predictions for 2024: Another Thompson shines, Bay FC climb, Portland’s attack stays hot & more" Arianna D. Cascone (2024-01-04)
Here's what you should expect from the NWSL in 2024.
Backheeled
2023
- "Key players? How Bay FC, Utah Royals are building their squads ahead of expansion season" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-12-18)
Here are the players to watch from each expansion team.
Backheeled - "What we learned from the USWNT's final games of 2023" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-12-06)
With new players and a new shape, the United States pulled out a fresh look to finish the year.
Backheeled - "With Emma Hayes watching, here’s how the USWNT should experiment against China" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-30)
Small tweaks in each line of the field could go a long way for the United States in their upcoming friendlies.
Backheeled - "One big question for each NWSL team as the offseason gets underway" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-21)
Here’s the question that could define your NWSL team in 2024.
Backheeled - "Amidst chaos, NJ/NY Gotham stick to their principles to become NWSL champions" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-11)
Saturday's NWSL Championship wasn't short of drama.
Backheeled - "Kerolin named NWSL MVP after outstanding season with the Courage" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-10)
Equalizer Soccer - "Fiction or reality? How OL Reign, NJ/NY Gotham can each win the NWSL Championship" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-09)
We're imagining two realities, each with a different champion.
Backheeled - "What makes NWSL goalkeeping great? Jill Loyden has some ideas." Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-02)
Modern goalkeeping is about more than how many goals get conceded, and there’s more data than ever to support that evolution
Equalizer Soccer - "NWSL playoffs: Assessing each semifinal team ahead of a potential trip to the Championship" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-11-01)
The NWSL playoffs resume this weekend with a pair of semifinal clashes.
Backheeled - "What’s behind Ali Krieger’s phenomenal final NWSL season for NJ/NY Gotham" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-26)
The longtime USWNT defender is finishing her career with a bang. Here’s how.
Backheeled - "With Kerolin out, Gotham presses Courage out of preferred possession style" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-22)
Equalizer Soccer - "Why each NWSL playoff team will (and won’t) win the Championship" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-19)
If you’re looking for equal parts optimism and pessimism ahead of the NWSL playoffs, we’re here for you.
Backheeled - "In a game that mirrored their season, Washington Spirit lose grip on playoffs" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-15)
Spirit lose 1-0 to North Carolina Courage to finish in eighth place
Equalizer Soccer - "2023 NWSL awards: Who deserves top honors for MVP, rookie of the year, and more?" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-12)
As the NWSL’s regular season concludes, we’re picking winners for the league’s top awards.
Backheeled - "How 19-year-old Manaka Matsukubo is already lighting up the NWSL" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-10-10)
The North Carolina Courage midfielder and Japan international won the NWSL Challenge Cup Final MVP award a month after joining the squad. Her vision on the field is exceptional.
Equalizer Soccer - "What’s going right, wrong for each NWSL team in 2023" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-09-22)
Every team in the NWSL has had their share of ups and downs this season.
Backheeled - "NWSL awards: Who deserves this year’s Coach of the Year crown?" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-09-29)
We're running through the top candidates.
Backheeled - "Is Jaelin Howell the USWNT’s Ertz replacement? Why the Louisville midfielder is so effective" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-09-14)
Howell already strikes fear into the hearts of NWSL opponents. She should get another look with the U.S. soon.
Backheeled - "What makes young San Diego Wave, U.S. star Jaedyn Shaw special" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-08-31)
At just 18, Shaw is quickly becoming a dominant force in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "One stat that defines each team in the NWSL" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-08-24)
We combed through the numbers. Here's what they have to say about your team.
Backheeled - "NWSL is back! One key storyline for each team in the league" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-08-17)
We're getting you up to speed on the NWSL ahead of its return this weekend.
Backheeled - "USWNT 2027 World Cup roster projection: Who's in? Who's out" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-08-10)
To avoid the pain of the past, we're looking ahead to the United States' next World Cup squad.
Backheeled - "5 things the USWNT must improve to make a World Cup run" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-08-02)
Here's what needs to change for the United States ahead of the knockout rounds.
Backheeled - "North Carolina Courage sign 17-year-old midfielder Riley Jackson" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-28)
The Courage announced Friday that the U.S. youth national team standout has forfeited her NCAA eligibility, and previous commitment to Duke University, to play professionally with North Carolina.
Equalizer Soccer - "How Rose Lavelle changed the game for the USWNT against the Netherlands at the World Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-27)
Lavelle looks like an X-Factor for the United States at this World Cup.
Backheeled - "Anatomy of a goal: Sophia Smith’s World Cup opener vs. Vietnam is a promising sign for the USWNT" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-21)
The U.S. pulled off a moment of brilliance against Vietnam.
Backheeled - "As NWSL enters ambitious era, Courage try to establish foothold in North Carolina" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-14)
Even though the Courage are one of the NWSL’s most successful teams on the pitch, they still struggle to consistently draw fans to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary
Equalizer Soccer - "Why Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Lynn Williams could be the USWNT’s best World Cup attack" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-13)
Maximizing fluidity could be key for the U.S. and Vlatko Andonovski at this World Cup.
Backheeled - "How a team of U.S. players who missed the USWNT's roster would fare at the World Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-07-05)
They missed Vlatko Anonovski's final squad, but these players still have tons of talent.
Backheeled - "5 biggest surprises of the NWSL season: Alex Morgan’s drop, Washington Spirit’s rise, more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-06-29)
As always, the NWSL is full of surprises.
Backheeled - "Why longtime USWNT starter Alyssa Naeher shouldn't be in goal at the World Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-06-21)
The U.S. manager can boost his team's World Cup odds with just one decision.
Backheeled - "The good, the bad, and the unlucky from the NWSL regular season" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-06-09)
Who’s actually good and who’s just getting lucky in the NWSL? We have answers.
Backheeled - "Here’s why everyone is so excited about young USWNT, Angel City star Alyssa Thompson" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-06-01)
And why you should be, too.
Backheeled - "NWSL early season takeaways: Portland Thorns’ historic attack, Mallory Swanson’s absence & more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-05-25)
With the first third of the NWSL regular season behind us, here's what you need to know about each team.
Backheeled - "Why teenage sensation Olivia Moultrie is bound for USWNT, NWSL stardom" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-05-19)
Moultrie is only 17, but she’s already one of the most dangerous attackers in the United States.
Backheeled - "12 NWSL Thoughts: Chicago and Tierna Davidson struggle, the Lynn Williams Show, and more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-05-11)
We're getting you caught up on the most interesting tactics, trends, and numbers in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "A new, more possession-based Courage team is still a work in progress" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-05-11)
North Carolina is slightly better defensively and among the best in the league in possession. Missing from the equation thus far is a dangerous attack, which was once a staple of Courage soccer.
Equalizer Soccer - "Jaedyn Shaw? Olivia Moultrie? Every NWSL team’s breakout star so far in 2023" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-05-04)
NWSL players are starting to put their stamps on the 2023 regular season. But which ones are rising above the rest?
Backheeled - "One key stat for each NWSL team after the first month of the season" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-04-27)
And why the USWNT should be concerned about their starting goalkeeper ahead of the World Cup.
Backheeled - "12 NWSL Thoughts: Trinity Rodman changes games, Midge Purce can’t be stopped, and more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-04-18)
We're getting you caught up on the most interesting tactics, trends, and numbers in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "12 NWSL Thoughts: Portland Thorns can run it back, Savannah DeMelo is essential, and more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-04-05)
Heading into the international break, we’re taking stock of every team in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "12 NWSL Thoughts: Alyssa Thompson is special, the Dash’s tactics, and more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-03-30)
Here's where all 12 teams in the NWSL stand after the first set of games.
Backheeled - "What we learned about the Courage on matchday one" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-03-25)
A new-look North Carolina Courage defeating the Kansas City Current, last year’s finalists, 1-0 to open the NWSL season might seem like a surprising turn of events, if not for Kansas City’s lengthy availability report.
Equalizer Soccer - "NWSL Season Preview: Why your team will (and won’t) win the 2023 Shield" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-03-21)
We’re here to reinforce your dreams and dash your hopes.
Backheeled - "10 players to watch ahead of the 2023 NWSL Draft" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-01-09)
EQZ already reported that Angel City will take 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson at No. 1, but who else should you keep an eye on?
Equalizer Soccer - "It's okay to be greedy. The USWNT can do more" Arianna D. Cascone (2023-01-23)
They scored plenty of goals. But recent games against New Zealand show there's room for the U.S. women's national team to improve ahead the World Cup.
Backheeled
2022
- "Assessing the Chicago Red Stars — on and off the field — heading into 2023" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-12-19)
Things in Chicago aren’t looking great. The recent exodus of long-time Red Stars players paired with the ongoing ownership disaster raises a lot of questions for the team with the most consecutive National Women’s Soccer League playoffs appearances in the league’s history.
Equalizer Soccer - "5 things on the USWNT's to-do list before the 2023 World Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-12-12)
The USWNT have just months left before the start of the 2023 World Cup. Here’s what Vlatko Andonovski and Co. need to accomplish before that tournament kicks off.
Backheeled - "What's the plan? 3 questions the USWNT must answer before the World Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-11-15)
The United States women’s national team beat Germany by a 2-1 scoreline on Sunday, snapping their three-game losing streak. Despite the win, the USWNT isn’t out of the woods.
Backheeled - "Sophia Smith leads Portland to a trophy, shows there's more to come for her and the NWSL" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-30)
The Portland Thorns beat the Kansas City Current 2-0 on Saturday to claim this year’s NWSL Championship trophy. Saturday's game - and aspects of the NWSL’s 2022 season - illustrate there are big things coming for the league.
Backheeled - "How the Portland Thorns, Kansas City Current reached the NWSL Championship" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-26)
The Portland Thorns and the Kansas City Current will square off in the NWSL Championship on Sunday. Let's talk about how they got this far.
Backheeled - "The key stats behind all four NWSL semifinalists" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-21)
With the NWSL semifinals kicking off on Sunday, we’re analyzing the four teams that are still vying for the title.
Backheeled - "2022 NWSL Regular Season Best XI: G+ edition" Jay Carter, Arielle Dror, Kieran Doyle, and Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-20)
Another year has come around and it’s time for everyone’s favorite discourse: end of season awards. We’re tired of all the lists that leave out the players who really deserve their dues, so we crunched the numbers and returned the top 11 players according to American Soccer Analysis’ Goals Added (g+).
American Soccer Analysis - "LaBonta, Jakobsson make all the difference in the first round of the NWSL playoffs" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-18)
Two players really stood out in the first round of the NWSL playoffs: Kansas City’s Lo’eau LaBonta and San Diego’s Sofia Jakobsson.
Backheeled - "Predicting the first round of the 2022 NWSL playoffs" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-15)
It was a tight playoff race in the National Women’s Soccer League this year, with teams battling to make the postseason until the final day. Ultimately, the OL Reign were crowned regular-season winners and Portland Thorns FC secured second place. Both teams have earned a bye to the semifinals.
Equalizer Soccer - "NWSL Playoff probabilities and predictions" Arianna D. Cascone and Matthias Kullowatz (2022-10-13)
The 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Regular Season wrapped up earlier this month, and both the Shield and the playoff race came down to the wire. In the NWSL, the top six teams make the playoffs, the top two teams secure a bye to the semifinals, and the regular-season winner is granted the NWSL Shield along with a $10,000 per-player bonus.
American Soccer Analysis - "Predicting MVP, Rookie of the Year, and more NWSL awards" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-13)
Before the NWSL playoffs start, we're sharing our picks for this year's MVP, Rookie of the Year, and more awards.
Backheeled - "Despite the loss to England, it's not time for the USWNT to panic" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-11)
Last week, the United States women’s national team fell 2-1 to England, the reigning European champions, in front of a crowd of 76,893 at Wembley Stadium. Despite the disappointing loss, it’s not time to push the panic button with nine months until the 2023 World Cup.
Backheeled - "How the OL Reign won the NWSL Shield" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-10-04)
The OL Reign secured the NWSL Shield this weekend, earning a $10,000 per-player bonus. How did Laura Harvey’s team secure the trophy? Let’s dig in.
Backheeled - "Why each contender will (and won't) win the NWSL Shield this weekend" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-29)
There are only a few days left in the NWSL's regular season, which means we're about to find out who's going to lift this year's Shield. The Thorns, Reign, and Current are all in the running, so let's look at why each of those teams will (and won't) win the Shield.
Backheeled - "Lo’eau LaBonta’s best NWSL season yet shouldn’t come as a surprise" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-27)
Lo’eau LaBonta has been in the National Women’s Soccer League since 2015, amassing over 100 career appearances. She has never had a season like this.
Equalizer Soccer - "Debinha is leading the North Carolina Courage's late-season change" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-27)
Thanks to one half of the North Carolina’s Brazilian duo, the Courage are back above the playoff line in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "Ebony Salmon is proving people wrong and taking the Houston Dash to new heights" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-22)
After spending a lot of time on the bench for Racing Louisville, Ebony Salmon has found real success with the Houston Dash in 2022. She's become a real goalscoring threat in Texas.
Backheeled - "Zooming out on recent records and firsts in the NWSL" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-20)
Eight teams are in the midst of a tight playoff race in the NWSL right now. And in the midst of that race, teams are breaking records and doing new things left and right.
Backheeled - "Stoney, Wilkinson, or Potter? Analyzing the NWSL Coach of the Year race" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-15)
The NWSL’s awards season is starting to pick up. Today, we’re examining the top Coach of the Year candidates.
Backheeled - "NWSL tiers: Current are contenders, Spirit won't repeat, and much more" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-13)
Now that the pressure’s on and the playoff push has officially begun, it’s time to revisit the NWSL tiers we created after the first quarter of the regular season. Which teams are contenders? Which ones are flops? And which ones are somewhere in the middle?
Backheeled - "Sam Coffey's debut and more analysis from the USWNT's latest win over Nigeria" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-07)
The U.S. women’s national team beat Nigeria 2-1 on Tuesday night in their final September friendly. Here's what we learned.
Backheeled - "Vlatko's preferred starting lineup and more USWNT analysis" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-06)
The U.S. women’s national team took on Nigeria over the weekend in their first of two friendlies this month. What did we learn about the United States from that game? Let’s talk about that.
Backheeled - "Savannah DeMelo to the USWNT: What to expect from the newest U.S. player" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-09-01)
There's a new face on the USWNT's latest roster: Racing Louisville's rookie midfielder Savannah DeMelo. Who is DeMelo? And how does she play?
Backheeled - "Stars to watch in the NWSL as the playoffs near" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-30)
The NWSL playoffs are on the horizon, people. Today, we’re looking at some key players to watch during the league’s playoff race.
Backheeled - "Digging into the Washington Spirit's decline after another coaching change" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-24)
After winning a trophy in 2021, expectations were high for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL this season. However, the Spirit are sitting near the bottom of the table and have recently undergone another managerial change.
Backheeled - "What’s wrong with the Spirit? Diagnosing the champs’ woes after Ward’s ousting" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-23)
After their championship-winning 2021 season, the Washington Spirit began their quest for back-to-back National Women’s Soccer League titles earlier this year with high expectations. At the start of the Challenge Cup, they were returning players that accounted for 80% of their 2021 minutes. That mark was best in the league.
Equalizer Soccer - "NWSL analysis: The Chicago Red Stars need more, North Carolina Courage keep scoring" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-23)
As the NWSL playoffs near, some teams have their work cut out for them and will need to get back to their winning ways if they want to see the postseason. After a strong start to the season, the Chicago Red Stars are one of those teams.
Backheeled - "Why the Courage remain a high-scoring, goal-bleeding enigma" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-18)
The North Carolina Courage were supposed to be rebuilding in 2022. With players like Sam Mewis (Kansas City), Lynn Williams (Kansas City), Jessica McDonald (Louisville), and Abby Dahlkemper (Wave) traded in the offseason, the Courage dynasty that won five of six league trophies from 2017-2019 was officially disbanded.
Equalizer Soccer - "It's time to talk about NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year contender Katie Lund" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-18)
The NWSL has five major individual awards: Most Valuable Player, Defender of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year. This week, we’re focusing on the goalkeepers.
Backheeled - "Even after a coaching change, Gotham FC's on-field issues run deep" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-16)
NJ/NY Gotham FC are having a disappointing season. Even after a coaching change, there’s no sugar-coating their 12 points after 13 games. Let’s talk about what’s wrong for Gotham this year.
Backheeled - "How Rachel Daly's move to England impacts the Houston Dash" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-08-11)
Houston Dash star Rachel Daly recently completed a move over to Aston Villa in England…so where does that leave the Dash? Let’s look at what’s next for this team as they try to make the playoffs for the first time in club history.
Backheeled - "Surprises, impressive rookies, and more: One thought on every NWSL team" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-26)
There was no NWSL action over the weekend, so we’re using this short break to take stock of each team before the back half of the year.
Backheeled - "NWSL stats: the Good, the Bad, and the Unlucky from the Regular Season" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-19)
We’re almost at the halfway point of the NWSL regular season, so let’s take a step back and evaluate each team’s performance so far in 2022.
Backheeled - "A huge win for Vlatko and more from the USWNT's W Championship victory" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-18)
The United States women’s national team captured the Concacaf W Championship title on Monday night, taking down Canada in a rematch of the 2021 Olympic semifinal match.
Backheeled - "What went right, wrong for the USWNT vs. Costa Rica as they head to a final" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-15)
The USWNT beat Costa Rica 3-0 on Thursday, earning themselves a spot in the W Championship final against Canada on Monday. Let's talk about what we learned from that game.
Backheeled - "NWSL players to watch while stars are away on international duty" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-12)
While international tournaments rage on across the world, the NWSL is still going strong even without some of its biggest names. Here are some players you should watch while their teammates are away.
Backheeled - "USWNT vs. Jamaica: World Cup bound, Girma fits in, and more" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-07)
The USWNT beat Jamaica 5-0 on Thursday in their second Concacaf W Championship group stage game, clinching a top-two finish in the group and a spot at the 2023 World Cup.
Backheeled - "The NWSL has a scheduling problem" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-07-05)
The NWSL has a scheduling problem. The league's international break is already over, but most of this summer's major FIFA tournaments haven't even started yet.
Backheeled - "USWNT takeaways: Ashley Sanchez is a game-changer, answers in midfield" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-27)
As they prepare for the Concacaf W Championship, the U.S. women’s national team played Columbia recently, winning 3-0 in Colorado. Let's talk about three things we learned from that game.
Backheeled - "Who's starting up top and other questions surrounding the USWNT" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-23)
Ahead of the biggest games that the U.S. has played since last year’s Olympics, let’s dive into a couple of questions about the USWNT.
Backheeled - "Finding the most entertaining team in the NWSL" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-21)
Who are the most entertaining teams in the NWSL? Let’s rank them, from bottom to top.
Backheeled - "Looking into Vlatko Andonovski's No. 6 options for the USWNT" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-15)
Earlier this week, Vlatko Andonovski named his 23-player USWNT roster for the Concacaf W Championship. With only one true No. 6 in the squad, let's take a look at the other defensive midfield options.
Backheeled - "CONCACAF W Championship explainer, scouting a few USWNT players" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-14)
The USWNT will take part in the Concacaf W Championship next month. What does that tournament mean for the U.S.? Let's talk about that - and scout a few players on the USWNT's roster.
Backheeled - "The most improved NWSL players so far in 2022" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-09)
After a quarter of the 2022 NWSL regular season, a number of players have really improved from last year to this year. Here's an early shortlist of the most improved player in the NWSL.
Backheeled - "Houston Dash's big win, North Carolina Courage's first win, and more NWSL milestones" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-06)
There were milestones galore for NWSL players and teams this weekend, including the Houston Dash’s big win, Christine Sinclair’s move up the all-time goal rankings, and more.
Backheeled - "A star for the USWNT and the Portland Thorns" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-06-02)
Sophia Smith, 21, is one of the most talented attacking players in the NWSL and on the U.S. women’s national team.
Backheeled - "Houston improves, Kornieck shines and Barnes' milestone" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-24)
After their struggles in the Challenge Cup, the Houston Dash have started to turn things around in the regular season. With a change in position, Taylor Kornieck is shining with the San Diego Wave. Lauren Barnes of the OL Reign became the first player in NWSL history to record 15,000 regular season minutes.
Backheeled - "Which under-the-radar NWSL player has caught your eye this season?" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-19)
Backheeled - "San Diego Wave keep their win streak alive" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-17)
After three weeks of regular season matches, San Diego Wave FC are sitting on top of the NWSL table.
Backheeled - "Could Catarina Macario win the Ballon d’Or Féminin one day?" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-12)
Backheeled - "The North Carolina Courage win the Challenge Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-10)
The North Carolina Courage won their seventh trophy over the weekend. More on that in this week’s NWSL Excerpt.
Backheeled - "Who's going to win the NWSL Challenge Cup on Saturday?" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-05)
The group stage is done. The semifinals are over. Now all that’s left of this year’s NWSL Challenge Cup is Saturday’s final between the North Carolina Courage and the Washington Spirit. Who’s going to come out on top? We have thoughts.
Backheeled - "Surprise teams, players, and other key takeaways from the NWSL Challenge Cup" Arianna D. Cascone (2022-05-04)
The NWSL Challenge Cup gives us a glimpse into which teams and players are rounding into form and which ones are struggling.
Backheeled - "2022 NWSL season previews: Kansas City Current, OL Reign, North Carolina Courage: High voltage Current ready to shock" Arielle Dror and Arianna D. Cascone (2022-04-29)
Kansas City had a rough 2021 season, finishing at the bottom of the table with 16 points and a 3-7-14 record. The team also had the worst goal differential of all teams last season, scoring only 14 goals (on 24.8 xG) and allowing 33 (on 32.1 xGA).
American Soccer Analysis - "2022 NWSL season previews: Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns FC, Washington Spirit: Portland is eh-okay for 2022" Arianna D. Cascone and Lydia Jackson (2022-04-28)
The Portland Thorns had an impressive 2021, as they won the Challenge Cup, Women’s International Champions Cup, and the NWSL Shield last season. Portland lost in the semifinals of the 2021 NWSL Playoffs to the Chicago Red Stars, dissipating their chances at securing the season’s final trophy. The Thorns are in a good position to return to the NWSL Playoffs in 2022, though coaching changes and off-season roster moves suggest the path might not be as smooth as it was in 2021.
American Soccer Analysis - "2022 NWSL season previews: Racing Louisville, San Diego Wave FC, NJ/NY Gotham FC: Help! I've fallen and can't giddy up!" Arianna D. Cascone and Lydia Jackson (2022-04-27)
Racing Louisville FC struggled throughout their first-ever NWSL season, despite being crowned 2021 Women’s Cup Champions last August. Racing finished at the bottom of the East Division in the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 0-2-2 record, and near the bottom of the NWSL table in 9th place with 22 points and a 5-7-12 record.
American Soccer Analysis