Women’s soccer in North America took a leap forward this weekend with the official kickoff of the new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Many Vancouver Whitecaps FC women’s alumnae saw the field on opening day, and as per usual they represented the Blue and White in fine style.
One of the stars of the new league will no doubt be Canadian superstar and ‘Caps product Christine Sinclair. The Burnaby, BC native etched her name in the history books on Saturday by scoring the first goal in franchise history for Portland Thorns FC as they drew 1-1 away to FC Kansas City.
Tasked with helping shut down Sinclair was fellow ‘Caps alum Desiree Scott, playing the full 90 minutes for the hometown FC Kansas City, who drew a sold-out crowd of 6,784 fans at Shawnee Mission District Stadium.
On Sunday a number of familiar faces played each other. In Chicago, goalkeeper Erin McLeod and defender Carmelina Moscato suited up for the home side as the Red Stars played defender Emily Zurrer and midfielder Kaylyn Kyle of Seattle Reign FC. McLeod, Zurrer and Kyle played the full 90 in a 1-1 draw, while Moscato sat out the opening match.
In New Jersey, Sophie Schmidt, Melanie Booth and their Sky Blue FC hosted Jodi-Ann Robinson and her Western New York Flash. Schmidt started and played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win while Robinson came off the bench as a 65th minute substitute.
Lastly, in Boston, Sydney Leroux and her Boston Breakers tied Candace Chapman, Robyn Gayleand the Washington Spirit 1-1. Leroux played the full 90 minutes and scored the tying goal in the 91st minute while Gayle started and played the entire match for the Spirit.
