An Olympic gold medal has made it a summer to remember in U.S. women’s soccer, Emma Hayes’ side triumphing at Paris 2024 despite the coach only taking charge nine weeks before the Games got underway. But as the NWSL prepares to return this weekend, there is still plenty for fans to look forward to before the year is out.
There are just four points between the top three teams in the battle for the NWSL Shield – and a couple of sides further back are sure to fancy their chances of emerging as a contender for that title, with there still 30 points to play for.
There will be plenty of twists and turns when it comes to sealing playoff spots as well. While the Chicago Red Stars, in seventh, have a five-point cushion to Bay FC in the eighth and final postseason place, there are four teams just outside that are breathing down the neck of the expansion side.
So, as the NWSL prepares to resume on Saturday, what should you be looking out for? GOAL picks out 10 things to keep an eye on in the final 10 games of the regular season.