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2021 National Women's Soccer League season

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National Women's Soccer League
Season2021
ChampionsWashington Spirit
(1st title)
NWSL ShieldPortland Thorns FC
(2nd shield)
Challenge CupPortland Thorns FC
(1st cup)
Matches played120
Goals scored278 (2.32 per match)
Top goalscorerAshley Hatch
(10 goals)
Biggest home winPOR 5–0 CHI
(May 16)
NC 5–0 LOU
(May 28)
Biggest away winLOU 0–4 HOU
(Sept 26)
Highest scoringRGN 5–1 HOU
(Aug 7)
Longest winning run4 games
NC (June 19 - July 4)
POR (July 7 - Aug 26)
WAS (Oct 9 – Oct 31)
Longest unbeaten run8 games
NJY (June 5 – Aug 7)
POR (July 3 – Aug 26)
RGN (Aug 14 - Oct 13)
NJY (Sept 4 – Oct 31)
Longest winless run13 games
KC (May 15–Aug 15)
Longest losing run6 games
KC (May 26–July 27)
Highest attendance27,278
RGN vs. POR
(August 29, 2021)
(NWSL Record)
Lowest attendance1,929
HOU vs. POR
(July 24, 2021)
Total attendance592,074
Average attendance5,104
← 2020
2022 →
All statistics correct as of June 23, 2024. Attendance at 2 matches were not reported.

The 2021 National Women's Soccer League season was the ninth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it is the 15th overall season of FIFA and USSF-sanctioned top division women's soccer in the United States.

This season was the first in which the NWSL has been fully self-governing. After the 2020 season, the league terminated its management contract with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF or U.S. Soccer), which nonetheless continues to provide major financial support to the NWSL.[1] Further financial backing is provided by the Canadian Soccer Association. Both national federations pay the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations and take a major financial burden off of individual clubs.

On November 18, 2020, the NWSL announced new competition formats for the 2021 season.[2] The Challenge Cup became a league cup competition played before the start of the regular season. The Cup was followed by the 24-match regular season, which began on May 15 and concluded on October 31. The playoffs were expanded to include the six teams, with the top two seeds receiving a first-round bye. Playoffs started on November 6 and concluded with the NWSL Championship on November 20.[3]

In the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, Portland Thorns FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC won the West and East Divisions, respectively, earning the right to play in the final. As Portland had the better record, they hosted the final, which was played on May 8 in Providence Park in Portland, Oregon. The game was a 1–1 draw after 90 minutes; Portland won the ensuing penalty shootout 6–5 to win the cup.[4]

In the regular season, the Portland Thorns won the most points and thus earned the NWSL Shield.

In the playoffs, the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars progressed to the final, which was played on Nov. 20, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Spirit prevailed 2–1 in overtime, winning the NWSL Championship.

The season was also marked by a sexual misconduct controversy that erupted on September 30, when The Athletic published an investigation into North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley that accused him of a pattern of sexual coercion and abuse, and also alleged numerous inappropriate comments about players' physical appearance and sexuality. More than a dozen players from every team Riley had coached since 2010 spoke to the publication, and two named players went on the record with allegations against him. The Courage fired Riley that day, and U.S. Soccer immediately suspended his coaching license.[5] The next day, the NWSL called off all of its scheduled matches for that weekend, both FIFA and U.S. Soccer announced they were starting their own investigations into Riley, league commissioner Lisa Baird resigned, and league general counsel Lisa Levine was dismissed. Further reporting revealed systemic failure by NWSL leadership to investigate allegations against Riley, including some made in the 2021 season.[6][7]

Teams, stadiums, and personnel

[edit]

Team names

[edit]

Before the start of the season, Sky Blue FC rebranded as NJ/NY Gotham FC with new team insignia, jerseys, and colors.[8]

The new Kansas City team, which played the 2021 season under the placeholder name of Kansas City NWSL, announced its permanent identity of Kansas City Current at its final home game on October 30.[9]

Stadiums and locations

[edit]
See also: List of National Women's Soccer League stadiums

Capacities listed here are full capacities, and do not reflect COVID-19 restrictions.

Personnel and sponsorship

[edit]

Note: All teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer.

Team Head coach Captain Shirt sponsor
Chicago Red Stars United States Rory Dames United States Julie Ertz
Houston Dash England James Clarkson United States Jane Campbell
England Rachel Daly 		MD Anderson Cancer Center
Kansas City Wales Huw Williams Scotland Rachel Corsie[14] Palmer Square Capital Management[15]
NJ/NY Gotham FC England Scott Parkinson United States McCall Zerboni[16] Avaya[17]
North Carolina Courage United States Sean Nahas (interim) New Zealand Abby Erceg Continental AG
OL Reign England Laura Harvey United States Lauren Barnes
United States Megan Rapinoe 		Black Future Co-op Fund[18]
Orlando Pride United States Becky Burleigh (interim) United States Ashlyn Harris Orlando Health
Portland Thorns FC England Mark Parsons Canada Christine Sinclair Providence Health & Services
Racing Louisville FC United States Mario Sanchez (interim) United States Michelle Betos[19] GE Appliances[20]
Washington Spirit United States Tori Huster[21]
United States Andi Sullivan 		IntelliBridge[22]

Coaching changes

[edit]
Team Outgoing coach Manner of departure Date of vacancy Position in table Incoming coach Date of appointment Ref.
Racing Louisville FC Preseason Northern Ireland Christy Holly August 12, 2020 [23]
Kansas City Preseason Wales Huw Williams December 7, 2020 [24]
OL Reign France Farid Benstiti Resigned July 2, 2021 9th England Sam Laity (interim) July 2, 2021 [25]
Orlando Pride England Marc Skinner Resigned July 23, 2021 5th United States Becky Burleigh (interim) July 25, 2021 [26][27]
OL Reign England Sam Laity (interim) End of interim period August 9, 2021[a] 6th England Laura Harvey July 15, 2021 [30]
Washington Spirit England Richie Burke Reassigned[b] August 10, 2021 7th [33]
NJ/NY Gotham FC England Freya Coombe Mutual separation August 30, 2021 7th England Scott Parkinson August 31, 2021 [34][35]
Racing Louisville FC Northern Ireland Christy Holly Terminated for cause August 31, 2021 9th United States Mario Sanchez (interim) August 31, 2021 [36]
North Carolina Courage England Paul Riley Terminated September 30, 2021 3rd United States Sean Nahas (interim) September 30, 2021 [37]
  1. ^ Although Harvey was appointed on July 15, 2021, she officially took up the position on August 9, 2021.[28][29]
  2. ^ The Spirit initially re-assigned Burke to the front office but suspended him one day later pending an investigation by the league.[31] He was terminated for cause on September 28, 2021, after the league concluded its investigation.[32]

Regular season

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Portland Thorns FC 24 13 5 6 33 17 +16 44 NWSL Shield
2 OL Reign 24 13 3 8 37 24 +13 42 Playoffs – Semi-finals
3 Washington Spirit (C) 24 11 6 7 29 26 +3 39 Playoffs – First round
4 Chicago Red Stars 24 11 5 8 28 28 0 38
5 NJ/NY Gotham FC 24 8 11 5 29 21 +8 35
6 North Carolina Courage 24 9 6 9 28 23 +5 33
7 Houston Dash 24 9 5 10 31 31 0 32
8 Orlando Pride 24 7 7 10 27 32 −5 28
9 Racing Louisville FC 24 5 7 12 21 40 −19 22
10 Kansas City 24 3 7 14 15 36 −21 16
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(C) Champions

Tiebreakers

[edit]

The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings (and hence playoff qualification and seeding) is points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams are tied in points, the NWSL uses the following tiebreaker criteria in the order listed:[38]

  1. Head-to-head win–loss record, or points per game if more than two teams, between the teams tied in points.
  2. Greatest goal difference (against all teams, not just tied teams).
  3. Greatest total number of goals scored (against all teams, not just tied teams).
  4. Apply #1–3 to games played on the road.
  5. Apply #1–3 to games played at home.
  6. Coin toss or drawing of lots.

Note: If two clubs remain tied after another club with the same number of points advances during any step, tiebreaker determination restarts at step 1.

Attendance

[edit]
See also: National Women's Soccer League attendance

NWSL attendance in 2021 was impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Some early-season matches were closed to the public because of COVID restrictions, and when games were opened, many teams had lower average attendances than the most recent regular season in 2019. This table excludes the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Average home attendances

[edit]

Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.[citation needed]

Team GP Attendance High Low Average
Portland Thorns FC 9 112,992 17,584 5,819 12,555
Racing Louisville FC 12 79,042 8,488 5,843 6,587
OL Reign 12 62,885 27,278 2,104 5,240
North Carolina Courage 12 59,837 7,064 3,523 4,986
Kansas City 12 58,043 6,345 3,449 4,837
Orlando Pride 12 50,728 5,755 3,407 4,227
Washington Spirit 10 41,304 6,002 2,233 4,130
NJ/NY Gotham FC 12 45,516 9,532 1,924 3,793
Houston Dash 13 44,017 4,792 1,929 3,386
Chicago Red Stars 12 37,710 4,488 2,265 3,143
Total 116 592,074 27,278 1,924 5,104

Updated through 2021 season. Two matches were not reported, mostly resulting from the absence of fans due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Portland Thorns FC were the only club not to report matches (versus Louisville June 5 and Kansas City June 20). Two matches (September 4 Washington at Portland and September 12 OL Reign at Washington) were declared forfeits by Washington due to COVID protocol violations and not played. Due to construction delays, Washington's scheduled home opener on May 26 at Segra Field became a road game at Houston, and the home date was not made up.

Statistical leaders

[edit]
As of October 31, 2021.[39][40]

Playoffs

[edit]
Further information: NWSL Playoffs

Beginning this season, the top six teams from the regular season competed for the NWSL Championship, with the top two teams receiving a first-round bye.[2][41]

First round Semi-finals Championship
1 Portland Thorns FC 0
4 Chicago Red Stars 1 4 Chicago Red Stars 2
5 NJ/NY Gotham FC 0 4 Chicago Red Stars 1
3 Washington Spirit (a.e.t.) 2
2 OL Reign 1
3 Washington Spirit (a.e.t.) 1 3 Washington Spirit 2
6 North Carolina Courage 0

First round

[edit]
Chicago Red Stars1–0NJ/NY Gotham FC
 Report
Attendance: 7,027
Referee: Kevin Broadley
Washington Spirit1–0 (a.e.t.)North Carolina Courage
 Report
Attendance: 5,379
Referee: Natalie Simon

Semi-finals

[edit]
OL Reign1–2Washington Spirit
 Report
Attendance: 5,273
Referee: Matt Franz
Portland Thorns FC0–2Chicago Red Stars
 Report
Attendance: 15,832
Referee: Katja Koroleva

Championship

[edit]
Washington Spirit2–1 (a.e.t.)Chicago Red Stars
 Report
Attendance: 10,360
Referee: Tori Penso

Championship MVP: Aubrey Bledsoe (WAS)

Challenge Cup

[edit]
Main article: 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup

The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup was a tournament-style competition starting on April 9 and ending with a final played on May 8, before the start of the regular NWSL season. The tournament was organized as a group stage with two five-team, geographically chosen groups playing a round-robin, followed by a single-game final featuring the top team from each group. NJ/NY Gotham FC won the Eastern Division and the Portland Thorns won the Western one. In the final, held at Providence Park in Portland, these two teams tied 1-1 after 90 minutes and went straight to a penalty-kick shootout, with Portland prevailing 6–5 in seven rounds of penalties.

East Division

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 NJ/NY Gotham FC 4 2 2 0 5 3 +2 8 Qualification for the Championship
2 North Carolina Courage 4 2 1 1 9 8 +1 7
3 Orlando Pride 4 1 2 1 3 3 0 5
4 Washington Spirit 4 1 1 2 3 4 −1 4
5 Racing Louisville FC 4 0 2 2 4 6 −2 2
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers

West Division

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Portland Thorns FC 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 10 Qualification for the Championship
2 OL Reign 4 2 1 1 5 5 0 7
3 Houston Dash 4 1 3 0 4 2 +2 6
4 Chicago Red Stars 4 0 2 2 3 5 −2 2
5 Kansas City 4 0 1 3 4 8 −4 1
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers

Championship

[edit]
Main article: 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship
Portland Thorns FC1–1NJ/NY Gotham FC
 Report
Penalties
 6–5
Referee: Natalie Simon

Individual awards

[edit]
As of November 20, 2021

Annual awards

[edit]
Further information: NWSL awards
Award Winner Nominees Ref.
Golden Boot United States Ashley Hatch (10 G) Washington Spirit [42]
Coach of the Year England Laura Harvey OL Reign England Mark Parsons, POR
England Scott Parkinson, NJY 		[43]
Rookie of the Year United States Trinity Rodman Washington Spirit United States Emily Fox, LOU
Canada Victoria Pickett, KC
 [44]
Goalkeeper of the Year United States Aubrey Bledsoe Washington Spirit Canada Kailen Sheridan, NJY
United States Bella Bixby, POR 		[45]
Defender of the Year United States Caprice Dydasco NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Sarah Gorden, CHI
United States Emily Menges, POR
United States Carson Pickett, NCC
United States Alana Cook, RGN
 [46]
Most Valuable Player Wales Jess Fishlock OL Reign United States Mallory Pugh, CHI
United States Midge Purce, NJY
United States Ashley Hatch, WAS
United States Angela Salem, POR 		[47]

Teams of the Year

[edit]
NWSL Teams of the Season
Pos. Best XI Second XI Ref.
GK Canada Kailen Sheridan NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Bella Bixby Portland Thorns FC [48]
DF United States Carson Pickett North Carolina Courage United States Emily Fox Racing Louisville FC
United States Sarah Gorden Chicago Red Stars United States Emily Menges Portland Thorns FC
United States Alana Cook OL Reign United States Meghan Klingenberg Portland Thorns FC
United States Caprice Dydasco NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Sofia Huerta OL Reign
MF/FW Wales Jess Fishlock OL Reign United States Lindsey Horan Portland Thorns FC
France Eugénie Le Sommer OL Reign England Rachel Daly Houston Dash
United States Angela Salem Portland Thorns FC United States Mallory Pugh Chicago Red Stars
United States Midge Purce NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Sydney Leroux Orlando Pride
United States Ashley Hatch Washington Spirit United States Bethany Balcer OL Reign
United States Trinity Rodman Washington Spirit Nigeria Ifeoma Onumonu NJ/NY Gotham FC
NWSL Championship Game MVP
Player Club
United States Aubrey Bledsoe Washington Spirit

Monthly Awards

[edit]

Player of the Month

[edit]
Further information: NWSL Player of the Month
Month Player Club Ref.
May United States Alex Morgan Orlando Pride [49]
June United States Lynn Williams North Carolina Courage [50]
July United States Ashley Hatch Washington Spirit [51]
August United States Megan Rapinoe OL Reign [52]
September United States Bethany Balcer OL Reign [53]
October United States Midge Purce NJ/NY Gotham FC [54]

Team of the Month

[edit]
Further information: NWSL Team of the Month
Month Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Forwards Ref.
May Canada Kailen Sheridan, NJY United States Caprice Dydasco, NJY
United States Emily Fox, LOU
United States Phoebe McClernon, ORL
United States Carson Pickett, NC 		Brazil Debinha, NC
United States Crystal Dunn, POR
Wales Jessica Fishlock, RGN 		United States Sydney Leroux, ORL
United States Alex Morgan, ORL
United States Mallory Pugh, CHI 		[55]
June United States Michelle Betos, LOU United States Caprice Dydasco, NJY (2)
New Zealand Abby Erceg, NC
United States Courtney Petersen, ORL
United States Becky Sauerbrunn, POR 		United States Tori Huster, WAS
United States Kristie Mewis, HOU
United States Sam Mewis, NC 		Brazil Marta, ORL
United States Trinity Rodman, WAS
United States Lynn Williams, NC 		[56]
July United States Bella Bixby, POR United States Caprice Dydasco, NJY (3)
United States Emily Menges, POR
United States Meghan Klingenberg, POR
United States Katie Naughton, HOU 		United States Andi Sullivan, WAS
United States Allie Long, NJY
United States Morgan Gautrat, CHI 		United States Sydney Leroux, ORL (2)
United States Mallory Pugh, CHI (2)
United States Ashley Hatch, WAS 		[57]
August United States Casey Murphy, NC United States Caprice Dydasco, NJY (4)
United States Emily Menges, POR (2)
United States Ali Krieger, ORL
United States Carson Pickett, NC (2) 		Wales Jessica Fishlock, RGN (2)
Republic of Ireland Denise O'Sullivan, NC
United States Angela Salem, POR 		Denmark Nadia Nadim, LOU
Nigeria Ifeoma Onumonu, NJY
United States Megan Rapinoe, RGN 		[58]
September Canada Kailen Sheridan, NJY (2) United States Tierna Davidson, CHI
United States Sofia Huerta, RGN
Cameroon Estelle Johnson, NJY
United States Casey Krueger, CHI 		United States Morgan Gautrat, CHI (2)
Germany Dzenifer Marozsan, RGN
United States Angela Salem, POR (2) 		United States Bethany Balcer, RGN
England Rachel Daly, HOU
France Eugenie Le Sommer, RGN 		[59]
October United States Aubrey Bledsoe, WAS United States Caprice Dydasco, NJY (5)
United States Sofia Huerta, RGN (2)
United States Sarah Gorden, CHI
United States Sam Staab, WAS 		Wales Jessica Fishlock, RGN (3)
United States Morgan Gautrat, CHI (3)
United States Angela Salem, POR (3) 		United States Ashley Hatch, WAS (2)
United States Midge Purce, NJY
United States Trinity Rodman, WAS (2) 		[60]

Weekly awards

[edit]
Further information: NWSL Player of the Week
For weekly awards during the Challenge Cup, see 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup § Weekly awards.
Week Player of the Week Save of the Week Ref.
Player Club Player Club
1 United States Midge Purce NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Ashlyn Harris Orlando Pride [61][62]
2 United States Emina Ekic Racing Louisville FC Canada Erin McLeod Orlando Pride [63][64]
3 United States Mallory Pugh Chicago Red Stars Canada Kailen Sheridan NJ/NY Gotham FC [65][66]
4 United States Lindsey Horan Portland Thorns FC United States Ashlyn Harris (2) Orlando Pride [67][68]
5 United States Michelle Betos Racing Louisville FC United States Abby Smith Kansas City [69][70]
6 United States Lynn Williams North Carolina Courage United States Michelle Betos Racing Louisville FC [71][72]
7 Jamaica Havana Solaun North Carolina Courage United States Ashlyn Harris (3) Orlando Pride [73][74]
8 United States Ashley Hatch Washington Spirit Bosnia and Herzegovina Didi Haracic NJ/NY Gotham FC [75][76]
9 United States Mallory Pugh (2) Chicago Red Stars United States Ashlyn Harris (4) Orlando Pride [77][78]
10 United States Tziarra King OL Reign United States Ashlyn Harris (5) Orlando Pride [79][80]
11 France Eugenie Le Sommer OL Reign United States Bella Bixby Portland Thorns FC [81][82]
12 United States Bethany Balcer OL Reign United States Christen Westphal Portland Thorns FC [83][84]
13 Nigeria Ifeoma Onumonu NJ/NY Gotham FC United States Ashlyn Harris (6) Orlando Pride [85][86]
14 United States Megan Rapinoe OL Reign France Sarah Bouhaddi OL Reign [87][88]
15 United States Sarah Woldmoe Chicago Red Stars United States Ashlyn Harris (7) Orlando Pride [89][90]
16 United States Bethany Balcer (2) OL Reign United States Ashlyn Harris (8) Orlando Pride [91][92]
17 United States Sydney Leroux Orlando Pride United States Bella Bixby (2) Portland Thorns FC [93][94]
18 France Eugenie Le Sommer (2) OL Reign United States Ashlyn Harris (9) Orlando Pride [95][96]
19 Games postponed [97]
20 England Rachel Daly Houston Dash United States Ashlyn Harris (10) Orlando Pride [98][99]
21 United States Midge Purce (2) NJ/NY Gotham FC Wales Jess Fishlock OL Reign [100][101]
22 France Eugenie Le Sommer (3) OL Reign Canada Kailen Sheridan (2) NJ/NY Gotham FC [102][103]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Linehan, Meg; Rueter, Jeff (January 12, 2021). "NWSL news galore: Sacramento is in, the USSF is out, Utah investigation buried". The Athletic. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "NWSL Announces Innovative 2021 Competition Framework". NWSL. November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  3. ^ "NWSL Challenge Cup Set to be Played in Home Markets, Kickoff Scheduled for April 9". NWSL. January 27, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  4. ^ Donovan, Mike (May 8, 2021). "Challenge Cup Championship Recap | Portland Thorns FC 1 (6), NJ/NY Gotham FC 1 (5)". Portland Thorns FC. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
  5. ^ "North Carolina Courage fire coach Paul Riley amid 'serious allegations of misconduct'". ESPN.com. September 30, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  6. ^ "NWSL postpones weekend matches over misconduct allegations". ESPN.com. October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  7. ^ Carlisle (October 1, 2021). "NWSL postpones weekend matches over misconduct allegations". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  8. ^ Gastelum, Andrew. "NWSL Club Sky Blue FC Rebrands as NJ/NY Gotham FC". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  9. ^ "Kansas City Current Reveals Name and Crest at Inaugural Season Finale" (Press release). Kansas City Current. October 30, 2021.
  10. ^ "PNC Completes Acquisition of BBVA USA" (Press release). PNC Financial Services. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
  11. ^ Dornbrook, James (December 8, 2020). "Ownership group scores approval to bring professional women's soccer back to Kansas City". Bizwomen. The Business Journals. Retrieved January 23, 2021. The new team will begin play in 2021 at JustBats Field at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kan., which is being renovated.
  12. ^ Goff, Steven (November 8, 2019). "Washington Spirit to split home matches among three venues next season". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  13. ^ Goff, Steven (May 24, 2021). "Spirit moves home opener to Houston after construction delays, friction with D.C. United". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  14. ^ KC NWSL [@KCWOSO] (August 4, 2021). "Will Captain CorsieTrade mark sign get the ball right on the line? Watch till the end" (Tweet). Retrieved August 4, 2021 – via Twitter.
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  16. ^ NJ/NY Gotham FC [@GothamFC] (April 8, 2021). "Your captain could never 🔥 ( 📸 : @DIdeeds ) https://t.co/fuM6rV5rJF" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "NJ/NY Gotham FC Announces Avaya as Premier Sponsor for 2021 Season". Gotham FC. April 9, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  18. ^ "OL Reign Unveil 2021 Jerseys Featuring Black Future Co-op Fund". OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD.
  19. ^ "BETOS, MCCASKILL APPOINTED AS RACING LOUISVILLE FC'S CAPTAINS". Racing Louisville FC. April 8, 2021. Archived from the original on April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  20. ^ "GE APPLIANCES EXPANDS PRO SOCCER SUPPORT TO RACING LOUISVILLE FC". Racing Louisville FC. December 17, 2020. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  21. ^ Martin, Alejandra (November 30, 2020). "Spirit Re-Sign Co-Captain Tori Huster to a Multi-Year Deal". Washington Spirit. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  22. ^ "Washington Spirit Announce IntelliBridge as Front of Jersey Sponsor for Remainder of 2021 » Washington Spirit". August 19, 2021.
  23. ^ "Christy Holly named first head coach in Racing Louisville FC history". NWSL. August 12, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  24. ^ "Kansas City Returns to the NWSL as Expansion Team in 2021". NWSL. December 7, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  25. ^ "FARID BENSTITI RESIGNS AS HEAD COACH OF OL REIGN". OL Reign. July 2, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Marc Skinner Steps Down as Orlando Pride Head Coach". Orlando Pride. July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  27. ^ "Becky Burleigh Appointed Orlando Pride Interim Head Coach". Orlando Pride. July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  28. ^ Cristobal, Jacob (July 15, 2021). "Laura Harvey returns as head coach of OL Reign". Sounder At Heart. Retrieved July 16, 2021. Sam Laity will remain as interim head coach for the club's next four matches until Harvey returns, and will then continue on as an assistant coach.
  29. ^ Cristobal, Jacob (August 8, 2021). "OL Reign score five goals in the first half to beat Houston Dash, 5-1". Sounder At Heart. Retrieved August 8, 2021. ...incoming head coach Laura Harvey was in attendance and will begin her second stint as head coach of the Reign on Monday.
  30. ^ "LAURA HARVEY RETURNS AS HEAD COACH OF OL REIGN". OL Reign. July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  31. ^ "Statement From Steve Baldwin". Washington Spirit. August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  32. ^ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com.
  33. ^ "Richie Burke re-assigned to Spirit Front Office". Washington Spirit. August 10, 2021. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  34. ^ "Gotham FC coach Freya Coombe to leave team Sunday after taking Angel City job". The Athletic. August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.[permanent dead link]
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  36. ^ "HOLLY'S CONTRACT TERMINATED; SANCHEZ APPOINTED INTERIM COACH". Racing Louisville FC. August 31, 2021. Archived from the original on September 1, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  37. ^ "NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE TERMINATE HEAD COACH PAUL RILEY, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY". North Carolina Courage. September 30, 2021. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
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  40. ^ "2021 NWSL Stats". FBref. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
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  43. ^ "OL Reign's Laura Harvey Named 2021 NWSL Coach of the Year". National Women's Soccer League.
  44. ^ "Washington Spirit Forward Trinity Rodman Named 2021 NWSL Rookie of the Year, Presented By Ally". National Women's Soccer League. November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  45. ^ "Washington Spirit's Aubrey Bledsoe Named 2021 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year". National Women's Soccer League. November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  46. ^ "NJ/NY Gotham FC Back Caprice Dydasco Named 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year". National Women's Soccer League. November 15, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  47. ^ "OL Reign Midfielder Jessica Fishlock Named 2021 NWSL Most Valuable Player Presented by Budweiser". National Women's Soccer League. November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  48. ^ "NWSL Announces the Winners of Mastercard Inaugural 2021 Best XI Awards". National Women's Soccer League. November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  49. ^ "May Player of the Month: Alex Morgan". National Women's Soccer League. June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  50. ^ "North Carolina Forward Lynn Williams Tabbed June Player of the Month". National Women's Soccer League. July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  51. ^ "Washington Striker Ashley Hatch Named July Player of the Month". National Women's Soccer League. August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  52. ^ "OL Reign Forward Megan Rapinoe Named August Player of the Month". National Women's Soccer League. September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  53. ^ "OL Reign Forward Bethany Balcer Named September Player of the Month". National Women's Soccer League. October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  54. ^ "NJ/NY Gotham FC Forward Margaret Purce Named October Player of the Month". National Women's Soccer League. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  55. ^ "May Team of the Month". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  56. ^ "NWSL Announces June Team of the Month". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. July 1, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
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  60. ^ "NWSL Announces October Team of the Month". NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  61. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 19, 2021). "Week 1 is @100Purcent 💯 The @GothamFC star takes home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 👏 #NWSL21 https://t.co/ExpUNNOdBk" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  62. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 19, 2021). "The VOTE is in...🗳️ @Ashlyn_Harris is this week's winner for @Verizon Save of the Week 👏 #NWSL21 | @ORLPride https://t.co/ZcdpLBEs1I" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  63. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 26, 2021). "Lady Lavender 💜 @emina_ekic10's standout performance earns the LOU City native @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 👏 #NWSL21 https://t.co/hBhSIDWAFy" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  64. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (May 26, 2021). "All worthy, but only one winner 🥇 @erinmcleod18 takes home this week's @Verizon Save of the Week with this stop 🚫 #NWSL21 https://t.co/22v2O9eJTr" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2021 – via Twitter.
  65. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 2, 2021). "That Chi-Town shine ✨ @MalPugh takes home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 👏 https://t.co/OSjpSzZH6S" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  66. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 2, 2021). "The hero Gotham deserves 🦇 @Kailen_Sheridan's amazing stop takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for Week 3 ✅ @GothamFC | #NWSL21 https://t.co/AY7J4LEdsQ" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  67. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 9, 2021). "A thorn in the opposition's side 🌹 @LindseyHoran takes home @Budweiserusa Player of the Week honors for Week 4 👏 https://t.co/Mbsb6VwvHg" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 11, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  68. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 9, 2021). "You voted, and the winner is in...🗳️ @Ashlyn_Harris' diving stop takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for Week 4 👏 https://t.co/G68MVASeC1" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  69. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 24, 2021). "No bet here, it's a sure thing 🔒 Drop a 🍻 in the comments for your @budweiserusa Player of the Week winner, @MichelleBetos ⤵️ https://t.co/oQTyqUikf0" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 23, 2021). "The pick of the bunch 💯 @abbyys44's penalty stop earns the @KCWoSo keeper @Verizon Save of the Week honors 👏 #NWSL21 https://t.co/dIfA3UTtVi" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 30, 2021). "There could only be one 🔥 Drop a 🍻 for the @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @lynnraenie 👏 https://t.co/odvFmwQ8cL" (Tweet). Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  72. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (June 30, 2021). "That's a bet 💯 @MichelleBetos takes home @Verizon Save of the Week for this spectacular stop 👏 https://t.co/1UDAPRmVBo" (Tweet). Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  73. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 7, 2021). "Havana Goal-na-na Give a 🍻 to @HavanaSolaun, your @budweiserusaPlayer of the Week Clapping hands sign 👏 https://t.co/odvFmwQ8cL" (Tweet). Retrieved July 7, 2021 – via Twitter.
  74. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 8, 2021). "👉😠👈 @Ashlyn_Harris' penalty stop is your @Verizon Save of the Week winner 👏" (Tweet). Retrieved July 8, 2021 – via Twitter.
  75. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 14, 2021). "She smashed it ✅ Send a cheers to your @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @ash_hatch33 🍻 https://t.co/xywSqPNw1u" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021 – via Twitter.
  76. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 14, 2021). "Picture perfect save 📸 @DIdeeds takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this stop at Providence Park ⤵️ https://t.co/O8G2iFXDPE" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021 – via Twitter.
  77. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 21, 2021). "Own Goal's favorite assister 😉 Put a 🍻 in the chat for your Week 9 @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @MalPugh 👏 https://t.co/peQ8U4Qr7B" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021 – via Twitter.
  78. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 21, 2021). "Four straight PK stops 🚫 Four Save of the Week wins 🏆 @Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for Week 9 ⤵️ https://t.co/mtFcidb3CY" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021 – via Twitter.
  79. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 28, 2021). "Long Live Zee King 👑 Drop a cheers in the chat for this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @tziarra 🍻 https://t.co/aFHzEPzG7w" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  80. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (July 28, 2021). "Another week, another win 🏆 @Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this penalty save ⤵️ https://t.co/kbv3kS9a2d" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  81. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 4, 2021). "Genie in a bottle 🧞♀️ Drop a 🍻 in the comments for the @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @ELS_9_FRANCE 👏 https://t.co/E6OSDfWtTT" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  82. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 4, 2021). "Look Ma, One Hand 🖐️ This amazing @bellageist stop is this week's @Verizon Save of the Week winner 👏 https://t.co/62I7kVZLTs" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  83. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 11, 2021). "The @OLReign crown another 👑 Cheers in the chat for this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @bethanybalcer 🍻 https://t.co/TtzCILmhsU" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  84. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 11, 2021). "She's a defender, but this save is a keeper ✅ @Cwestphal20 is this week's @Verizon Save of the Week winner ⤵️ https://t.co/8HOsCwxd5B" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021 – via Twitter.
  85. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 18, 2021). "t's not 𝓲𝓯 she balls out, it's when she balls out🍻 in the chat for this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week winner, @ify_on22🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  86. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 18, 2021). "In safe hands @Ashlyn_Harris is voted this week's @Verizon Save of the Week winner for this stop" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  87. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (August 25, 2021). "It had to be Pinoe A big 🍻 to the match-winner, @mPinoe, on @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 👏" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  88. ^ "SARAH BOUHADDI EARNS NWSL SAVE OF THE WEEK". OL Reign. August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  89. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 1, 2021). "Putting the W in Woldmoe Cheers in the chat for Sarah Woldmoe of the @chicagoredstars taking home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors 🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  90. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 1, 2021). "What a week for this legend @Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for Week 15 Clapping hands sign" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  91. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 9, 2021). "This will float your boat Cheers to @bethanybalcer for taking home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors for Week 16 Clinking beer mugs 🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  92. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 9, 2021). "She's done it again @Ashlyn_Harris is your @Verizon Save of the Week Winner for Week 16" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  93. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 15, 2021). "BIG MOM ENERGY Fire Cheers in the chat for @sydneyleroux being named this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week 🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  94. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 15, 2021). "Bella's Big Week Smiling face with sunglasses @bellageist is your @Verizon Save of the Week Winner for this stop against the Courage" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  95. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 29, 2021). "Her reign continues Cheers in the chat for this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week, @ELS_9_FRANCE 🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  96. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (September 29, 2021). "She's done it again @Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week for this stop" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  97. ^ "National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL". www.nwslsoccer.com.
  98. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (October 13, 2021). "Winning on a Daly basis Soccer Cheers to @RachelDaly3 on being named @budweiserusa Player of the Week for Week 20 🍻" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  99. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (October 14, 2021). "She's done it again @Ashlyn_Harris takes home @Verizon Save of the Week for this stop" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  100. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (October 20, 2021). "100% her week Cheers to @100Purcent on taking home this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  101. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (October 20, 2021). "Always a lock for the highlight reel @JessFishlock takes home this week's @Verizon Save of the Week for this goal line clearance" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  102. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (November 3, 2021). "Bagging Braces Cheers to @ELS_9_FRANCE on taking home another @budweiserusa Player of the Week award" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  103. ^ National Women's Soccer League [@NWSL] (November 3, 2021). "The hero @GothamFC needed @Kailen_Sheridan takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this stop" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
[edit]
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