How Each NWSL Team Will Cope Without Their National Stars During the Olympics

July 22, 2021
By Kayleigh Toney

With so many international players missing, The NWSL will look a lot different during the Olympics. Teams will turn to their benches, reserves, and national team replacement signings to step up and keep the team going during the international competition. But will some teams fare better than others during this time? This has been a competitive NWSL season so far, so let’s take a look at how this Olympics will shake up the NWSL.

North Carolina Courage

Olympic players: Sam Mewis, Lynn Williams, Debinha, Abby Erceg

The North Carolina Courage struggled against the Washington Spirit without the likes of Debinha, Mewis, and Williams. The midfield was dominated by the Spirit and couldn’t seem to keep possession and create offensive chances.

The Courage has a deep bench and players capable of filling in the midfield with the likes of new signing Angharad James, Havana Solaun, who has been a bright spot this season, and Cari Roccaro, who can bring the calm defensive-minded presence to the center.

In the backline, Kaleigh Kurtz and Diane Caldwell will most likely pair up as the center backs. Up top, the Courage still has a class forward in Jessica McDonald as well as Kristen Hamilton. Hailie Mace and Brittany Ratcliffe could also add a different look up top while Williams is away.

Orlando Pride

Olympic players: Alex Morgan, Marta, Ali Riley, Erin McLeod

Orlando has been the biggest surprise so far this NWSL season. Their attack up top has been tremendously better with the combination of Morgan, Marta, and Sydney Leroux. It will be difficult for the Pride to produce as many attacking chances with both players gone, but Leroux could partner up top with Abi Kim and Crystal Thomas, both forwards who are dangerous in the attack.

A player like Toni Pressley might slide in for Ali Riley. She’ll have big shoes to fill with Riley being a key part of a lot of Orlando’s defensive success.

NJ/NY Gotham FC

Olympic players: Kailen Sheridan, Carli Lloyd, Evelyne Viens

The biggest question coming into this season was who would fill in while Sheridan was gone. But Gotham has to be feeling good about the position they’re in during the Olympics, with DiDi Haracic able to step in. Haracic has been playing lights out whenever her name has been called upon this season and during the 2021 Challenge Cup. Not having Lloyd for a few games might be a loss, but Gotham has the star power up top in Purce to lead the attack.

Washington Spirit

Olympic players: Julia Roddar, Emily Sonnett, Kelley O’Hara, Saori Takarada

The Spirit’s backline will take a small hit during the Olympics, but luckily for Washington, it’s probably one of their deepest positions. Rookie Anna Heilferty and Tegan McGrady will slide into the outside back spots.

Houston Dash

Olympic players: Rachel Daly, Nichelle Prince, Kristie Mewis, Jane Campbell, Sophie Schmidt, Nichelle Prince, Michelle Alozie

Houston will have the most players go on international duty with seven. With their starting goalkeeper gone, Lindsey Harris will fill in. Their attack will take a big hit not having Mewis, Daly, and Prince, but they will rely on Veronica Latsko, Shea Groom, and new acquisition Jasmyne Spencer. Still, the Dash might struggle to create as many chances and will have a tough stretch during the Olympics.

Chicago Red Stars

Olympic players: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Krueger, Tierna Davidson, Julie Ertz

Chicago has been without Ertz for the whole season, so filling that hole has been something they’ve struggled with already. They have Morgan Gautrat, who’s been stepping up and is consistently one of Chicago’s best players each game. The backline is where they take the biggest hit. Cassie Miller proved against the Houston Dash that she’s a very capable goalkeeper. Kayla Sharples has been tremendous for the Red Stars at center back, and rookie Tatumn Milazzo will slide into the outside back spot.

OL Reign

Olympic players: Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, Nicole Momiki

OL Reign is in a good position with the star power they’ve brought in. Rapinoe and Lavelle have both missed time with the club this season already, so it will be mostly business as usual for the Reign. New (old) head coach Laura Harvey will have almost her entire arsenal at her disposal. They’ll be a team to watch for sure.

Portland Thorns

Olympic players: Christine Sinclair, Becky Sauerbrunn, Lindsey Horan, Adrianna Franch, Crystal Dunn

Portland might have the deepest squad in the league. But, even though they’ll be missing some big names, the Thorns will continue with business as usual. During the 2020 Challenge Cup, Bella Bixby was a star for the Thorns, and she continued that by getting the clean sheet against Gotham in her first regular-season start at Providence Park. The attack will rely on youngsters like Morgan Weaver and Sophia Smith, who have both been great this season.

Kansas City

Olympic players: Katie Bowen, Desiree Scott, Chloe Logarzo

KC’s midfield will take a hit during the Olympics, having to fill Bowen and Scott’s spots. Gabby Vincent and rookie Victoria Pickett will slide into those spots and look to combine with Amy Rodriguez up top and win the midfield battles as KC is still looking for their first win.

Racing Louisville

Louisville is in a position to climb the table with its full roster still available. Bonus: Nadia Nadim will soon be joining them. With Nadim and Ebony Salmon, Louisville could be a real threat.

Featured Image via @TheNCCourage on Instagram