The NWSL’s Two New Teams in 2022
Next year will be an exciting year for the NWSL, with two new additions. California will be going from no teams to two calling the Golden State home. Los Angeles and San Diego will be the two cities hosting the teams. Here’s what we know so far about the NWSL’s 2022 expansion.
Angel City FC
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Angel City, despite not having a full roster, has been making big news lately. First of all, ACFC is fitting in right at home in Los Angeles by including celebrities in leadership positions. Angel City FC is founded and owned by several very high profile women, including Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, and America Ferrera. This announcement rocked the world of soccer fans, and it’s great to see a team encouraging female leadership.
The soccer club has already done a lot of promotion and branding, and one thing of note is that the club strives to be very involved in the community. ACFC emphasizes its attachment to LA and has already done outreach to the community.
Additionally, the team has signed their first player, Christen Press of the USWNT, and formerly the Utah Royals and Manchester United. Press’ joining her hometown’s team was heavily rumored by fans for months before it was officially announced. However, no other players have yet been announced. The rumor mill’s most hopeful buzz was Tobin Heath going to Angel City, but that buzz has now been silenced with her freshly announced transfer to Arsenal.
On the coaching side of things, Freya Coombe, former head coach for Gotham FC, was announced as the first coach for the club. Coombe led Gotham FC to the NWSL Challenge Cup final earlier this year and has previously coached in England.
San Diego
World-class for San Diego. Nothing less. pic.twitter.com/5eLTrSClhP
— San Diego (@SanDiegoNWSL) July 14, 2021
There isn’t much information about San Diego’s NWSL team just yet. However, we know that the head coach is Casey Stoney, who has managed and played for Chelsea and the British Women’s Soccer Team. In addition, Jill Ellis, former USWNT head coach, will be serving as the team’s president.
The team name has yet to be announced, and so far, no players have been officially added to the roster. But, there have been rumors of Stoney looking to bring talent in from Mexico as well as a few established names stateside.
However, this is the second professional women’s team to come to San Diego. Back in the days of the Women’s United Soccer Association, the beach city was home to the San Diego Spirit.
With so little on the books about San Diego, it’s hard not to theorize. Which NWSL players have been looking a bit restless? Are there any international players who could have their heads turned by a brand new program? Which team will Californians end up rooting for as both of them are located in SoCal?
There is much more news on the horizon for both Angel City FC and San Diego’s club. Fans of the NWSL can’t wait to see what’s in store and how this will further shape the league. The only thing we can hope for is further NWSL growth and attention and for San Diego to drop their club’s name.
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