The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that regular season matches will resume beginning September 5th. The fall series will include 18 matches total over the course of seven weeks, with each team playing four games within a regional pod. The Thorns will play in the West pod alongside OL Reign and Utah Royals FC. The highly successful player health and safety protocols implemented in the tournament earlier this summer will rollover into the fall series; however, some procedures will be modified to reflect the reality of home-market matches and regional travel.
The Thorns look to continue the momentum built during the NWSL Challenge Cup, where they made an unpredictable and exciting run all the way to the semifinal match, despite missing some key players. Tobin Heath, who opted out of the tournament citing safety concerns, may again be out of the picture as she and fellow USWNT player Christen Press have been linked to a loan to Manchester United per Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer. While nothing has been finalized, it would follow the trend of USWNT seeking playing time abroad during an uncertain time for American sports leagues due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. NWSL stars Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis have already made the trek and are on loan with Manchester City.
Similar to the Challenge Cup, NWSL matches will air on CBS channels. There will be a Game of the Week every Sunday on CBS Television Network and on CBS Sports Network three Saturdays in October. CBS All Access will exclusively stream four games as well as the CBS broadcast coverage in September.
Regional Pods:
West
OL Reign
Portland Thorns FC
Utah Royals FC
Northeast
Chicago Red Stars
Sky Blue FC
Washington Spirit
South
North Carolina Courage
Orlando Pride
Houston Dash
