The NWSL Offseason: A New Season, New Faces, and New Places
The NWSL is gearing up for another exciting season, and with it, a wave of new talent and strategic moves. As the championship game's winner, Rose Lavelle, prepares to take on a new challenge, the league is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. The offseason has been a whirlwind of controversy and strategic roster moves, leaving fans eager to see how these changes will shape the upcoming season.
But here's where it gets controversial... The off-season drama centered around Trinity Rodman's decision to leave the Washington Spirit, sparking debates and discussions among fans and analysts alike. While some may argue that a player's departure doesn't significantly impact the league, others believe it sets the stage for exciting new possibilities.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond the headlines, general managers across the country have been hard at work, making strategic moves to bolster their clubs' chances. From free-agent signings to strategic trades, each team is aiming to improve and make a splash in the new season.
Let's dive into the new faces and places in the NWSL, highlighting one new-comer for each team. These players are set to make a real difference, bringing fresh talent and energy to their respective clubs.
Angel City FC: Ary Borges
Angel City FC welcomes Ary Borges, a free agent with a proven track record in Louisville. With two top-quality midfielders in Borges and Hina Sugita, the club aims to strengthen its central midfield and boost its offense. Manager Alexander Straus looks to build a team that can live up to the club's massive commercial presence, and Borges will be key to achieving that.
Bay FC: Claire Hutton
Bay FC acquires Claire Hutton, a talented and experienced midfielder who was the glue that held Kansas City's midfield together in 2025. The $1.1 million investment in Hutton is a bold move, and the question remains whether new manager Emma Coates can build a team worthy of her skills.
Boston Legacy FC: Amanda Gutierres
Boston Legacy FC signs Amanda Gutierres, a prolific scorer who had an impressive 2025 season with Palmeiras and Brazil. With her ability to score in various ways, Gutierres is expected to be a key player in Boston's debut season, hoping to lead the team to success.
Chicago Stars FC: Brianna Pinto
Brianna Pinto joins Chicago Stars FC, bringing her attacking prowess and experience from the North Carolina Courage. With Mallory Swanson's departure, Pinto is poised to step into a crucial role, hoping to help the team make a comeback and achieve success.
Denver Summit FC: Emma Regan
Denver Summit FC signs Emma Regan, a Canadian defensive midfielder who played every minute for AFC Toronto in 2025. Regan's signing is a strategic move, and she is expected to be the glue for the expansion team, quarterbacking behind exciting forwards.
Houston Dash: Kate Faasse
Kate Faasse joins Houston Dash, bringing her scoring and assisting abilities. The forward aims to boost the team's performance, hoping to join the club at a pivotal moment in a multi-year rebuild.
Kansas City Current: Croix Bethune
Kansas City Current acquires Croix Bethune, an attacking-minded midfielder who craves assists and goals. After a strong 2024 season, Bethune is expected to contribute to the team's success, despite some key departures and a new coach.
NJ/NY Gotham FC: Jordynn Dudley
NJ/NY Gotham FC signs Jordynn Dudley, a striker with a proven track record in college and the U-20 USWNT. Dudley is expected to carve out a starting spot and contribute to the team's success, despite challenges with consistency.
North Carolina Courage: Ally Schlegel
Ally Schlegel joins North Carolina Courage, bringing her grit and goal-scoring abilities. With key departures, Schlegel is expected to make her mark and contribute to the team's success.
Orlando Pride: Hailie Mace
Hailie Mace signs with Orlando Pride, bringing her tenacious defense and assists. Mace is expected to be a key player in the team's defense, hoping to help the team get back to its winning ways.
Portland Thorns FC: Shae Harvey
Shae Harvey joins Portland Thorns FC, bringing her attacking prowess and experience from Stanford. With the departure of Sam Coffey, Harvey is expected to step into a crucial role, hoping to help the team achieve success.
Racing Louisville FC: Quincy McMahon
Quincy McMahon joins Racing Louisville FC, bringing her defensive skills and college experience. She is expected to step into a key role, hoping to help the team embrace the band-of-thieves mentality and achieve success.
San Diego Wave FC: Ludmila
San Diego Wave FC signs Ludmila, a Brazilian attacker with a proven track record. With the departure of Delphine Cascarino, Ludmila is expected to make a big splash in her first full NWSL campaign, hoping to create goals and contribute to the team's success.
Seattle Reign FC: Sofia Cedeño
Sofia Cedeño joins Seattle Reign FC, bringing her attacking prowess and experience. With the team extending her contract, Cedeño is expected to play a vital role, hoping to help the team achieve success.
Utah Royals FC: Narumi Miura
Narumi Miura joins Utah Royals FC, bringing her defensive skills and experience. With the team in need of her help, Miura is expected to contribute to the team's success, hoping to sink her teeth into a new challenge.
Washington Spirit: Claudia Martínez
Claudia Martínez signs with Washington Spirit, bringing her attacking abilities and experience. With the team in need of depth in the attack, Martínez is expected to contribute to the team's success, hoping to add to their chances.
