The Rondo, Women’s Soccer edition: NWSL playoffs, big names retire, and what to expect from Emma Hayes’ next USWNT camp

Ryan Tolmich: Jaedyn Shaw. She was so, so unfortunate at the Olympics, as an injury derailed what could have been her breakout summer. her time is coming, though, even if she’ll have to wait a bit for a shot at another major tournament. By the time 2027 rolls around, who knows how good she’ll be, this camp is just another chance for Hayes to find ways to help her get to where she seems destined to go.

Celia Balf: Lindsey Horan. She’s scored how many goals already for OL? Cannot wait to watch her leadership, and how she orchestrates the midfield and breaks lines for the USWNT.

Amee Ruszkai: Ashley Sanchez’s recall was really pleasing to see. After a tough start to the year, with the shock trade to North Carolina, she’s taken everything in her stride brilliantly and showed her quality on the pitch. There are definitely higher levels she can hit for her new club as she settles in with new players and a new style and this call from Hayes will only give her more confidence in her bid to do so. Sanchez is a fantastic player who can be a real asset to this team.

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  What would be considered success for this USWNT camp?

  RT: It’s a bit big picture, but success is about a little bit more than wins. Obviously, yes, Hayes will want this team winning all three matches but, aside from that, the goal has to be to integrate some of the newer faces. From the uncapped hopefuls to rising stars like Olivia Moultrie and Alyssa Thompson, Hayes will spread the playing time around. If those players step up, she’ll leave this camp happy.

  CB: Keep it simple. Twenty-three rostered players for the friendlies that are healthy and lead the USWNT to three-straight wins.

  AR: Lots of opportunities for lots of different players, so Hayes can assess different options and different combinations. Good results would be great but that doesn’t feel massively important given what the U.S. has achieved this year, and the performances may be a little bit up and down if there are a lot of changes. But, again, that is not the point of this camp and the fact Hayes has named an expanded squad seems to suggest that she will be giving players the chance to impress.
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  Who is your surprise contender in NWSL playoffs?

  RT: There are plenty of teams with reason to believe they have good vibes this season. Orlando is thriving with Marta set to retire. The Portland Thorns are gearing up for Christine Sinclair’s goodbye, too. Definitely hate to be the bad guy here but it won’t matter as Gotham FC remain the favorite. They have made their way through the season with their All-Star Cast healthy and currently sit third. Now’s the time for them to turn it on.

  CB: North Carolina Courage? I haven’t been sleeping on them, and in recent weeks they have been slowly but surely climbing up the Power Rankings. They’re a team to watch, for sure.

  AR: The Portland Thorns. Last weekend’s win over the Orlando Pride was an example of how form can sometimes go out of the window in the NWSL and that is especially true in the playoffs. It’s a win that could act as a real springboard for this team, snapping a seven-game winless streak, and if Portland enters the postseason with some momentum, it can be dangerous.

  There is a lot of winning experience on the roster and Sinclair’s retirement could be the extra push the Thorns need to get over the line and win another Championship, just as Ali Krieger’s helped to inspire Gotham to glory last year.

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  Sinclair, O’Hara, and Merritt Mathias are all recent NWSL veterans who have announced their retirements recently, who’s had the biggest impact on the league, and why?

  RT: It’s been a tough year for retirements, as the NWSL has said goodbye or will say goodbye to multiple icons of the game. All have collectively built this league into what it is. Sinclair, though, has also built a nation into what it is. The perfect representative of Portland, the NWSL and her native Canada, Sinclair is almost undersold by by calling her a mere legend. She’s a hero, an icon, a trailblazer, one whose impact will be felt by many going forward.

  CB: I would say Sinclair. It’s hard to just limit myself to one, but the legacy that Sinclair leaves being a college player in Portland, only playing for the Thorns, and leading the way in international goals, is just profound. Her impact, as a leader, goal scorer, and just loyal Portland person will be felt forever.

  AR: Sinclair. No team in NWSL history has won more Championship titles than the Portland Thorns and Sinclair has been crucial to each and every triumph, racking up appearances and goals that put her near the very top of both all-time lists. But another of her legendary contributions is the role she’s played in helping the NWSL’s biggest and best rivalry, Portland vs Seattle, develop into a truly epic fixture. She will be missed.