Ten stars to watch in the upcoming 2024 NWSL season
This weekend marks the kick-off for the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League season.
In the build-up there has been a flurry of transfer activity across the now 14 clubs, with Utah Royals and Bay FC - this year’s newcomers, or returnees in the case of the former - building rosters from scratch.
While Bay FC smashed the transfer record for a female player with Racheal Kundananji's signature, the Royals bagged no.1 draft pick Ally Sentnor.
Ahead of what promises to be an intriguing NWSL season, Olympics.com is taking a look back at ten stars to watch for the 2024 edition of the competition.
From big names to newcomers and potential injury comebacks, these are just a handful of the plethora of talent on show in North America.
Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC)
Tipped to be a player who can turn the NWSL on its head this season, Racheal Kundananji comes to the league as the world’s most expensive women’s player. Despite being just 23, she relishes the chance to show people exactly why Bay FC smashed the transfer record for her signature. “There is so much pressure on me but I just have to calm down, focus on my work, and continue playing football,” she told The Guardian.
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Kundananji’s Zambian teammate Barbra Banda will join her in the NWSL, with the 23-year-old headed to Orlando Pride. The Pride missed out on the playoffs last term due to their inferior goal difference, but have addressed that problem by adding Banda to their ranks - a player known for being prolific in front of goal. If she can find her form in North America, a playoff spot could have their name written all over it.
Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals)
As the no.1 pick in the NWSL draft, the hopes are high for Ally Sentnor’s debut season as she transitions from college to professional. Since 2014, every first-round pick has gone on to represent the USWNT on the world stage, which is indicative of the promise her career holds. Sentnor joins the likes of Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Sophia Smith, as recent No.1 picks – and will hope to emulate the steps taken by those who went before her as the Utah Royals make a return to the NWSL.
HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 31: Racheal Kundananji of Zambia scores her team's third goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Costa Rica and Zambia at Waikato Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Buda Mendes/ Getty Images)
Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave)
Alex Morgan found a new lease of life when she moved to her home state of California to work under San Diego boss Casey Stoney. The now 34-year-old USA striker struck the form of her career in her inaugural 2022 season, netting 16 goals and registering three assists. A seven-goal, five-assist campaign would follow, with Morgan proving she can still compete at the top as she helped the Wave to the shield last term, eyeing the Championship in 2024.
Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)
Bay FC made a statement with their signings, adding several players of quality and experience, with Asisat Oshoala among the biggest to join their ranks. She signs on the back of five seasons with European football giants FC Barcelona, scoring 107 goals in 149 appearances, helping the sire to two European Champions League titles and four Spanish league titles. Oshoala is undoubtedly one of the biggest names now playing in the league and will be on the radar of many spectators ahead of Bay FC’s first-ever season.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Ji So-Yun of Chelsea celebrates with the Vitality Women's FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during the Vitality Women's FA Cup Final match between Chelsea Women and Manchester City Women at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Ji So-yun (Seattle Reign)
With the retirement of Megan Rapinoe at the end of the 2023 campaign, Seattle Reign needed a star name to fill the gap – and they’ve found one in the form of Ji So-yun. Her resume speaks for itself, with over 200 appearances for Chelsea in the English Women’s Super League. After returning to her homeland, it seemed the 33-year-old could be gearing towards eventual retirement, but has now returned to the top level to compete in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Christen Press (Angel City FC)
Out since June 2022, this year could mark the comeback of Angel City forward Christen Press. An ACL injury was the catalyst for her time on the sidelines, but four subsequent surgeries have caused her to be out for almost two years. As Press steps up her recovery and begins to make a move towards returning to the pitch, many fans will be hoping to see the 35-year-old back in her element, with a ball at her feet, at some stage in the upcoming campaign.
Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave)
19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw is a force to be reckoned with. In her first full campaign with the San Diego Wave, she bagged six goals and three assists as they went on to win the NWSL shield. She will be coming into the 2024 season on the back of CONCACAF W Gold Cup triumph with the USWNT, in which she won the Golden Boot. Working under the guidance of Casey Stoney, while also being able to work alongside the great Alex Morgan, will no doubt be influential for the teenager, whose potential is limitless.
Jaedyn Shaw celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against Canada during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
Since being the No.1 draft pick in 2020, Sophia Smith has grown into one of the most exciting attackers in the USA. The 23-year-old's introduction to the NWSL came in 2021, but it would be 2022 when she really hit the ground running with 15 goals and three assists in 20 games as the Portland Thorns won the Championship title. 11 goals last term were enough to see her awarded the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer.
Kerolin (North Carolina Courage)
There is an outside chance that Kerolin could return to action for the 2024 campaign. The Brazilian was ruled out of action last October when she tore her ACL, facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having a standout campaign for the Courage, registering 13 goals involvements in 19 appearances. With such a long recovery time expected for this particular knee injury, it is hard to imagine Kerolin will be back any time soon. She could, however, be a potential option to help NCC in the playoffs should they make it there.