The 2022 NWSL season will hopefully bring to an end the search for a title for the two oldest franchises in US women's professional soccer, the Boston Breakers and the Chicago Red Stars. Twelve other teams will have their say on whether either franc...
The first day of training for the eight teams in Orlando coincided with St. Patrick's Day, meaning that most players had their minds elsewhere. The NWSL is hosting a party at Blue Martini, near the hotel, for those wishing a more toned-down evening as opposed to "Amateur Night" festivities elsewhere around Orlando. Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger, being local, have coordinated the event and Ali, newly-retired, drops in at each team's practice with her and Ashlyn's son, Michael, to distribute information to the players. Ashlyn and Ali have gotten their former Washington Spirit teammate Yael Averbuch to agree to watch Michael while they go out and PAR-TAY!
Back at the hotel, several of the women are sizing up their clothing choices for the evening and persuading others to join them at Blue Martini.
Alyssa Naeher: What should I wear tonight?
Sarah Hagen: How about this?
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Alyssa: Good choice, Apple. You sure you don't want to go with me tonight?
Sarah: Yeah. I should save my energy because I'm expecting to get more reps in practice tomorrow since Steph is going to get loaded tonight if Kristie has anything to say about it.
Alyssa laughs. "Yeah. They haven't had a chance to really celebrate her coming to Chicago and them getting married, so tonight would seem to be a chance to do that."
Down the hall, Danielle Colaprico and Arin Gilliland are prepping for the party.
Danielle: Arin, how do you think this looks?
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Arin: Dang, Danny! Since when did you get so cute?!
Danielle blushes. "I don't know. Having gotten past that awkward just-out-of-college stage, I think I'm just more conscious of my look."
Arin: What do you think of this outfit?
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