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...
Following an early-morning flight and afternoon training session, the Boston Breakers are back at their hotel cleaning up and getting ready to go to dinner. Several members of the team and staff are going to the Cheesecake Factory at the Mall at Millenia, with Sam and Abby meeting up with Lindsey, Ashlyn, Ali, and Alex Morgan and John, Yael, Steph, and Julie gathering for a first-quarter evaluation.
Lindsey: Sorry I'm a little late. Had to pick up a gift before the jewelry store closed.
Sam: Something for the missus?
Lindsey: You can say that. I've got a surprise planned for halftime of Saturday's game. Amanda Duffy will be on Lifetime with Jenn and Kate to announce next year's NWSL Cup presented by Coca-Cola will be held in Atlanta, and she has asked Ashlyn, myself, Emily, and Moe to join her. Well, after the announcement, I will hand the replica cup to Emily, as Orlando passes the tournament onto Atlanta. Inside the cup will be this:
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Lindsey: It's not nearly as impressive as Ali's or Abby's, but I think it will look perfect on Emily's hand.
Ashlyn: Very nice. You've got good taste.
Alex: It's adorable, like the two of you.
Sam: Well-done, Linds.
Ali and Abby look over the ring and get a little starry-eyed.
Ali: When Ash and I got engaged, it was just a quick, "let's get married", between the two of us. We got the rings together, matching wedding bands and my engagement ring all at once.
Abby: When I proposed to Sam, I didn't have a ring, just my heart and a plan for a wedding in Chicago after we won the NWSL title. She picked out the style of ring she wanted to give me, and I chose hers, but she chose the color for her band.
Sam (to the Pride players): You guys are off to a great start. Sorry that we'll have to put a 1 in your loss column.
Lindsey: Don't be starting something that your squad can't finish.
Sam: At least we didn't surrender goals to Philly or Washington.
Ali: Speaking of Philly, Sam, the last time you were in town, these three (pointing at Lindsey, Alex, and Ashlyn) decided to liquor up our favorite cinnamon roll's hubby and cause a bit of a disturbance to their marriage.
Ashlyn: In our defense, the trick seemed to work, as the video of the aftermath caused Julie to fly down to Atlanta ahead of their game here to spend more time with Christen. I don't know who sent her the link to it, but we need to thank him or her somehow.
Alex: Naomi was a good sport and I rewarded her VERY WELL for her part in the whole charade.
