The Wait Is Over

NWSL 2022 Matchday Eighteen

Matchday 18 of the NWSL season started off in Chicago, where the Red Stars faced a Washington Spirit team that had stumbled since a mid-season spurt brought on by the firing of Jim Gabarra and the trade bringing Savannah Jordan to DC. An early goal by Kristie Mewis and a stoppage-time insurance score from Gabrielle Carle allowed Chicago to draw even with Los Angeles for first place in the West on 35 points as a result of their 2-0 win. Following the game, Kristie, Steph, and Alyssa left Toyota Park for O'Hare and their 4:55 flight to Kansas City.

The Game of the Week featured the North Carolina Courage hosting Vancouver in a battle between the winners of the last three NWSL finals (NC in 2019, the Legacy in 2020 and 2021). The match was unexpectedly drab, as the Courage's stout defense stood tall against their opponents' potent attack while their offense struggled to find a pathway to challenge Caroline Stanley in the Legacy's goal. Some in-game shuffling by Vancouver coach Andrea Neil provided the means for them to pick up the game-winner, when Shannon Woeller found Sophie Schmidt down the right sideline. The Legacy captain turned on the ball and blazed a path for the penalty area, then rounded Kassey Kallman before beating Kelsey Wys with a shot to the near post. The 1-0 triumph kept Vancouver alive for the top seed in the West, two points off the pace of the Red Stars and Olympias.

***

Steph McCaffrey paced while she, Kristie, and Alyssa waited for their flight to Kansas City to be called. Kristie spent the time plotting out with Megan plans for tomorrow when the bridal party and a few others would fete Sam and Abby with an impromptu bachelorette gathering. Alyssa, trying to keep her burgeoning nerves in check, texted with her sisters Amanda and Abigail. She got a message from her opposite number with the Breakers that was informative and included some needling.

Steph Labbe: Yael and I have post-game set up. The two of us, Sam and Abby, Kristie and her Steph, you, and Julie (hopefully) will be going to Yard House at the Legends Outlets a little north of the stadium. You're familiar with the one by Fenway, right? Anyways, I hope you do well tonight with Julie (I can see the two of you being so cute together), as it will be the last time you get over on a Breaker this year. :D

Alyssa cracked up and showed Kristie the text Steph sent her. The two of them discussed an appropriate response for her, then Alyssa sent the following:

Alyssa: Good luck tonight in winning the Shield. Too bad it will live a lonely existence in your trophy case until 2023, as our Hollywood Studios Cup will be getting some company on October 15th. Luv ya, Steph, and see you and the rest of your clan in a few hours.

Steph came over and inquired as to the stirring of her two traveling partners. Kristie filled her in on the plans for tomorrow and Alyssa showed her the back-and-forth between her and Labbe.

Steph M.: I don't know if you should have done that. What if we DO play them in the final? She might go out of her way to make my day a living hell.

Kristie: She is a LOT sweeter off-the-field than on. So yeah, she might provide you a stiff challenge or two, but the next day when she's standing beside me and Abby, it will all be forgotten.

Steph M.: Speaking of that....I have a little something that I'm pondering for that day.

Steph whispered the plan into Kristie's ear, which put an interesting smile on her face.

Kristie: Are you sure you want to do that? What if no one is in on it and it looks like you're being an ass?

Steph M: Then we make sure we get some of the others in on it, especially our honor guard captain.

Alyssa: What are you cooking up, Steph?

Steph M.: Just a little surprise for the lovely couple on their wedding day.