A Season Of Rebirth

NWSL Matchday Three

Jane Campbell and Ashlyn Harris had dinner with their partners (Andi Sullivan and Alex Morgan) at Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Orlando ahead of the anticipated battle between the Dash and the Pride tomorrow. The off-season saw both officially settle into relationships with current teammates and merge their on-field and off-field lives. Ashlyn shared her side of how the relationship she had with Ali Krieger disintegrated and her development of feelings for Alex, ones which led in part to her separating from, then divorcing Servando Carrasco. Andi spilled on the maneuvering which led to her ending up in Houston and with Jane, as well as divulging their getting-together story with the two Pride players. From there, the two couples moved onto other subjects from around the league.

Alex: Jane, you get on with the rest of the Georgians, right?

Jane: Yeah.

Alex: What's the scoop on the three of them, as KO doesn't want to talk about what's got her pissed-off with at least one of the other two?

Jane told Alex about what happened at Moe Brian's wedding and the residual damage that trickled down elsewhere in the league.

Ashlyn: So is that why Abby ended up being traded to the Dash?

Jane: Pretty much. Now, with Kristie and Cari (Roccaro) also in Houston, the talk around the locker room is whether two of them will get together if they haven't already.

Alex: All three of them have a common enemy right now. What are your predictions?

Andi: It's hard, because I think Abby could choose either one. I don't see Cari and Kristie going there, just because Mewie can be such a bitch at times and Frack has a bit of the tough girl in her as well. Kristie and Abby is the easier do, but Cari and Abby is a slightly cuter combination.

Jane: I think the intense hatred both Kristie and Abby have for Sam right now, and Kristie's anger toward Steph for backing her decision, means they need others to temper them and open them back up to love. So my money would be on Abby and Cari.

Ashlyn: Now, about Kelley.....you think she's going to give Sammy some what-for tomorrow?

Jane: Both you and Alex know as well as I do the girl is unpredictable. Will she use up her free hacks tomorrow or save them for when the Royals face the Red Stars and she can go after Moe and JJ? Can't say one way or the other.

Alex: Whatever happens, I think Jill needs to address this when we go to camp for the two Australia friendlies. If things don't get resolved, the bad juju is going to infiltrate the national team and cause a LOT more dissension that currently exists.

Ashlyn: I'll take up the idea with Alyssa as she and Becky are the two best able to keep their calm while everyone else is getting stirred-up. Roster comes out Monday, right?

Andi: Think that's right, but I've never had to pay attention to it related to NWSL's schedule.

Jane: You're right, Ash. What's the expectation for roster size?

Alex: I'm guessing it will be smaller than usual, since it's the first in-season camp and we're playing the Aussies. Could be as small as 20 and only two keepers, could be 26 and four if Jill is looking to reward early-season success in the league.

Ashlyn and Alex drove Jane and Andi back to the Marriott Orlando Downtown before returning to their place in Lake Eola Heights.

***

Dalen Cuff (voiceover): Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars came into 2018 as the unquestioned starter in goal for the US Women's National Team. Lurking behind her are Ashlyn Harris of the Orlando Pride and Jane Campbell of the Houston Dash. With the roster for the US' two friendlies against Australia to be named on Monday, the number two and three netminders on the depth chart face off today determined to make Jill Ellis' decision of who to call in difficult. It's the Pride and the Dash, next on Lifetime.