Season | 2017 |
---|---|
Dates | April 15–October 14 |
Champions | Portland Thorns FC |
NWSL Shield | North Carolina Courage |
Matches played | 120 |
Goals scored | 344 (2.87 per match) |
Top goalscorer | Sam Kerr (17 goals) |
Biggest home win |
ORL 5–0
SKY (Aug 12) |
Biggest away win |
HOU 0–4
NC (Sep 27) |
Highest scoring |
SEA 5–4
SKY (Jul 22) SKY 5–4 SEA (Aug 19) |
Longest winning run | 5 games North Carolina Courage (Aug 5 – Aug 30) Orlando Pride (Aug 8 – Sep 2) |
Longest unbeaten run | 9 games Orlando Pride (Aug 8 – Sep 30) |
Longest winless run | 10 games Boston Breakers (Jul 7 – Sep 10) |
Longest losing run | 6 games Houston Dash (May 6 – Jun 17) |
Highest attendance | 21,144 POR 3–1 CHI (Sep 30) |
Lowest attendance | 428 KC 2–1 POR (Aug 16) |
Total attendance | 609,957 |
Average attendance | 5,083 |
←
2016
2018 →
All statistics correct as of October 1, 2017. |
The 2017 National Women's Soccer League season was the fifth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the eleventh overall season of FIFA- and USSF-sanctioned top-division women's soccer in the United States. The league is operated by the United States Soccer Federation and receives major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing is provided by the Canadian Soccer Association; both national federations pay the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The reigning champions Western New York Flash did not play under that name; the franchise was sold, relocated to Cary, North Carolina and rebranded as the North Carolina Courage. [1]
After schedule disruptions in the previous two years caused by the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, NWSL teams in 2017 once again played 24 games, a schedule last played during the 2014 season. [2] The Courage won the NWSL Shield (the regular season), topping the Portland Thorns by two points.
The NWSL Playoff semifinals were held October 7–8, 2017, and were won by the Thorns and the Courage. The NWSL Championship Game was held on October 14, 2017 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida. [3] The Thorns won 1–0, becoming NWSL Champions, their second championship.
Two teams, the Dash and Reign, do not make their stadiums' entire capacity available for home games, instead restricting ticket sales at a lower level. The full capacities of their venues are included in parentheses and italics.
|
|
Note: All of the teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer.
Team | Head coach | Captain | Shirt sponsor |
---|---|---|---|
Boston Breakers |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Steward Health Care |
Chicago Red Stars |
![]() |
![]() |
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute |
Houston Dash |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
BBVA Compass |
FC Kansas City |
![]() |
![]() |
Domino's |
North Carolina Courage |
![]() |
![]() |
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina |
Orlando Pride |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Orlando Health |
Portland Thorns |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Providence Health & Services |
Seattle Reign FC |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Microsoft |
Sky Blue FC | Vacant |
![]() |
Meridian Health |
Washington Spirit |
![]() |
![]() |
ProChain Solutions, Inc. |
Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Incoming manager | Date of appointment | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North Carolina Courage | Franchise relocation |
![]() |
January 30, 2017 | [5] | ||
Houston Dash |
![]() |
Mutual separation | May 29, 2017 |
![]() |
May 29, 2017 | [6] |
Sky Blue FC |
![]() |
Mutual separation | August 16, 2017 | [7] |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina Courage | 24 | 16 | 1 | 7 | 38 | 22 | +16 | 49 | NWSL Shield |
2 | Portland Thorns FC (C) | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 37 | 20 | +17 | 47 | NWSL Playoffs |
3 | Orlando Pride | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 45 | 31 | +14 | 40 | |
4 | Chicago Red Stars | 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 33 | 30 | +3 | 39 | |
5 | Seattle Reign FC | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 43 | 37 | +6 | 34 | |
6 | Sky Blue FC | 24 | 10 | 3 | 11 | 42 | 51 | −9 | 33 | |
7 | FC Kansas City | 24 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 29 | 31 | −2 | 31 | |
8 | Houston Dash | 24 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 23 | 39 | −16 | 24 | |
9 | Boston Breakers | 24 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 24 | 35 | −11 | 19 | |
10 | Washington Spirit | 24 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 30 | 48 | −18 | 19 |
The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings is most points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams tie in point total, when determining rank and playoff qualification and seeding, the NWSL uses the following tiebreaker rules, [8] going down the list until all teams are ranked.
NOTE: If two clubs remain tied after another club with the same number of points advances during any step, the tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format.
Considering each week to end on a Sunday.
Week → | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team ↓ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina Courage | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Portland Thorns | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Orlando Pride | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Chicago Red Stars | 9 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Seattle Reign FC | 5 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Sky Blue FC | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
FC Kansas City | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Houston Dash | 1 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boston Breakers | 8 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Washington Spirit | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Washington Spirit and Boston Breakers were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 18 on August 26, 2017 after losing their respective games. [9] [10] FC Kansas City and Houston Dash were both eliminated in Week 20 on September 9, after the Chicago Red Stars gained one more point in a tie against FC Kansas City. [11] [12] Sky Blue FC was eliminated later that weekend after a loss against the Washington Spirit. [13] Seattle Reign was the last team to lose a playoff spot after a defeat in Week 21. [14]
In Week 19, North Carolina Courage was the first team to clinch a playoff spot. [15] Later that week, Portland Thorns clinched the second playoff spot. [16] Both Chicago Red Stars and Orlando Pride clinched the remaining two spots in Week 21. [17]
Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.
Team | GP | Attendance | High | Low | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portland Thorns FC | 12 | 211,830 | 21,144 | 14,471 | 17,653 |
Orlando Pride | 12 | 74,233 | 14,452 | 4,273 | 6,186 |
Houston Dash | 12 | 54,938 | 6,707 | 1,258 | 4,578 |
North Carolina Courage | 12 | 52,672 | 7,020 | 2,383 | 4,389 |
Seattle Reign FC | 12 | 48,449 | 6,041 | 2,727 | 4,037 |
Washington Spirit | 12 | 41,891 | 5,200 | 2,365 | 3,491 |
Chicago Red Stars | 12 | 38,379 | 4,934 | 1,827 | 3,198 |
Boston Breakers | 12 | 34,754 | 4,321 | 2,276 | 2,896 |
Sky Blue FC | 12 | 31,355 | 3,451 | 2,008 | 2,613 |
FC Kansas City | 12 | 21,456 | 3,340 | 428 | 1,788 |
Total | 120 | 609,957 | 21,144 | 428 | 5,083 |
Updated to games played on October 1, 2017. [18]
Regular season
Rank | Home team | Score | Away team | Attendance | Date | Stadium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–1 | Chicago Red Stars | 21,144 | September 30, 2017 | Providence Park |
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | Houston Dash | 19,672 | August 19, 2017 | Providence Park |
3 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–0 | Washington Spirit | 19,141 | September 2, 2017 | Providence Park |
4 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | Boston Breakers | 18,637 | May 27, 2017 | Providence Park |
5 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–1 | Washington Spirit | 18,478 | July 22, 2017 | Providence Park |
6 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–1 | Houston Dash | 18,243 | August 5, 2017 | Providence Park |
7 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–1 | Orlando Pride | 18,193 | October 7, 2017 | Providence Park |
8 | Portland Thorns FC | 1–0 | North Carolina Courage | 16,804 | July 15, 2017 | Providence Park |
9 | Portland Thorns FC | 1–3 | Sky Blue FC | 16,736 | June 17, 2017 | Providence Park |
10 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–0 | FC Kansas City | 16,199 | June 28, 2017 | Providence Park |
Updated to games played on October 7, 2017. [18]
Updated: October 1, 2017 [NWSL Stats 1] |
Updated: October 1, 2017 [NWSL Stats 1] |
The top four teams from the regular season competed for the NWSL Championship. In one semifinal, the North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 1–0 on a dramatic 89th-minute goal. In the other, Portland Thorns FC defeated the Orlando Pride 4–1. One week later, in the final on October 14, Portland defeated North Carolina 1–0 to claim the NWSL Championship.
Semi-finals | Championship | ||||||||
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 4 | |||||||
3 | Orlando Pride | 1 | |||||||
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 1 | |||||||
1 | North Carolina Courage | 0 | |||||||
1 | North Carolina Courage | 1 | |||||||
4 | Chicago Red Stars | 0 |
Portland Thorns FC | 4–1 | Orlando Pride |
---|---|---|
Henry ![]() ![]() Sonnett ![]() Raso ![]() Sinclair ![]() |
Report Report |
Kennedy ![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 0–1 | Portland Thorns FC |
---|---|---|
Report Report |
Heath ![]() Raso ![]() Horan ![]() Brynjarsdóttir ![]() |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April |
![]() |
Rose Lavelle [19] | Boston Breakers | 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games; Breakers 2-1-0 in April |
May |
![]() |
Sam Kerr [20] | Sky Blue FC | 2 goals, 2 assists in 5 games; Sky Blue FC 3-2-0 in May |
June |
![]() |
Sam Kerr [21] | Sky Blue FC | 3 goals, 1 assist in 4 games; 30th career goal |
July |
![]() |
Megan Rapinoe [22] | Seattle Reign FC | 5 goals in 4 games; Reign FC 2-1-1 in July |
August |
![]() |
Alex Morgan [23] | Orlando Pride | 7 goals, 2 assists, 13 shots on goal, 11 chances created |
September |
![]() |
Marta [24] | Orlando Pride | 2 goals, 13 chances created, 85.5% passing accuracy |
Award | Winner | Team | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Golden Boot [85] |
![]() |
Sky Blue FC | 17 goals |
Coach of the Year [86] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | NWSL Shield Winner |
Rookie of the Year [87] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 7 goals, 1 assist, 1,200 minutes |
Goalkeeper of the Year [88] |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 11 shutouts, 80 saves, 0.83 GA/A |
Defender of the Year [89] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | Played all 2,160 minutes |
Most Valuable Player [90] |
![]() |
Sky Blue FC | League record 17 goals |
NWSL Best XI | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | First team [91] | Second team [92] | ||||
Goalkeeper |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 11 SO; 80 saves |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 8 SO, 39 saves |
Defender |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 2,004 minutes |
![]() |
Orlando Pride | 2,032 minutes |
Defender |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 2,160 minutes |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 1 goal, 2 assists |
Defender |
![]() |
FC Kansas City | 1,980 minutes |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 6 assists |
Defender |
![]() |
Orlando Pride | 2,160 minutes |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 2,063 minutes |
Midfielder |
![]() |
Seattle Reign FC | 7 goals, 2 assists |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 1,093 minutes |
Midfielder |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 6 goals, 3 assists |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 4 goals, 3 assists |
Midfielder |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 23 starts |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 4 goals, 2 assists |
FW // MF |
![]() |
Orlando Pride | 13 goals, 6 assists |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 6 goals, 4 assists |
Forward |
![]() |
Sky Blue FC | record 17 goals |
![]() |
Orlando Pride | 9 goals, 4 assists |
Forward |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 5 GWG |
![]() |
Seattle Reign FC | 12 goals, 1 assist |
NWSL Championship Game MVP | ||
---|---|---|
Player | Club | Record |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | Scored the game-winning goal |
Season | 2017 |
---|---|
Dates | April 15–October 14 |
Champions | Portland Thorns FC |
NWSL Shield | North Carolina Courage |
Matches played | 120 |
Goals scored | 344 (2.87 per match) |
Top goalscorer | Sam Kerr (17 goals) |
Biggest home win |
ORL 5–0
SKY (Aug 12) |
Biggest away win |
HOU 0–4
NC (Sep 27) |
Highest scoring |
SEA 5–4
SKY (Jul 22) SKY 5–4 SEA (Aug 19) |
Longest winning run | 5 games North Carolina Courage (Aug 5 – Aug 30) Orlando Pride (Aug 8 – Sep 2) |
Longest unbeaten run | 9 games Orlando Pride (Aug 8 – Sep 30) |
Longest winless run | 10 games Boston Breakers (Jul 7 – Sep 10) |
Longest losing run | 6 games Houston Dash (May 6 – Jun 17) |
Highest attendance | 21,144 POR 3–1 CHI (Sep 30) |
Lowest attendance | 428 KC 2–1 POR (Aug 16) |
Total attendance | 609,957 |
Average attendance | 5,083 |
←
2016
2018 →
All statistics correct as of October 1, 2017. |
The 2017 National Women's Soccer League season was the fifth season of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Including the NWSL's two professional predecessors, Women's Professional Soccer (2009–2011) and the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003), it was the eleventh overall season of FIFA- and USSF-sanctioned top-division women's soccer in the United States. The league is operated by the United States Soccer Federation and receives major financial backing from that body. Further financial backing is provided by the Canadian Soccer Association; both national federations pay the league salaries of many of their respective national team members in an effort to nurture talent in those nations.
The reigning champions Western New York Flash did not play under that name; the franchise was sold, relocated to Cary, North Carolina and rebranded as the North Carolina Courage. [1]
After schedule disruptions in the previous two years caused by the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, NWSL teams in 2017 once again played 24 games, a schedule last played during the 2014 season. [2] The Courage won the NWSL Shield (the regular season), topping the Portland Thorns by two points.
The NWSL Playoff semifinals were held October 7–8, 2017, and were won by the Thorns and the Courage. The NWSL Championship Game was held on October 14, 2017 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida. [3] The Thorns won 1–0, becoming NWSL Champions, their second championship.
Two teams, the Dash and Reign, do not make their stadiums' entire capacity available for home games, instead restricting ticket sales at a lower level. The full capacities of their venues are included in parentheses and italics.
|
|
Note: All of the teams use Nike as their kit manufacturer.
Team | Head coach | Captain | Shirt sponsor |
---|---|---|---|
Boston Breakers |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Steward Health Care |
Chicago Red Stars |
![]() |
![]() |
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute |
Houston Dash |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
BBVA Compass |
FC Kansas City |
![]() |
![]() |
Domino's |
North Carolina Courage |
![]() |
![]() |
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina |
Orlando Pride |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Orlando Health |
Portland Thorns |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Providence Health & Services |
Seattle Reign FC |
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Microsoft |
Sky Blue FC | Vacant |
![]() |
Meridian Health |
Washington Spirit |
![]() |
![]() |
ProChain Solutions, Inc. |
Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Incoming manager | Date of appointment | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North Carolina Courage | Franchise relocation |
![]() |
January 30, 2017 | [5] | ||
Houston Dash |
![]() |
Mutual separation | May 29, 2017 |
![]() |
May 29, 2017 | [6] |
Sky Blue FC |
![]() |
Mutual separation | August 16, 2017 | [7] |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina Courage | 24 | 16 | 1 | 7 | 38 | 22 | +16 | 49 | NWSL Shield |
2 | Portland Thorns FC (C) | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 37 | 20 | +17 | 47 | NWSL Playoffs |
3 | Orlando Pride | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 45 | 31 | +14 | 40 | |
4 | Chicago Red Stars | 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 33 | 30 | +3 | 39 | |
5 | Seattle Reign FC | 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 43 | 37 | +6 | 34 | |
6 | Sky Blue FC | 24 | 10 | 3 | 11 | 42 | 51 | −9 | 33 | |
7 | FC Kansas City | 24 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 29 | 31 | −2 | 31 | |
8 | Houston Dash | 24 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 23 | 39 | −16 | 24 | |
9 | Boston Breakers | 24 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 24 | 35 | −11 | 19 | |
10 | Washington Spirit | 24 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 30 | 48 | −18 | 19 |
The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings is most points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams tie in point total, when determining rank and playoff qualification and seeding, the NWSL uses the following tiebreaker rules, [8] going down the list until all teams are ranked.
NOTE: If two clubs remain tied after another club with the same number of points advances during any step, the tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format.
Considering each week to end on a Sunday.
Week → | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team ↓ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina Courage | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Portland Thorns | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Orlando Pride | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Chicago Red Stars | 9 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Seattle Reign FC | 5 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Sky Blue FC | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
FC Kansas City | 2 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Houston Dash | 1 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Boston Breakers | 8 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Washington Spirit | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
Washington Spirit and Boston Breakers were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 18 on August 26, 2017 after losing their respective games. [9] [10] FC Kansas City and Houston Dash were both eliminated in Week 20 on September 9, after the Chicago Red Stars gained one more point in a tie against FC Kansas City. [11] [12] Sky Blue FC was eliminated later that weekend after a loss against the Washington Spirit. [13] Seattle Reign was the last team to lose a playoff spot after a defeat in Week 21. [14]
In Week 19, North Carolina Courage was the first team to clinch a playoff spot. [15] Later that week, Portland Thorns clinched the second playoff spot. [16] Both Chicago Red Stars and Orlando Pride clinched the remaining two spots in Week 21. [17]
Ranked from highest to lowest average attendance.
Team | GP | Attendance | High | Low | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portland Thorns FC | 12 | 211,830 | 21,144 | 14,471 | 17,653 |
Orlando Pride | 12 | 74,233 | 14,452 | 4,273 | 6,186 |
Houston Dash | 12 | 54,938 | 6,707 | 1,258 | 4,578 |
North Carolina Courage | 12 | 52,672 | 7,020 | 2,383 | 4,389 |
Seattle Reign FC | 12 | 48,449 | 6,041 | 2,727 | 4,037 |
Washington Spirit | 12 | 41,891 | 5,200 | 2,365 | 3,491 |
Chicago Red Stars | 12 | 38,379 | 4,934 | 1,827 | 3,198 |
Boston Breakers | 12 | 34,754 | 4,321 | 2,276 | 2,896 |
Sky Blue FC | 12 | 31,355 | 3,451 | 2,008 | 2,613 |
FC Kansas City | 12 | 21,456 | 3,340 | 428 | 1,788 |
Total | 120 | 609,957 | 21,144 | 428 | 5,083 |
Updated to games played on October 1, 2017. [18]
Regular season
Rank | Home team | Score | Away team | Attendance | Date | Stadium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–1 | Chicago Red Stars | 21,144 | September 30, 2017 | Providence Park |
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | Houston Dash | 19,672 | August 19, 2017 | Providence Park |
3 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–0 | Washington Spirit | 19,141 | September 2, 2017 | Providence Park |
4 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–0 | Boston Breakers | 18,637 | May 27, 2017 | Providence Park |
5 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–1 | Washington Spirit | 18,478 | July 22, 2017 | Providence Park |
6 | Portland Thorns FC | 2–1 | Houston Dash | 18,243 | August 5, 2017 | Providence Park |
7 | Portland Thorns FC | 4–1 | Orlando Pride | 18,193 | October 7, 2017 | Providence Park |
8 | Portland Thorns FC | 1–0 | North Carolina Courage | 16,804 | July 15, 2017 | Providence Park |
9 | Portland Thorns FC | 1–3 | Sky Blue FC | 16,736 | June 17, 2017 | Providence Park |
10 | Portland Thorns FC | 3–0 | FC Kansas City | 16,199 | June 28, 2017 | Providence Park |
Updated to games played on October 7, 2017. [18]
Updated: October 1, 2017 [NWSL Stats 1] |
Updated: October 1, 2017 [NWSL Stats 1] |
The top four teams from the regular season competed for the NWSL Championship. In one semifinal, the North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 1–0 on a dramatic 89th-minute goal. In the other, Portland Thorns FC defeated the Orlando Pride 4–1. One week later, in the final on October 14, Portland defeated North Carolina 1–0 to claim the NWSL Championship.
Semi-finals | Championship | ||||||||
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 4 | |||||||
3 | Orlando Pride | 1 | |||||||
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 1 | |||||||
1 | North Carolina Courage | 0 | |||||||
1 | North Carolina Courage | 1 | |||||||
4 | Chicago Red Stars | 0 |
Portland Thorns FC | 4–1 | Orlando Pride |
---|---|---|
Henry ![]() ![]() Sonnett ![]() Raso ![]() Sinclair ![]() |
Report Report |
Kennedy ![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 0–1 | Portland Thorns FC |
---|---|---|
Report Report |
Heath ![]() Raso ![]() Horan ![]() Brynjarsdóttir ![]() |
Month | Player of the Month | Club | Month's Statline | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April |
![]() |
Rose Lavelle [19] | Boston Breakers | 1 goal, 1 assist in 3 games; Breakers 2-1-0 in April |
May |
![]() |
Sam Kerr [20] | Sky Blue FC | 2 goals, 2 assists in 5 games; Sky Blue FC 3-2-0 in May |
June |
![]() |
Sam Kerr [21] | Sky Blue FC | 3 goals, 1 assist in 4 games; 30th career goal |
July |
![]() |
Megan Rapinoe [22] | Seattle Reign FC | 5 goals in 4 games; Reign FC 2-1-1 in July |
August |
![]() |
Alex Morgan [23] | Orlando Pride | 7 goals, 2 assists, 13 shots on goal, 11 chances created |
September |
![]() |
Marta [24] | Orlando Pride | 2 goals, 13 chances created, 85.5% passing accuracy |
Award | Winner | Team | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Golden Boot [85] |
![]() |
Sky Blue FC | 17 goals |
Coach of the Year [86] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | NWSL Shield Winner |
Rookie of the Year [87] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 7 goals, 1 assist, 1,200 minutes |
Goalkeeper of the Year [88] |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 11 shutouts, 80 saves, 0.83 GA/A |
Defender of the Year [89] |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | Played all 2,160 minutes |
Most Valuable Player [90] |
![]() |
Sky Blue FC | League record 17 goals |
NWSL Best XI | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | First team [91] | Second team [92] | ||||
Goalkeeper |
![]() |
Portland Thorns FC | 11 SO; 80 saves |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 8 SO, 39 saves |
Defender |
![]() |
Chicago Red Stars | 2,004 minutes |
![]() |
Orlando Pride | 2,032 minutes |
Defender |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 2,160 minutes |
![]() |
North Carolina Courage | 1 goal, 2 assists |
Defender |
![]() |
FC Kansas City | 1,980 minutes |
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Portland Thorns FC | 6 assists |
Defender |
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Orlando Pride | 2,160 minutes |
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Portland Thorns FC | 2,063 minutes |
Midfielder |
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Seattle Reign FC | 7 goals, 2 assists |
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Chicago Red Stars | 1,093 minutes |
Midfielder |
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North Carolina Courage | 6 goals, 3 assists |
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Chicago Red Stars | 4 goals, 3 assists |
Midfielder |
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North Carolina Courage | 23 starts |
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Portland Thorns FC | 4 goals, 2 assists |
FW // MF |
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Orlando Pride | 13 goals, 6 assists |
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Chicago Red Stars | 6 goals, 4 assists |
Forward |
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Sky Blue FC | record 17 goals |
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Orlando Pride | 9 goals, 4 assists |
Forward |
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Chicago Red Stars | 5 GWG |
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Seattle Reign FC | 12 goals, 1 assist |
NWSL Championship Game MVP | ||
---|---|---|
Player | Club | Record |
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Portland Thorns FC | Scored the game-winning goal |