Women's Soccer

FILE - Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith, left, kicks the ball against Kansas City Current defender Addisyn Merrick, right, during the first half of the NWSL championship soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Washington. Portland is also among the favorites this season because of a loaded roster that includes U.S. national team players like Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn and Becky Sauerbrunn.

Sports

NWSL embarks on 11th season boosted by World Cup excitement

The Associated Press

The National Women’s Soccer League embarks on its 11th season this weekend with players looking to capitalize on the excitement building ahead of the Women’s World Cup while also moving on from the turbulence of the last two seasons.

Two pool tables are in the center with four flat screens on either wall. Sports jerseys are below the TVs and a photo booth is set up to the left.

Arts & Culture

Rough & Tumble taps into growing support for women’s sports

Grace Madigan

Rough & Tumble is located in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood and is the second-ever sports bar in the nation dedicated to women's sports.

FILE - Portland Thorns FC celebrates with the trophy after the won the NWSL championship soccer match against the Kansas City Current, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Washington. The owner of the Portland Thorns announced Thursday, Dec. 1, he is putting the club up for sale, the latest fallout from an investigation into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

Sports

Inquiry finds widespread misconduct in women's pro soccer

The Associated Press

An investigation commissioned by the National Women’s Soccer League and its players union found “widespread misconduct” directed at players dating back to the beginnings nearly a decade ago of the top U.S. women’s professional league.

From left, OL Reign's Lauren Barnes, Jessica Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe celebrate after the Reign beat the Portland Thorns FC 2-1 in an NWSL soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in Seattle.

Sports

OL Reign moving back to Seattle

Grace Madigan

OL Reign team executives announced the team's return to Seattle, where they will play at Lumen Field starting in 2022.

Seattle's Hope Solo Shines Spotlight On Problems In Women's Pro Soccer

Kirsten Kendrick

Seattle Reign and U.S. Women's National Soccer Team goalie Hope Solo have revealed some significant problems within the National Women’s Soccer…