Sean
LightNews LightNews
banner
skybluebats.bsky.social
Sean
@skybluebats.bsky.social
190 followers 100 following 320 posts
WoSo fan, mostly NWSL + USWNT with a side of WSL + UWCL (he/him)
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
skybluebats.bsky.social
Sean @skybluebats.bsky.social · Mar 7
The NWSL is back! If you need a refresher on how teams changed in the offseason, the link below has you covered.

Who is returning, a new arrival, or no longer with the club?

skybluebats.shinyapps.io/NWSL-Squads/
A roster chart for the Orlando Pride showing which players are returning from the 2024 squad, new arrivals, or left the club since last year. Returning players are Anna Moorhouse, McKinley Crone, Emily Sams, Rafaelle, Kylie Nadaner, Kerry Abello, Brianna Martínez, Cori Dyke, Haley McCutcheon, Viviana Villacorta, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Lemos, Angelina, Summer Yates, Julie Doyle, Ally Watt, Barbra Banda, Marta, Carson Pickett (injured), Mariana Larroquette (loaned out), Luana (SEI), Amanda Allen (SEI), and Simone Charley (SEI). New arrivals are DeAira Jackson, Kat Asman, Oihane Hernández, Zara Chavoshi, Prisca Chilufya, Grace Chanda, and Aryssa Mahrt (injured). Players no longer with the team are Sofia Manner, Carrie Lawrence, Megan Montefusco, Celia Jiménez, Evelina Duljan, and Adriana. A roster chart for the Orlando Pride showing which players are returning from the 2024 squad, new arrivals, or left the club since last year. Returning players are Aubrey Kingsbury, Kaylie Collins, Esme Morgan, Tara McKeown, Casey Krueger, Gabby Carle, Hal Hershfelt, Chloe Ricketts, Leicy Santos, Makenna Morris, Brittany Ratcliffe, Trinity Rodman, Ashley Hatch, Kate Wiesner (injured), Heather Stainbrook (injured), Paige Metayer (injured), Courtney Brown (injured), Rosemonde Kouassi (injured), Lyza Jessee (SEI), Croix Bethune (SEI), Ouleye Sarr (SEI), and Andi Sullivan (maternity leave). New arrivals are Sandy MacIver, Kiley Dulaney, Rebeca Bernal, Shadia Nankya, Narumi Miura, Meg Boade, Margie Detrizio, Kysha Sylla (injured), Tamara Bolt (loaned out), Deborah Abiodun (loaned out), and Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI). Players no longer with the team are Nicole Barnhart, Annaïg Butel, Jenna Butler, Waniya Hudson, Anna Heilferty, Lena Silano, and Civana Kuhlmann.
Reposted by Sean
xowngoals.com
With the offseason officially concluded, we can see how the new CBA has affected the volume of college signings in both the #NWSL and outside the NWSL. Though the margins of NWSL signings was fairly tight, the amount of money flowing into rookies' pockets obliterates past years.
March 15, 2025 at 7:50 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
NWSL Squad Review

Final #NWSL rosters were announced yesterday. I’m going to review each team’s squad below, but feel free to take a look yourself at this link.

skybluebats.shinyapps.io/NWSL-Squads/
NWSL Squads
skybluebats.shinyapps.io
March 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
The NWSL is back! If you need a refresher on how teams changed in the offseason, the link below has you covered.

Who is returning, a new arrival, or no longer with the club?

skybluebats.shinyapps.io/NWSL-Squads/
A roster chart for the Orlando Pride showing which players are returning from the 2024 squad, new arrivals, or left the club since last year. Returning players are Anna Moorhouse, McKinley Crone, Emily Sams, Rafaelle, Kylie Nadaner, Kerry Abello, Brianna Martínez, Cori Dyke, Haley McCutcheon, Viviana Villacorta, Morgan Gautrat, Ally Lemos, Angelina, Summer Yates, Julie Doyle, Ally Watt, Barbra Banda, Marta, Carson Pickett (injured), Mariana Larroquette (loaned out), Luana (SEI), Amanda Allen (SEI), and Simone Charley (SEI). New arrivals are DeAira Jackson, Kat Asman, Oihane Hernández, Zara Chavoshi, Prisca Chilufya, Grace Chanda, and Aryssa Mahrt (injured). Players no longer with the team are Sofia Manner, Carrie Lawrence, Megan Montefusco, Celia Jiménez, Evelina Duljan, and Adriana. A roster chart for the Orlando Pride showing which players are returning from the 2024 squad, new arrivals, or left the club since last year. Returning players are Aubrey Kingsbury, Kaylie Collins, Esme Morgan, Tara McKeown, Casey Krueger, Gabby Carle, Hal Hershfelt, Chloe Ricketts, Leicy Santos, Makenna Morris, Brittany Ratcliffe, Trinity Rodman, Ashley Hatch, Kate Wiesner (injured), Heather Stainbrook (injured), Paige Metayer (injured), Courtney Brown (injured), Rosemonde Kouassi (injured), Lyza Jessee (SEI), Croix Bethune (SEI), Ouleye Sarr (SEI), and Andi Sullivan (maternity leave). New arrivals are Sandy MacIver, Kiley Dulaney, Rebeca Bernal, Shadia Nankya, Narumi Miura, Meg Boade, Margie Detrizio, Kysha Sylla (injured), Tamara Bolt (loaned out), Deborah Abiodun (loaned out), and Emma Gaines-Ramos (SEI). Players no longer with the team are Nicole Barnhart, Annaïg Butel, Jenna Butler, Waniya Hudson, Anna Heilferty, Lena Silano, and Civana Kuhlmann.
March 7, 2025 at 3:41 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Ally Sentnor's shot difficulty (0.06 xG / shot) was the most extreme of any NWSL season @fbref.com has data for (45+ shots taken).

Finding more chances inside the box would help Sentnor take another leap forward. But I would love to see Ally keep taking aim from that sweet spot just outside the 18.
A shot map visualization for Ally Sentnor's rookie season in the NWSL. Each shot has an icon representing whether the shot was blocked, off target, saved, hit woodwork, or resulted in a goal. A majority of Sentnor's shots came from outside the box, with many close to 30 yards out. However, all three of her 2024 goals and most of her best chances were within a few yards of the 18, on either side.
March 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
It's no secret Kiki Pickett had a breakout season as a holding mid for Bay FC. It's still worth highlighting how good she was in a new role.

Via @americansocceranalysis.com's Defensive Net G+ / 96, Pickett's defensive performance was 94th percentile among DM/CMs in NWSL history (900+ min, 2016-24).
A visualization of where Kiki Pickett has lined up in her NWSL career. Kiki spent her first three years playing fullback for the Kansas City Current & North Carolina Courage. Bay FC acquired Pickett last year and converted her to a holding mid. She thrived in this new role, espcially when measured by ASA's defensive net g+ / 96.
February 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
The SheBelieves Cup is back tonight! If I was in charge, here's my starting XI for each squad w/ basic tactical plans.

5pm ET: Japan vs Australia
8pm ET: USWNT vs Colombia
A football lineup visualization for the United States women's national team. A 4-2-3-1 starting XI is shown for the USWNT. It includes tactical arrows and shows the players that would be on the bench on the outsides. A football lineup visualization for the Colombian women's national team. A 4-3-3 starting XI is shown for Las Cafateras. It includes tactical arrows and shows the players that would be on the bench on the outsides. A football lineup visualization for the Japanese women's national team. A 3-4-3 starting XI is shown for Nadeshiko. It includes tactical arrows and shows the players that would be on the bench on the outsides. A football lineup visualization for the Australian women's national team. A 3-5-2 starting XI is shown for the Matildas. It includes tactical arrows and shows the players that would be on the bench on the outsides.
February 20, 2025 at 4:05 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
There is still much to be learned about the effects of the NWSL’s new CBA.

Ending the college draft is already a colossal win, when it comes to empowering young players.
equalizersoccer.bsky.social The Equalizer @equalizersoccer.bsky.social · Feb 18
At this time a year ago, only 46 college players had signed professional contracts. This year? 116. @evandavissports.bsky.social analyzed the data and spoke with Meghann Burke of the @nwslplayers.bsky.social about how the elimination of the NWSL draft has already been a massive success for players.
Why the elimination of the NWSL Draft is already a success for players
The NWSL Players Association hoped to put more money into the hands of younger players by getting rid of the draft. It worked, at least for now.
equalizersoccer.com
February 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
The #NSL is loading up on first-year pros + highly-tenured veterans, relative to the #NWSL.

However, players in the two WoSo leagues average a similar level of pro experience.

NSL teams are mostly split at the extremes, while the NWSL represents a range of squad building approaches.
A table of women’s soccer data titled Squad Building. All NWSL and NSL teams are shown with their number of rookies, total players, and average experience measured by years as a pro. The median NWSL team has 2 rookies out of 26.5 players, averaging 5.5 years of pro experience. The median NSL team has twice as many first-year players, despite 10 fewer players per team, while the median pro experience is nearly identical. NSL teams are mostly split at the extremes, while NWSL teams are spread evenly across a range of squad building profiles.
February 15, 2025 at 5:14 AM
skybluebats.bsky.social
We hear people say “listen to women” or “listen to black women” a lot. They’ve increasingly been slogans of mine I try to live by, but I’ve recently seen negative reactions to those sayings.

As a person of privilege in most possible ways, I want to share my perspective of what that means to me…
February 5, 2025 at 3:42 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Happy Black History Month to all, but especially to the USWNT trailblazers!

Some historic firsts for black women in USWNT:

Kim Crabbe — first to earn a callup
Sandi Gordon — first to earn a cap
Briana Scurry — NSHoF inductee
Christen Press — Hermann Trophy
Sophia Smith — US Soccer POTY
February 1, 2025 at 6:16 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Northern Super League rosters

As #NSL teams keep announcing signings, I’ll add the new players to this tracker.

skybluebats.shinyapps.io/NorthernSupe...
A visualization of all rosters from the Northern Super League. Teams are AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild, Halifax Tides, Montreal Roses, Ottawa Rapid, and Vancouver Rose.
January 17, 2025 at 10:17 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Northern Super League

#NSL teams continue to reveal new players, and a lot more are expected this week. Here’s where they stand for announced signings.
Visualization of the Northern Super League’s team rosters so far.
January 13, 2025 at 4:23 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
2025 NCAA #WoSo Rookie Class

Busy day for college signings, so this include’s today’s signings & breaks out NWSL vs. other leagues + available.
A grid visualization of the 2025 NCAA rookie women’s soccer class. It shows the 16 players who have signed professional contracts with NWSL teams so far. A grid visualization of the 2025 NCAA rookie women’s soccer class. It shows the 12 players who have signed professional contracts outside of the NWSL so far, plus the top 12 available players.
January 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
2025 NCAA #WoSo Rookie Class

By my count, 18 players have signed. That number will surely rise soon, including some of my top 6 available here.
A grid visualization of the 2025 NCAA rookie women’s soccer class. It shows the 18 players who have signed professional contracts so far, plus the top 6 available players.
January 7, 2025 at 8:52 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
My top 30 #NWSL free agents

Players in darker gray are still negotiating with their team, others have been announced as leaving.

No ranking here, just attackers up top, defenders + keepers bottom, etc.
A grid visualization of my top 30 remaining free agents in the 2024-2025 NWSL offseason.
January 3, 2025 at 10:38 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Has any #WoSo player been utilized as differently by club + country as Crystal Dunn?
A pair of heatmaps showing where NWSL footballer Crystal has lined up when playing for club vs. country. In 97 club starts since 2017, she has started ten or more matches at the 5 most attacking positions, but only 4 matches at left back. In 47 USWNT starts since 2016, she has made nearly every start at left back, with just 4 others at the wings.
December 30, 2024 at 2:07 AM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Just finished She Can Kick It. What a lovely read overall, but especially enjoyed learning about the early years of WoSo.

Lily Parr, Rose Reilly, Molly Seaton, Sheila Parker, the Lost Lionesses, Alice Milliat. So many important players and champions.
December 28, 2024 at 7:26 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Angel City kicked off the offseason with an international transfer + college signing

☑️ Julie Dufour, young all-around winger from Paris FC, 8 caps for 🇫🇷

☑️ Macey Hodge, rookie from Mississippi State, ball-winning mid

❔ playmaking mid
❔ CB to fill in until Gilles back
❔ veteran keeper
A visualization of Angel City’s roster for the 2024-2025 NWSL offseason. It highlights the players who are on the roster, free agents, or new acquisitions.qq
December 26, 2024 at 11:29 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Favorite gift this year. Just need an away kit now, bc I heard Gotham could use a winger
A Gotham FC home jersey
December 26, 2024 at 5:51 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
The Kansas City Current had a slow start to the offseason, then made a couple moves this week.

☑️ signed keeper Laurel Ivory
☑️ traded for Rocky Rodríguez
❔ 🇧🇷 GK Lorena from Grêmio rumored
❔ Center back depth
A visualization of the Kansas City Current roster for the 2024-2025 NWSL offseason. It highlights the players who are either on the roster, free agents, or new acquisitions.
December 23, 2024 at 5:04 AM
skybluebats.bsky.social
As a lifelong New Jersey resident, I had to back @courtneystith.com’s claim of NJ as a WoSo development hotbed.
A heatmap of America showing the number of women’s soccer players by state (where they played high school or club ball). Sample of 678 current and historical pro players. California has the highest number by far, with the next tier being New Jersey, Texas, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois.
December 20, 2024 at 8:29 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Gotham FC gets their first addition of the offseason, as Jaelin Howell is coming over in the trade with Seattle Reign.

They need to sign (or bring back 🤞) a winger + add depth on every line, but central midfield is the first big need filled.
A visualization of the Seattle Reign's roster during the 2024-25 NWSL offseason. The grid shows which players are on the roster, new acquisitions, free agents, or loaned out.
December 19, 2024 at 6:20 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
This is out of date already, as @jennatonelli.bsky.social reports an update to the Lynn Williams trade. GK Cassie Miller also coming to Seattle, while Jaelin Howell heads to Gotham FC.

Reign get a starting option in Miller, who had a strong start to 2024 before Berger took over in net.
skybluebats.bsky.social Sean @skybluebats.bsky.social · Dec 19
Seattle Reign off to a nice start in the offseason. Biggest needs were keeper, left back, and direct scoring threat up top.

☑️ Signed Madi Curry
☑️ Traded for Lynn Williams
❔ Goalkeeper next hopefully
❔ Depth at attacking mid, keeper, winger
A visualization of the Seattle Reign's roster during the 2024-25 NWSL offseason. The grid shows which players are on the roster, new acquisitions, free agents, or loaned out.
December 19, 2024 at 6:03 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Seattle Reign off to a nice start in the offseason. Biggest needs were keeper, left back, and direct scoring threat up top.

☑️ Signed Madi Curry
☑️ Traded for Lynn Williams
❔ Goalkeeper next hopefully
❔ Depth at attacking mid, keeper, winger
A visualization of the Seattle Reign's roster during the 2024-25 NWSL offseason. The grid shows which players are on the roster, new acquisitions, free agents, or loaned out.
December 19, 2024 at 4:10 PM
skybluebats.bsky.social
Utah Royals adding Alex Loera provides a solid option at defensive mid + center back. They already had depth at DM, but I still wanted them to add another.

Having extra options there allows Zornoza to move up in the midfield or Del Fava to slide out to right back, which I like for both players.
A visualization of the Utah Royals roster for the 2024-25 NWSL offseason. It highlights which players are still on the roster from last year, new additions, are free agents, or have moved to another team.
December 18, 2024 at 1:55 AM