WNBA Playoffs are set

WNBA Playoffs are Set

And just like that, we are at the end of the WNBA regular season, with the playoffs kicking off this past Sunday. This season, we had some standout players and teams, while others fell short of preseason expectations. The teams that will, unfortunately, be missing out on the playoffs include the LA Sparks, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and the Connecticut Sun. As most of these teams look to rebuild over the offseason, a couple still have players in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year trophy. Dallas Wings shooting guard Paige Bueckers and Washington Mystics shooting guard Sonia Citron have both had a wonderful rookie season. While their teams may not be in the playoffs, both rookies are still hoping to walk away from this season with at least one trophy. On the other side, the teams in the playoffs bring some familiar names and storylines to the forefront. Although the Minnesota Lynx have been on a slump towards the end of the season, they still hold the number 1 spot in the rankings. The Las Vegas team, on the other hand, had a rough start to the season, but after hitting a 13-game win streak, they jumped up to 3rd in the rankings and gave themselves another shot at the trophy. The Golden State Valkerys may be the new kid on the block, but they are looking to continue their historic season by becoming the first expansion team to not only make the playoffs but also win a playoff game in their first season. The match-ups were set for Sunday’s WNBA Playoffs, and here are the results from game one of the first round:

• Fever 68-80 Dream

• Lynx 101-72 Valkyrie

• Liberty 76- 69 Mercury

• Aces 102 - 77 Storm

Alyssa Thompson, Chelsea’s debut, and Sam Kerr is back!

On September 14th, Chelsea played against Aston Villa, and two great things happened during that game for Chelsea. Alyssa Thompson made her debut after the second half and made some noise. She seemed poised and not nervous at all. The moment that fans have really been waiting for was the return of Aussie striker Sam Kerr. She has been out for 2 years due to a knee injury. In the 74th minute, the crowd roared as Sam Kerr stood at the half, ready to check in for Chelsea. It did not take long, though, for her to get on to the score sheet because in extra time scored an easy goal. A goal from Kerr and a successful debut from new signing Thompson made the 3-1 win just that much sweeter for the Blues.

Jayden Shaw's highest transfer in soccer history

Jayden Shaw went to the NC Courage from the San Diego Wave. During her time at NC Courage, it was a rocky start. Being a sub and only scoring 3 goals for the Courage. She was transferred to Gotham FC for 1.25 million. Her debut was against the team that started it all, San Diego Wave. According to an interview before the game, she was ready to play. She came in as a substitute in the second half, hoping to make a difference. Amazingly enough, she scored the second goal for Gotham FC. The goal meant a lot to her and the club.

NWSL Scoreline

• San Diego Wave 0-2 Gotham FC

• NC Courage 2-1 Angel City FC

• Orlando Pride 1-1 Bay FC

• KC Current 0-0 Washington Spirit

• Chicago Stars 1-1 Portland Thorns

• Utah Royals 0 -3 Houston Dash

• Seattle Reign 0-0 Racing Louisville; This game was suspended due to a medical emergency when Racing Louisville’s Savanah Demelo collapsed on the field and was rushed to the hospital. The league stated that this game will be rescheduled for a later date to complete the remaining time.