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Orlando Pride win the NWSL double

 

Orlando Pride finish the 2024 season with the double after winning both the shield & championship.

What a season the Orlando Pride have had, winning the championship on Saturday against the Washington Spirit was just the crowning moment showing just how far the team have come. We don't think many people would have predicted the Pride to have the season they did, we sure didn't and we have been backing them since their formation. Seb Hines and his management team seem to have really go things in order at the club though and the team have finally won their first major silverware.

Over the years it has been a bit of a rocky road being a Pride fan, you thought team would do well then just a few games in you knew not to get your hopes up. This season has been different though as whilst the season progressed you just got more and more hopeful that the squad could hold on and get their first major trophies which they eventually did. There were some signs of progression in the 2023 season when Pride finished 7th just missing out on the playoffs after finishing 10th back in 2022. Back in 2019 the team came bottom of the league with only 16 points out of the season which just shows the uphill battle the team have had in recent years to finally see some progress and see them lift the silverware. Players have come and gone in recent years as have management teams but they now seem to have finally seen a management and squad that works really well together.

Throughout the season we saw some brilliant performances from the team which saw them finish the season on 60 points (a record for a singular season) after winning 18 games (yet another record) drawing 6 and only losing 2 games all season which came in the final few regular games. They also finished with a 26 goal difference with them scoring 46 goals and only conceding 20.

One big influence on the team has to be the addition of forward Barbra Banda who has had a fantastic start to life at the club. Banda was second in the top scorers this season after finding the back of the net 17 times, it was Banda who won the championship for the Pride too as her goal was the only one in the final, this led to her being named the championship MVP too. It is safe to say Banda settled into life at Orlando Pride well but will we see a repeat of these fantastic performances in season 2? 

Marta finally got her NWSL silverware with this double too, the longest serving member of the squad after being at the club since 2017 you could say this was a long time for one of the greatest players of all time. What made this win even more special though was the fact her mum was in attendance for this championship win, the first time she has watched her daughter play in the States. Now Marta has achieved the double in the NWSL though you can't help but wonder how much longer she has got playing, having retired from international football now shes won some silverware could domestic retirement be looming?

This season has been brilliant for the Pride and they have shown they are a force to be reckoned with after being written off for so many years. Are we going to see the same kind of performances from the team next season or are others going to add more strength and depth to their squads to put up a fight? It will be interesting to see any comings or goings from the Pride in the off season, will the add strength themselves or could we see a few players head in a different direction? All we know is we are looking forward to seeing how the off season plays out for not only the Pride but also the other teams in the league. 

For now though we are just going to sit back for a bit and enjoy seeing the Pride's celebrations as it has been a long time coming for them.  

Some players just have those bits of style you want to add to your own game... Here are those players for me

Over the years I have been lucky enough to watch some absolutely fantastic players play football in the women's game who all brings something to the game which impact plays in different ways. A lot of those players who inspired me growing up have now retired however, a whole host of new talent is coming through and now I am back on the pitch myself I am noticing specific players types of play more which got me thinking about which players I would love to start watching even closer to add bits of their style into my own game. So here are just a few of the players whose style I would love to add in to my own when I am on that pitch...

Katie Zelem

I have really enjoyed watching Zelem play for numerous years now and I think it is due to how she can really work the central midfield role and get into some good attacking positions when required. Her set pieces are fantastic too with some pin point corners and threatening free kicks. Zelem is a strong force defensively too who isn't afraid to get stuck in for a tackle and track when needed. We have also seen a lot of her in the CDM role where she can hold up play and create some great passes to move her team forward. 

Lauren Hemp

Hemp is still so young yet she is already showing us all how much of a world class player is. Scoring goals, helping defend and just causing the opposition so many I issues I would absolutely love to add some of Hemp's style into my own play. The main thing I think I would love to add is her speed as she is absolutely rapid which causes some big problems with the opposition. If I could finish like her to that would also be fantastic as she scores some brilliant goals.

Khadija Bunny Shaw

Who wouldn't love to play like Shaw, her ability in front of goal is absolutely brilliant and she just looks like a constant threat when the ball gets played to her, whether it is with her feet or head you can just anticipate her name popping up on the score sheet and it is rare if it doesn't. Not only can Shaw score goals but she has a great play reading ability that helps her and her team mates get into some brilliant areas. Scoring and reading the play are definitely two key parts I would love to take from Shaw's game and add to my own.

Rachel Daly

The versatility of Daly is something that I would love to add into my own game. If called upon Daly can really stand out at the left back position and putting in some great defensive work but she really stands out up front and we have seen her score goal after goal with some fantastic reading of play. Daly might be a goal scorer but she is also a creator of play with some great vision for passing when on the ball and for movement when she is off it. No matter where Daly plays though she stands out and gives it 110%.


Jordan Nobbs

It is no secret that Nobbs is one of my all time favourite women's players and she is a player that I have looked up to for a long time now. When you have watched players for as long as I have with Nobbs it is safe to say you notice those little things they do in games and how they create an impact. The ability to find even the smallest pocket of space to help out team mates is something I would add to my game which Nobbs does, week in week out you see her just sneaking about drawing the opposition in and creating space for her team to attack. I would also love her ability to stop opposition attacks with some well timed challenges too and finally her ability to score some rocket goals from distance her accuracy with those goals is absolutely fantastic to watch.


Katie McCabe

Last but not least there are so many pieces of McCabe's play I would love to add into my own game. One big thing is her physicality she is a no nonsense player who gets stuck in and uses her strength to hold up the ball or retrieve it back for her team, her tackles are also great to watch, it is like watching Roy Keane at points. I would also love to add her vocality to my game too as she really stands up and helps direct the team into the next move or where the others need to be, you especially see this when she is captain on international duty. Finally I would love to be able to take set pieces like McCabe, her free kicks are great and usually find a team mate with just the right amount of power, but the biggest one is her corners they are perfectly weighted and angled and sometimes even get her on the score sheet direct from that corner. 

So there you have it those are plays who I would love to take little pieces of style from and add into my own game as time goes on. Imagine having all these little pieces like those players and merge it into one with a lot of hard work in training and trial & error, you could become a bit of a super player & all rounder. 
Next time you are watching a game watch those players who are in the same position as you and try pick out those little pieces of style that you would love to add into your own game, I think you will be surprised on what you would want to work on over time, plus it will no doubt highlight areas you have never really considered for you before.

For now though it's time to get training and try add some of these elements mentioned in the post added into my own game. Let's see how that works out shall we. 

If you could play like one player who would it be?

WSL ones to watch for the 2024/25 season part 2

Here we go part 2 of our ones to watch for the WSL 202425 season, if you missed part 1 you an catch up here. Part 1 focused on the first 6 teams alphabetically so part 2 is going to be those next 6 teams that make up the league. It is safe to say there has been plenty of movement for these 6 teams however, our ones to watch are a nice mix of old and new. So here are our ones to watch for the final 6 teams that make up the WSL...

Leicester City 

Ruby Mace

Mace spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Leicester and this season she has made that move permanent after minimal game time on her return to Man City following that loan spell. Mace has the potential to develop into an absolutely fantastic footballer however, Man City were holding her back due to the lack of game time she received. Keep an eye on Mace this season though as she has the chance to really thrive at Leicester and help them get the results on the board.

Deanne Rose

The Canadian forward is entering her second season with Leicester City and will be hoping to get more game time and more goals under her belt. From pre-season performances it looks like Rose has the potential to become a key player for Leicester this season and after scoring little goals last season you can't help but think that season 2 with the club is going to be a chance to improve on last season and find the back of the net more often.

Asmita Ale

The former Tottenham player clearly impressed on loan last season as she has now made that permanent move to Leicester City. The full back is back to keep on adding strength to the defensive line and we are looking forward to seeing how she gets on now she has made the move permanent. At just 22 she really is in those stages of making a name for herself and she has the potential to make a start on that process this season.

Liverpool

Gemma Evans

Liverpool have saved Evans from the bench of Manchester United and we are looking forward to seeing how Evans performs in that already impressive back line for Liverpool. A disappointing season last season for Evans saw her move to Man Utd and spend far too long on the bench with minutes lacking. You can't help but hope that Evans breaks into the Liverpool team as a regular and puts in some superb performances to show United what they are missing.

Olivia Smith 

The 20 year old Canadian will be hoping to hit the ground running for Liverpool after joining in the summer transfer window. Smith joined Liverpool from Sporting CP where she scored 13 goals in 18 games for the club and won the clubs player of the year award alongside the leagues best young player of the season award. With the added pressure on Liverpool after a great season last season we can't wait to see what Smith brings to the Liverpool team this season. 

Cornelia Kapocs

Liverpool really aren't messing around this season with signings and Kapocs is another forward they have added to their ranks this summer. Kapocs is another goal scorer too with 18 goals in 25 games for Swedish side Linkoping in 2023. There are plenty of forwards at the club now however, you could imagine Kapocs gets plenty of minutes if she makes the right impact straight away. You would definitely expect to see her name on the score sheet a fair few times for Liverpool this season.

Manchester City

Vivianne Miedema

Miedema has made the move up North this season and is definitely a player to watch. We have all seen over the years just what Miedema is capable of and even post serious injury she looks like there is no sign of slowing down. We can't wait to see how the Shaw, Miedema combination works and we have a funny feeling she is going to be a key player for Man City and their plan of chasing Chelsea for the title.

Allana Kennedy

With the loss of Houghton through retirement it is going to be key for Gareth Taylor to keep his defensive line fit and injury free and one player we are hoping we will see plenty of is Allana Kennedy. Unfortunately Kennedy seems to have been plagued by injuries since her move to City so fingers crossed we see her get plenty of game time and stay injury free this season as her experience could really help City push for that top spot. 

Khadija Shaw

We unfortunately saw Shaw finish the 23/24 season injured however, she still finished with the golden boot due to a fantastic season. We can't wait to see Shaw this season though as with the addition of Miedema we are bound to see Shaw not only on the score sheet but also on the assist sheet. Shaw really is the gift that keeps on giving so keep an eye on the impact she has over the course on the capmaign.

Manchester United

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

With Earps out of the picture at United it is finally time for another 'keeper to step up and make a name for themselves and we can't wait to see what sort of impact Tullis-Joyce has on the United results. We never really got to see anyone other than Earps in goal previously but from the glimpses of Tullis-Joyce we did see we were impressed. She has got a big name to follow on from but keep an eye on Tullis-Joyce as she may just surprise you.

Melvine Malard

Malard has now signed for United on a permanent deal and we are really hoping this means she will get more game time as she is a player with a whole lot of potential if given a real chance. With the exits at the club this summer you would like to think that Malard was going to get much more game time than last season and really make an impact on the teams results. From what we did see last season she can impact results and that is definitely what United need these days.

Celin Bizet

Bizet moves to United this season from Tottenham and she is a player we are really looking forward to seeing play for United. We saw Bizet and Clinton linking up fantastically last season whilst Clinton was on loan at Tottenham so we are hoping that happens again but this time in United colours. Bizet can be a huge threat in front of goal given the right delivery and the United squad still have players who can provide those crosses into the box so no doubt she is going to be on the score sheet plenty of times over the course of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur

Hayley Raso

Finally Raso is back in the WSL and we can't wait to see how she gets on at Spurs. It seemed like Everton didn't get the most out of Raso before her move over to Spain so we are wondering what sort of performances we are going to see from her upon her return to the English top flight. Spurs have really added to their squad with the addition of Raso and she could play a key part in Spurs causing some upsets throughout the season.

Clare Hunt

Raso isn't the only Australian added to the Spurs squad this summer as they have also added defender Clare Hunt to their squad. Hunt has joined from PSG and her strong defensive ability is going to really help Spurs if they want to progress up that league table. We can't wait to see the impact Hunt has on the Spurs squad.

Bethany England

Since moving to Spurs we have seen England really make a name for herself and we can't help but feel that she is going to go from strength to strength this season and really help Spurs cause some upsets and finish in a decent position come the end of the season. We will no doubt see her on the score sheet plenty of times but with Raso in the squad too we could really see a strong front line with both players providing plenty of goals and assists.

West Ham 

Kristie Mewis

It feels like us WSL fans are still to see anything from Mewis due to injury however, if she manages to stay injury free we feel we could be back to seeing the quality she brought to the NWSL week in week out. Mewis has so much potential and we saw that whilst she was in the USA and if West Ham get the same level of performances from her with those around her we could easily see a few upsets during the campaign. Now let's just hope she get's a good run this season injury free.

Katrina Gorry

We just can't help but get excited when we see Gorry play as she commands that midfield. This is Gorry's first full season at the club and she has just been announced as captain for the season which just goes to show what the club think to her ability. Gorry is one of those players you would just love to play like so keep an eye on her movement this season and the impact she has on the West Ham team.

Shelina Zardorsky

Zardorsky has made the move to West Ham permanent this season after joining on loan last season which just goes to show the impact she made during that loan season. Zardorsky is a no nonsense defender who is going to be influential in keeping the scoreline down each week and when needed she can grab a goal too so it is going to be interesting to see what sort of impact she has with her first full season at the club. Zardrosky is also vice captain for the season which again shows how highly thought of she is at the club.

So there you have it that is part two of the WSL ones to watch for the 2024/25 season. It is safe to say with each season the teams are just getting stronger and that in turn is making for some really interesting football each game. Now please can the season just hurry up and start...

WSL ones to watch for the 2024/25 season part 1

Here we got the WSL kicks off this weekend and it is safe to say here at Edge of the Area the countdown has been on for the return of the top flight action so that we could see the return of some of our favourite players. This season is bound to be an exciting one with plenty of movement throughout the transfer window with the majority of sides really strengthening their squads. Today's post is going to be split into two parts as we take a look at the players to watch this season for each team, the posts are split alphabetically so part 1 is A to E whilst the second part is L to W. So here are the players to watch for the first 6 teams alphabetically...

Arsenal


Mariona Caldentey 

The Spaniard has joined Arsenal this season from Barcelona adding even more a threat to their already strong front line. Caldentey has already been showing the fans what she is capable of with some brilliant performances in the Women's Champions League so she is definitely one to keep an eye on this season as she could be crucial in Arsenal pushing for a top 3 finish.

Lina Hurtig

Hurtig is finally back for Arsenal after seeming to disappear last season. The issues keeping her off the pitch seem to have been resolved now and if she stays injury free we can see her becoming a bit of an impact sub for the club as with the experience in the front line she might struggle to break straight into the team. 


Leah Williamson

After her return from injury last season Leah's game time was managed well although a few other knocks stopped her returning to her full potential. With another preseason under her belt we think we could start to see the return of Williamson's solid centre back performances and these again are going to play a key part in Arsenal's push for that top 3 finish.

Aston Villa


Missy Bo Kearns

We have seen a few names move to Villa to eye up those England call ups and it seems this could be a part of why Missy Bo Kearns has moved to the club. Leaving her beloved Liverpool behind we are looking forward to seeing what impact she has on the Villa squad that is going from strength to strength each season.


Katie Robinson

Robinson's name is one that has been floating around for a while and she has had a few England call ups in the process, she has switched from Brighton to Villa this season and we think this quick winger could help Villa show they are contenders for the top end of the table. If she plays anything like she did at Brighton she could be key for getting them forwards the goals this season.


Adriana Leon

Leon has show everyone what she is capable of since moving to Villa and we can only see her progressing even more this season. Game time has been lacking in previous years for the forward but she has found her form in preseason and internationally so the potential for a stand out season is certainly there for the Canadian. With Leon and Daly upfront Villa could really be a force to be reckoned with.

Brighton & Hove Albion


Nikita Parris

We can't help but feel like this season could become a bit of a revenge season for Parris. A move to Brighton this summer could see the resurgence of Parris, or at least that is what we are hoping to see. Game time hasn't been something Parris has had a lot of lately but with this move she is bound to get more minutes each week. Keep a close eye on Parris this season as she is definitely a player with a point to prove.


Fran Kirby

Kirby is another player who made the move to Brighton in the summer and just like with Parris we believe Kirby is going to be able to thrive at her new club. This season is a fresh start for Kirby and hopefully it will stay injury/illness for her so she can prove to everyone just what she is capable of away from the Chelsea set up. With the team she will be playing with week in week out Kirby could really help Brighton cause some upsets this season. 


Michelle Agyemang

18 year old Agyemang joins Brighton on loan for the season from Arsenal and we are hoping that we will get to see her play plenty of games for the club this season. Agyemang has the potential this season to really start making a name for herself especially with those names surrounding her. Brighton could be the perfect place to really kick start her career so let's see how this season plays out for her, we are definitely looking forward to seeing her develop.

Chelsea


Lucy Bronze

Bronze is back in the WSL and this time it is somewhere other than Man City and we can't wait to see how her season at Chelsea plays out this time around as much as it pains us that she isn't back at City. Bronze is showing no signs of slowing down and is still putting in some fantastic performances however, with the quality Chelsea already have on the right she is going to have to up her game even more if she wants the maximum game time possible. Could Bronze be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Chelsea to retain the title? I guess we haven't got long to wait and see.


Sam Kerr

Sam Kerr is one to watch as she returns to the pitch from an ACL injury, granted she might not be one to watch on the pitch for a while however, you would expect to see her play some games of the 2024/25 season. Keep an eye on Kerr's recovery and how she isn't rushing to return to the pitch as with her taking her time to return you would expect her to come back stronger than ever. Even off the pitch she could help Chelsea push for retaining that title.


Julia Bartel

Bartel is another addition to the Chelsea squad from Barcelona and we are looking forward to seeing how she fits into her new team. Bartel might not be a prolific goal scorer however, she will be instrumental in creating chances for her team mates. Chelsea already have a really strong side however, Bartel's addition just adds a bit more depth to the squad and strengthens that chance of another title winning season.

Crystal Palace


Katie Stengel

It doesn't seem like two minutes ago that Stengel left Liverpool to return to the States however, she is once again back in to WSL this time though she is joining newly promoted Crystal Palace. We have seen time and time again how good of a forward Stengel is and I am sure she will be 


Jorja Fox

Jorja is representing Crystal Palace this season on loan from Chelsea and this is going to be a chance for her to really shine in the top flight. Fox was on loan at Brighton in the 2022/23 season before having to return to Chelsea with an ACL injury. We have a feeling Fox might be using this season to show everyone just what she is capable of.


Molly-Mae Sharpe

We might be a bit biased with this one however, we are really looking forward to seeing what Sharpe can offer for Crystal Palace. Sharpe started off with Bradford City before heading to the States before returning back to the UK to play for Durham, since then she has found herself at Crystal Palace with a great goal scoring record. We are hoping that Sharpe really gets to prove herself in the top flight as she has a lot of potential.

Everton


Veatriki Sarri

Sarri is one of those players who has always be massively underrated in our eyes and we are hoping that this move to Everton puts her on more fans radar. Sarri can score goals and create them and with Everton looking to climb the table and become the club they once were Sarri's addition could be vital this season. No doubt we will see her get plenty of player of the match performances throughout the season. 


Melissa Lawley

This season is going to be an interesting one for Lawley after switching from the red side of the Mersey to the Blue. Just like with Sarri you can only imagine this signing is to show they are not to be messed with this season as this is another signing that will add more strength to the squad and help them climb that table. Keep an eye on how Lawley gets on this season as she could make a really big impact.


Clare Wheeler

We can't help but think that this season is going to be a standout season for Wheeler. The Australian is getting the game time she deserves at Everton and with the strength of the squad increasing in the summer we think we could see Wheeler go from strength to strength linking up well with the new signings to get the results on the board for Everton.

So there you have it those are the ones to watch for the first 6 teams in the WSL alphabetically, be sure to check back this evening to see who we feel are the ones to watch for those remaining 6 teams. I think it is safe to say though each team in the league this season is getting even stronger than previous and we are going to be in for an interesting season of football.

Don't forget to check back later for part 2 and follow our socials for plenty more WSL content.

Halifax Amateur Lionesses finally get their season underway

Finally  the day has finally arrived and it is finally time to lace the boots back up and head out onto the pitch to start the new season. Halifax Amateur Lionesses started properly towards the start of 2024 and played their first friendly in February against Kirkburton, ironically it was Kirburton who we played our very first league game against too. Since forming and that very first game back in February the team have come a very long way by playing in plenty of friendlies and a few tournaments over the summer but we are all so glad the season has finally started as it seems to have been a very long time coming.

When the game begun you could tell there were a few first game nerves around from the team and it took a while for both sides to settle down and get into the game properly. Once those nerves settled though we did eventually get into a good rhythm on the ball with some good movement and Millie had the best chance for us when an effort from out wide rattled off the inside of the post and bounced back into play where unfortunately we weren't ready for the rebound and Kirkburton defused the danger. Kirkburton had a good chance of their own too when a great strike ended up tipped over the bar and away from danger by 'keeper Becky.

Luckily with us being in a starters league we get rolling substitutions so halfway through the first half subs were made just to freshen up legs and give those that needed it a breather before going again and to be honest I couldn't be more grateful as I forgot just how hard the CDM roll is and my fitness levels are shocking lately but we are working on that (more on that in an upcoming post).

Unfortunately for us towards the end of the first half Kirkburton found the back of the net giving them a 1-0 lead going into the break. The goal was a bit of a shock as it was the Amateurs who were seemingly looking more of a threat going forward, a few calls in the build up to the goal didn't help though and the half time break saw us behind on the scoreboard. The good thing about the team though is everyone rallies around each other to lift spirits and keep heads up for the next period of play and we came out fighting in the second half just as we have done in the friendlies we played prior to the league starting. 

That fighting spirit meant that it didn't take long in the second half for us to draw level, a great pass from Jemma found myself and I managed to play the ball through to Chelsey who had once again made a brilliant run and slotted the ball into the back of the net. This goal definitely lifted moral and Chelsey found herself causing more problems for the Kirkburton defenders and unfortunately due to some calls not going our way we just couldn't find that second goal. Kirkburton did have more attacking threats however, they just could't find the back of the net either, a last minute penalty was also awarded in the closing moments of the game giving them the best chance of the game to take all 3 points however, another great save from Becky saw the game finish 1-1 which was certainly well contested by both teams.

Our player of the match has to go to Millie, who found herself absolutely all over the pitch making some great runs and brilliant challenges all game even whilst carrying an injury. Although this could have gone to absolutely anyone as every single player put a shift in to secure the point.

The first game of the season may have ended with the points shared but we lost against Kirkburton the first time around so it just goes to show the improvement being made and it has also showed us areas that may need a bit of work. This team is absolutely fantastic to be a part of though and I can only see it going from strength to strength as the season progresses, note to self though... work on that fitness ASAP.

Thank you very much again to Grip Sockz & Revive Rehab Therapy for being my player sponsors this season and keep checking back weekly for more of these reports as the season progresses. 

For now though it is time to rest & recovery ready to go again next weekend.