OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Week 3 of the NWSL’s Fall Series took place over the weekend with one match Saturday (North Carolina Courage versus Orlando Pride) and two matches Sunday (Chicago Red Stars versus Sky Blue FC and Portland Thorns FC versus Utah Royals FC).
Between the three matches, 31 WPSL Alumnae took the field with 26 former players earning starting positions and 15 former players playing the full 90-minute match. Nineteen of the alumnae were part of the last four WPSL seasons.
The WPSL had 19 current and former clubs represented with most alumnae coming from the Chicago Red Stars Reserves (six) followed by Motor City FC (three), Florida Sol FC (three) and Western New York Flash (three) – WNY Flash was part of the WPSL Elite league in 2012.
The alumnae did more than just earn playing time, they made a significant impact on the field as well. Of the eight goals scored collectively, three came from WPSL players along with four assists.
Vanessa DiBernardo (Chicago Red Stars Reserves), Ifeoma Onumonu (Boston Breakers), and Zoey Goralski (Chicago Red Stars Reserves) proved to be solid playmakers for their sides during the Red Stars versus Sky Blue FC match. Onumonu gave Sky Blue FC the lead right after kick-off with a goal in the sixth minute. DiBernardo would play a part in Chicago’s goal to tie it up with an assist to Kealia Watt, then would net a goal herself just before half in the 44’. Teammate Goralski would also score for Chicago in the 23’. Two other alumnae would provide assists in Chicago’s 4-1 victory – Morgan Brian (Florida Sol FC) and Sarah Luebbert (Fire & Ice SC).
Alumnae by Position
Goalkeepers - 2
Defenders - 13
Midfielders- 10
Forwards- 6
Current and Former WPSL Clubs Represented
Asheville City SC
Boston Breakers
California Storm
Carolina Dynamo
Chicago Red Stars Reserves
FC Dallas
FC Wichita
Fire & Ice SC
Florida Krush
Florida Sol FC
Long Island Fury
Motor City FC
New England Mutiny
New York Fury
Oak City United
San Diego SeaLions
SoccerPlus CT
Washington Spirt Reserves
Western New York Flash