NWSL Season Ends On A High Note

The first season of the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) is in the books. Portland Thorns FC defeated Western New York Flash in the championship on Saturday night 2-0, on a soaring golazo from Tobin Heath and a late clincher from Christine Sinclair (with the assist by Alex Morgan). Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and the Flash played well but just couldn't find the net, as Karina LeBlanc was on her top form. LeBlanc probably would win a seat as the mayor of Portland if she ever chose to run. The whole game was exciting from start to finish, and was even better than NBC's slate of EPL games on Saturday.

Thorns fans packed Jeld-Wen Field all Year

The Portland Thorns set the standard for women's club soccer, averaging over 13,000 fans per game with a season high of 17,619 on August 4th. US Soccer President Sunil Gulati said there won't be any expansion in 2014 as they focus on the current teams building their base. He did say there could be more NWSL teams that link up with an MLS (Major League Soccer) team. The New York Red Bulls and Sky Blue FC were the clubs mentioned who could form a partnership. The Portland Timbers ownership also owns the Portland Thorns, which has given them this big edge. They were able to bring in many Timbers season ticket holders, and the "Timbers Army" supporters group members joined the "Rose City Riveters" Thorns supporters group in giving the Thorns an atmosphere that can rival some European men's teams.