The NWSL canceled its 2020 schedule because of the pandemic, instead conducting a mini-tournament last summer and a low-key series in the fall. This year’s start, the latest for the league since its 2013 launch, was preceded by what Spirit Coach Richie Burke called “the longest preseason in the history of the world.”
Ten teams opened training camp Feb. 1, and aside from another month-long tournament that concluded last weekend, players have been stuck running sprints and engaging in drills for a long time.
“When they’ve got no matches, it sort of disturbs that preparation,” Burke said.