Twelve months ago, regular-season success in Australia’s W-League cast five Thorns FC players into the Australian league’s playoffs. This year, however, the story has changed. Although the Thorns talents in Oz this NWSL are enjoying individual success, their teams are fighting for postseason spots.
Brisbane Roar, for whom Celeste Boureille plays an important role in midfield, sits fourth, in the league’s last playoff position, one year after finishing a regular season in the league’s top spot. Back then, Sydney FC finished in second, three points behind, but this year’s team currently sits sixth despite another strong season from Caitlin Foord.