Ship's Log, March 14: Witness the Reign

Dave Clark -

Are you a Sounders Alliance member (season ticket holder)? You got an email inviting you to the Reign opener. Shared commercial partnerships are starting to emerge. Attempts at this relationship stuttered. They were on, off, on, off. It never worked as well as could be imagined.

It's an exciting time for the business of Reign.

More important than the business, it's an exciting time for the squad.

After a bad season, Seattle Reign went with a strong youth bent. There are still some legacy players (Fish, Lu), but it's the youth that will define the season.

What's rather fun is that they've inverted the standard youth-vet paradigm. The youth are in the back while the NWSL vets are up front (for the most part). It's a depth chart with potential to explode onto the season.

Imagine if the Sounders started their season after acquiring experienced attackers with a youth movement in defense. Yes, that's volatile, but it also hints at a significant transition in style.

Last season's static backline that struggled to pass is over. Paired with a frontline with a lot more speed, Bugg, Curry, Glas, etc., are of an era that expects a full outfield of passers. They'll have support from a strong midfield which should start with seasoning and enable the youth to support off the bench.

A more cautious team unwilling to adventure wouldn't commit to this level of change. From last year's opener, there will be about a 50% change on Saturday. It's a brave overhaul for a team that's had to balance reputation with winning for so long.

As Reign fans watched their originals develop from youthful potential stars into World Cup and Olympic legends, they'll get to do so again. Roster changes in the NWSL empowered some of that.

Hiring a former college talent evaluator as their GM helps Reign.

Get ready for a season of potential, of volatility and of women who absolutely demand the respect they earn by being the best at their craft – in the world.

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Catching up on Sounder at Heart

Here's what you missed on the site this week.

Sounders

Next match: Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 pm PT, the Sounders are in St. Louis on MLS Season Pass. St. Louis is 1-0-2, +3. Seattle is 1-1-1, +1.

Reign

Next match: Saturday, March 15 at 7 pm PT, Reign host Gotham on iON television.

Defiance

Next match: Tonight! Defiance host The Town (San Jose) at 7 pm PT at Starfire ($5+ to RAVE to get in) on MLS Season Pass.

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Everything else you need to know

There's a lot going on in the soccer world, but this is only going to be a selection of NWSL previews since the league starts tonight.

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