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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

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<p>Abigail Segel is a writer based in Montreal.</p>


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Abigail Segel

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Rose Lavelle #16 of NY/NJ Gotham FC celebrates scoring the winning goal with teammates during the 2025 NWSL championship game between Washington Spirit and NJ|NY Gotham City FC at PayPal Park on November 22, 2025, in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Elysia Su/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Washington Spirit v NJ/NY Gotham FC – NWSL Championship 2025 Presented by Google Pixel

Soccer

Gotham Grabs The Crown Of An NWSL At A Tipping Point

Chicago Stars FC fans chant Trans Rights are Human Rights while holding up a Transgender flag behind Alyssa Naeher #1 of Chicago Stars FC during the first half during a game between San Diego Wave FC and Chicago Stars FC at Seatgeek Stadium on April 26, 2025, in Bridgeview, Illinois.

San Diego Wave FC v Chicago Stars FC

The Anti-Trans Grifters Are Coming For The NWSL

Jaedyn Shaw #2 of NY/NJ Gotham FC attempts a shot during the match against Portland Thorns at Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 26, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey.

NY/NJ Gotham FC v Portland Thorns

Jaedyn Shaw’s Redemption Arc Is Underway

Sarah Puntigam #17 of Houston Dash shoots during the NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.

San Diego Wave v Houston Dash

In A Typically Chaotic NWSL Season, The Only Safe Place Is The Very Top

Players of Chicago Stars celebrates with teammate Alyssa Naeher #1 after the NWSL match between Seattle Reign and Chicago Stars at Lumen Field on August 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Reign v Chicago Stars

Alyssa Naeher Shoots And Scores, But The Chicago Stars Are Still In The Dark

Chloe Kelly of England celebrates after scoring her team's second goal from a rebound following a saved penalty in extra-time during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Semi-Final match between England and Italy at Stade de Geneve on July 22, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

England v Italy – UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Semi-Final

In The Face Of Chaos, England Kept Calm And Carried On Into The Euros Final

Michelle Cooper #17 of the Kansas City Current looks on during the first half against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on June 07, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey.

NJ/NY Gotham FC v Kansas City Current

Michelle Cooper Is Always Ready To Pounce

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman is seen on the field before a match between Bay FC and Angel City FC in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Bay FC v Angel City FC

NWSL

Jessica Berman Makes Her Priorities Clear

LAVAL, CANADA - JANUARY 29: Catherine Dubois #28 of the Montreal Victoire skates during the second period against the Ottawa Charge at Place Bell on January 29, 2025 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Montreal Victoire defeated the Ottawa Charge 4-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Ottawa Charge v Montreal Victoire

PWHL

It Took Two Years And Four Overtimes For The Victoire To Live Up To Their Name In The Playoffs

The Vermillion Vanguard prepares to march

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The Vermilion Vanguard Is On The March

USA's forward #9 Ally Sentnor celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the SheBelieves Cup football match between USA and Japan at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on February 26, 2025.

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Emma Hayes Shows Us The USWNT She Believes In

Former McGill women's soccer players Stéphanie Hill and Mara Bouchard, in separate side by side photos, playing soccer.

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“It Changes Everything”: What Canada’s New Women’s Soccer League Means To Two Of Its Players

Marta #10 of the Orlando Pride celebrates after the Pride defeated the Washington Spirit 1-0 to win the NWSL 2024 Championship Game at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Orlando Pride v Washington Spirit – NWSL 2024 Championship Game

Orlando Runs Away With The NWSL, And The Rest Will Have To Catch Up