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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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Defector

Lesley Ryder is a writer and a host covering the Chicago Red Stars. She co-created <a href="https://galpalsports.com/">Gal Pal Sports</a>, a platform that lives to make women’s sports fun for everyone.

Lesley Photo

Lesley Ryder

The digital signage shows the NWSL logo on it before the National Women's Soccer League match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Houston Dash at Red Bull Arena on July 31, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey.

NWSL Logo

NWSL

NWSL To Pay $5 Million To Abused Players As Part Of Settlement

Abigail Segel is a writer based in Montreal.

Screenshot 2023-06-14 at 10.34.24 AM

Abigail Segel

Mallory Swanson poses with her arms in the air during a USWNT portrait studio session on February 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Mal Swanson

Soccer

Mal Swanson Is Back! And So Are The Red Stars

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Tom Ley

Megan Rapinoe #15 of OL Reign reacts after her last home regular-season NWSL match at Lumen Field on October 06, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

Washington Spirit v OL Reign

Megan Rapinoe Put Retirement Off A Little Longer

Investigations Editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99

DFM New Headshot

Diana Moskovitz

The NWSL flag waves in the wind during the match between the Kansas City Current and the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Childrens Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS.

Everything That Was Not Said In The NWSL’s Friday News Dump

Claire Watkins is a musician and writer living in Chicago, IL.

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Claire Watkins

The logo for the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars. The Logo is dirty and shattered.

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How The Chicago Red Stars Became The Epitome Of NWSL Dysfunction

Chicago Red Stars v Portland Thorns FC: Semifinal – 2021 NWSL Championship

This NWSL Final Is The Result Of Knockout Soccer At Its Best

2019-01-01 00:15:14.989

Maitreyi Anantharaman

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Laura Wagner

2020 NWSL Challenge Cup – Quarterfinals

Journalismism

The Era Of Lady Boss Sports Team Owners Is Upon Us

Chicago Red Stars