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<div>Abigail Segel is a contributing writer at Defector. She is also an editor for The IX Soccer and the Equalizer. Her work has been published in the Guardian and the Montreal Gazette.</div>
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Abigail Segel

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.

Soccer

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

<p>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.</p>


Lesley Ryder

Detail of the Bedazzled NWSL ball prior to the NWSL match between Angel City FC and San Diego Wave at BMO Stadium on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

NWSL

NWSL Soccer Is Back, But The Scandals Haven’t Gone Away

Billy Haisley

Naomi Girma of Chelsea waves to the crowd as she is unveiled as a Chelsea player prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 26, 2025 in London, England.

Naomi Girma’s Move To Chelsea Is Ambition Incarnate


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

San Diego Wave FC signage is displayed before the game between San Diego Wave FC and North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium on September 08, 2024 in San Diego, California.

Sixth Ex-Wave Employee Joins Lawsuit, Alleges Supervisor Sent Her Dick Pics

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 22: NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman addresses the media ahead of the NWSL 2024 Championship at CPKC Stadium on November 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman Keeps Talking Around The San Diego Wave Lawsuit

San Diego Wave flags during the NWSL match between the San Diego Wave FC and the Portland Thorns on May 26, 2023, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA.

San Diego Wave, NWSL Sued For Team’s “Abusive And Hostile Work Environment”

in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 Round of 16 match at Commonwealth Stadium on June 22, 2015 in Edmonton, Canada.

Alex Morgan Knew How To Use The Spotlight

Luis Paez-Pumar

Alex Morgan #13 of San Diego Wave FC waves to the crowd after the game against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium on September 08, 2024 in San Diego, California. This was Morgan’s final NWSL game before her announced retirement.

Alex Morgan Conquered The World

San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrates after scoring during the first half of the NWSL soccer game between NJ/NY Gotham FC and San Diego Wave FC on June 19, 2022 at Red Bull Arena in HArrison, NJ. Her arms are wide open, like an airplane, and she's smiling.

San Diego Wave