The Rondo: NWSL heats up, WSL kicks off, and Super League makes its mark

INDIVISA and GOAL writers break down the big stories around American women's soccer

• USA TODAY Sports

  Who wins the NWSL?

  Celia Balf: TheOrlando Pride. They are unbeaten in 21, and have established themselves from one of the league's worst, to, well, the best. What is so good about this Pride team is a combination of discipline, creativity, and ball players across all thirds of the field.

  They have Barbra Banda up top, who is still in the Golden Boot race and when she's off, no one is catching her. They also have Marta, who is the heartbeat to the team and one of, if not the, greatest players to ever play. In the midfield, they have Yates and Adriana. Their game against Kansas City summed it all up. They played a 4-2-4 which meant the Pride had four very aggressive midfielders/forwards up top, pressing the Current's backline all game. That kind of bite, and mentality to hunt the ball and win games, means the Pride can go all the way.

  Jacob Schneider: The Washington Spirit have what it takes to make a playoff run, due to experience and the fact that Jonatan Giraldez has a championship-winning pedigree. Factor in that Ouleymatta Sarr has emerged as a scoring threat, in addition to Rodman - if she makes a quick return - and something special could come. However, it's hard to look at Orlando and Gotham and say neither could factor in, too.

  Amee Ruzkai: It's difficult to pick against Orlando, which remarkably remains unbeaten. With the goals of Banda, the magic of Marta and impressive seasons from the likes of Adriana, Emily Sams and Angelina, the Pride have been a delight to watch and so impressive throughout 2024. The big question about Orlando has to be whether they can get over the line. This is a team that lacks experience of the NWSL postseason, having only been there once, and has never won a playoff game. Still, the Pride are quite literally the team to beat as the end of the season nears.

• USL Super League

  Has the USL Super League debut been a success?

  CB: Now that all of the teams have actually played, yes. It was a little tough for a bit, with Brooklyn FC not having a home field, but now that all of the teams have competed, the games are entertaining, to say the least. In terms of production and entertainment, the Super League is excelling. From the jerseys and merch to the game experiences, it's top notch. Also the league's recent deal with ESPN for a multi-year agreement is another strong move. As long as the games continue to get eyes, it will be a success.

  JS: It's tough to say. We're seeing impressive attendance so far, and fans seem to be interested on social media, which is a big plus. The league could do with a bit more of a marketing push, drawing in fans from other leagues, but it's exciting to see the development so far.

  AR: It's tough to say, just a few games in. As someone on the other side of the pond, the idea of having two different leagues both tier one on the pyramid is quite baffling - and whether it is sustainable long-term will be interesting, given the standing the NWSL has. However, it's been nice to see some strong crowds turn out for matches. And the fact it allows women's soccer to reach new audiences and markets, by having teams in areas the NWSL doesn't, is positive.

• USA Today Images

  Which USWNT player abroad is must-watch?

  CB: Emily Fox, although the Arsenal Women had a tough go in their season opener. She only signed with Arsenal in January, so this is technically her first real season with the club. Fox is a penetrating outside back, who is disciplined defensively, but not afraid to attack the flanks. It's exciting to see how the Gunners use her. Already, it's been in the outside back role, which gives her natural outlets and triangles, with Kim Little in the middle and Beth Mead down the line.

  JS: So excited for a (fingers crossed) full season of Catarina Macario with Chelsea. She's truly a brilliant footballer, and on her best day, she can exhibit world-class traits. Macario can change the Blues' fortunes if she is available and healthy the entire season - but that is the key. She has to stay fit.

  AR: Macario. When she was last fully fit for an extended period, she was one of the very best players in the world - and that was also just her first full season as a pro. We saw glimpses in the second half of Chelsea's 2023-24 season that Macario is perfectly capable of getting back to those levels, despite nearly two years on the sidelines, which certainly bodes well. She's an absolute joy to watch when she is in full flow.

• Getty Images

  Was Poch right to say Hayes is the best coach in the world?

  CB: Acoach's impact is often judged off hardware, but other coaches rarely credit another coach just based on that. So, if Poch is saying he believes Emma Hayes in the best coach in the world, it's genuine. Obviously, it's backed up by what she's done with Chelsea and recently the USWNT. And for Poch, who's also been incredibly successful, he's about to endure a lot of challenges as he strives to bring the USMNT up to their highest potential.

  JS: Yes, absolutely. She is a serial winner. She has done it all. She conquered Europe, and England, and now the world with a gold medal in the Paris Olympics. A World Cup is up next, but for the time being, it's 100 percent fair to say she's the GOAT of managers in women's soccer.

  AR: She's certainly up there in the conversation. What she consistently achieved over a long period of time at Chelsea was impressive enough, but to win Olympic gold after just a few weeks in charge of the USWNT was amazing. Her management of players is one of her most outstanding traits that fuels such success, something at which she is probably the best in the world. That said, that are a number of other coaches that are right up there with her, such as Jonatan Giraldez, having led Barcelona to a historic quadruple earlier this year, and Sarina Wiegman, whose record in international football is remarkable.

• Getty Images

  Has Ella Stevens played herself onto the USWNT?

  CB: Does the USWNT really need another forward? That would be the only argument against Stevens. Don't get me wrong, she's very good. She's been able to put NJ/NY Gotham on the map, score big goals, and create endless chances. The only argument to her not getting a call up, would be positionally. There's a lot of forwards in the pool for the USWNT.

  JS: Stevens has emerged as a bright part of the attack for Gotham this season, with nine goal-contributions in 16 appearances. Those are impressive numbers, but the USWNT attack is so deep at the moment, it's hard to justify. However, she absolutely deserves a look. With Mia Fishel out until the flip of the calendar year, she's someone who could absolutely get a nod in the October camp from Hayes ahead of the NWSL playoffs.

  AR: She's certainly likely to be in Hayes' thoughts. As she looks to build toward the 2027 Women's World Cup, the coach will probably bring in a few different players to take a closer look. The bigger question is probably how does Hayes fit her onto the roster? The forward areas are absolutely stacked and it's tough to make a case to drop any of the six that went to the Olympics, all while players such as Macario and Alyssa Thompson - who has shown impressive form lately - will be pushing for recalls. It's never easy to get onto the USWNT, and Stevens' case emphsizes as much.