What Is 2015 National Women's Soccer League

Overview

The 2015 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season marked the third year of the league's existence and continued to solidify women's professional soccer in the United States. With nine teams competing, the season featured a condensed schedule from April 11 to August 2, wrapping up before the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.

This season was notable for rising attendance, competitive balance, and the emergence of key players ahead of the World Cup. The structure emphasized regional rivalries and short-term scheduling adjustments to accommodate national team commitments.

• Regular season duration: The 2015 NWSL season spanned from April 11 to August 2, consisting of a 20-game schedule per team, shorter than later seasons due to World Cup preparations.
• Expansion update: The Houston Dash joined in 2014 as the ninth team, making 2015 their first full competitive season in the league.
• Championship outcome:FC Kansas City won the 2015 NWSL Championship by defeating Seattle Reign FC 2–1 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.
• Top scorer:Sydney Leroux of the Boston Breakers claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals in 18 appearances, leading all scorers.
• Attendance growth: The league averaged 4,371 fans per game, with Portland Thorns FC drawing the highest average at 13,397, setting a U.S. women's soccer record.

How It Works

The NWSL's 2015 season structure was designed to align with international soccer calendars, particularly around the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup held in Canada.

• Regular Season Format: Each of the nine teams played 20 matches, facing some opponents twice and others once, creating an unbalanced schedule. This format allowed flexibility amid player call-ups for national teams.
• Playoff Structure: The top four teams in the standings qualified for the playoffs. Seattle Reign FC finished first with 37 points but lost in the final.
• Player Allocation: National team players from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico were allocated to teams to ensure competitive balance and reduce financial burdens on clubs.
• Championship Game: The final was a single match hosted by the higher-seeded team. In 2015, FC Kansas City hosted Seattle after winning the semifinal against Sky Blue FC.
• Roster Rules: Teams maintained 20-player rosters with 18-game-day slots, including at least two goalkeepers and compliance with allocation and salary cap regulations.
• Disciplinary System: Players received yellow and red cards based on standard FIFA rules, with suspensions enforced for accumulated cautions or ejections.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2015 NWSL season to previous and subsequent years highlights growth in competitiveness and fan engagement.

The 2015 season maintained stability with nine teams but saw a slight reduction in games due to the World Cup. While average attendance dipped slightly from 2014, Portland's numbers surged, indicating growing regional support. FC Kansas City’s repeat championship highlighted their dominance during the league’s early years.

Why It Matters

The 2015 NWSL season was pivotal in demonstrating the league’s resilience and potential amid international competition. It provided a platform for U.S. World Cup stars while building domestic interest in women's soccer.

• World Cup Launchpad: The season allowed players like Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan to showcase form before excelling at the 2015 Women's World Cup.
• Competitive Depth:FC Kansas City became the first team to win back-to-back titles, establishing early league dominance.
• Attendance Trends: Portland Thorns FC's record-breaking crowds proved sustainable fan interest in women's professional soccer.
• Expansion Foundation: The success of the Houston Dash’s inaugural season supported future expansion, including Orlando Pride in 2016.
• Media Exposure: Increased streaming and regional broadcasts helped grow visibility despite limited national TV coverage.
• Player Development: The NWSL served as a critical training ground for U.S. Soccer, directly contributing to the national team's World Cup victory.

Overall, the 2015 season strengthened the NWSL’s credibility and laid the groundwork for future expansion, improved production quality, and greater investment in women's soccer infrastructure.