An early tactical look at each team

Here’s a rundown of how each team has lined up through 2-3 games.

Legend:

Coloured font = home game

Italicized = indicates a different starting xi for this game (players also italicized)

Similar to most teams, the Vancouver Rise kept things relatively consistent across the three games, both in terms of personnel and formation (4-3-3). Quinn is obviously the teams orchestrator, with a league-leading 286 touches and 222 passes across three matches.

They’ve mainly deployed a 4-3-3 with Quinn and Stanton in the double pivot, but Quinn often drops to be part of the back three and get on the ball. In possession, they look more like a 3-4-3, with fullbacks Spencer and Wright joining the attack.

Sam Chang is back from injury. As is Jess De Filippo. Unfortunately, Pechersky missed the last game due to injury, Sawan taking her place, and Lee moving out to the wing. Cowart also got a knock in the Roses match, needing to be subbed at half. Kennedy Faulknor earned her first in the shutout win over the Tides.

The Rise played a three-game home stretch to start the season and head on the road for the first time against Toronto this Sunday.

The Tides have only played two games so far and coach Lewis Page made three changes from the first to the second match. The introduction of Karima Lemire at leftback was a stabilizing move. The Haitian-Canadian defender stabilized the left flank, while Eva Fremaux had a lights out performance at right back against the Rise. She managed to shut down Holly Ward, which is not an enviable task, and got up the pitch to contribute offensively as well.

The 4-3-3 formation hinges on Jonsdottir’s key role in shielding the backline as a defensive midfielder. Against Vancouver, the Tides were able to break lines and unlock the final third more effectively than in game one. The front three of Miller, Oduro, and Kennedy have enough quality to threaten any team, so now it’s a matter of taking their chances.

In terms of absences, Haligonian Annika Leslie has not yet reported to camp as she is finishing up her schooling with WVU. She will be an important piece in a backline that has tons of potential.

Another team with only two games played so far, the Ottawa Rapid have impressed and demonstrated a clear identity from the hop. Their win over Toronto in their home opener was no fluke. Led by veteran midfielder D. Scott and Ellen Gibson, the Rapid found an effective balance between absorbing pressure by deploying a low block and picking smart moments to unleash a lethal attacking transition. South Korean midfielder Lee Min-A has been a crucial connector in midfield, and DB Pridham presents a constant threat.

The defensive core has also been great to watch. First year pro Liv Scott has been a revelation, while NWSL alumni Jylissa Harris has shown her class. Goalkeeper Mollie Eriksson has had a smooth transition to the pro game from League 1, making seven saves so far.

You have to give props to the coaching staff around Katrina Pedersen who’ve managed to create a cohesive unit with a solid understanding of what’s expected of them in different phases of the game.

Next, the Rapid head to Calgary to play in the final NSL Home Opener.

The teams that have done the best to start the season are the most tactically disciplined ones and generally are relying on a more mature core of players in midfield. Montreal, most of all, has been impressively resolute and organized defensively while making strategic use of strengths in offensive transition.

The Roses were happy to allow Toronto more possession on an unfamiliar pitch in front of a raucous crowd. Capitalizing on one of two shots on target in the third minute, the rest of the match, they defended brilliantly and continued to frustrate Toronto’s offence. Veteran French midfielder Charlotte Bilbault won 7 tackles (11 total), 5 others won more than 3 each, including Tanya Boychuk, who scored the first non-penalty goal in league history, and Quebecoises Megane Sauve, Noemi Paquin, and Latifah Abdu. The team defending has been one of the Roses’ strong suits, as has their offensive players’ unpredictability and incisiveness in attacking transition.

The games against Vancouver and Ottawa saw them assert more control over the game, scoring two goals quickly vs the Rise, and with a comeback win at their sold-out home opener at Stade Boreale vs Ottawa. Latifah Abdu’s two goals have been absolute bangers. Boychuk’s movement in and out of the box has been fantastic, and she’s been fun to watch. Those two are the best forward duo in the league so far and have both scored twice already.

Americans Haley Whittaker and Allie Hess, who both arrived with a few years of pro experience, have been impactful, as have the young centerback pair Leas and Cappadona. No wonder they are sitting at 9 points in three games.

AFC Toronto is the only team implementing a 3-back formation. Their 3-4-3 formation is designed for maximal offense and aggression. AFCT has been pressing in the highest block of all teams so far, and aims to dominate possession by suffocating their opposition’s attempt to keep the ball. Captain Emma Regan has been instrumental in applying their game plan. Her 15 successful tackles are highest in the league, and her vocal leadership helps direct the press.

Toronto has had the most success when they utilize the width, especially through Barnett on the left, or find their forwards in the half space. Kaylee Hunter earned her first start against Calgary with two great cameos off the bench. Nikayla Small has been a bright spot, as has Nigerian striker Esther Okoronkwo, who rewarded her hard work with a brace last time out.

Injuries have been a major concern for Toronto. Jade Kovacevic, Leah Pais, Mya Jones, and Amanda West are all out injured, the latter with a devastating ACL tear, which caused her short-term loan to be cancelled. In hindsight, it was smart of AFCT to stack their offense the way they did, considering their unfortunate injury spree in pre-season. You also wonder whether injuries impacted team selection in the back, as Uddenberg is not typically a center-back, and you’d expect NWSL alumna Croix Soto to start on the right instead. She didn’t make her first appearance until the last game.

Coach Lydia Bedford has the Wild lined up in a 4-4-2, which turns into a 4-3-3 or 4-2-4 in possession. Their strength is no doubt the midfield pivot of Sawicki and Dougherty Howard, who are two of the most experienced players in the NSL and can take control of the game’s tempo. They’ll be a crucial part of the Wild’s game plan moving forward.

Set pieces are also looking like an important piece for Calgary early on. New Zealand national team CB Meikayla Moore has scored twice from set pieces, and her stature makes her a constant threat in the final third.

Keeper Stephanie Bukovec has been the starter for the first three games. The ball-playing goalie has a background in futsal, which makes her stressful but fun to watch. Calgary seems keen to build up the play patiently, and having a goalkeeper who can break the first line of attack will only help with that.

Calgary is the last team to play their home opener. The Wild take on Ottawa at McMahon Stadium on Sunday evening.