NWSL By the Numbers: 2016 Rio Olympics
With group matches in the books for the 2016 Summer Olympics, we take a look at the numbers behind those representing the NWSL in Rio. 38 players from the most competitive women’s professional soccer league take the summer by storm as they represent their countries on the world’s biggest stage.
Personally, I love this info-based, stat oriented stuff – and who knew all these fun facts?
NWSL Soccer News: Following the conclusion of the final matches in the Group Stage of the 2016 Olympic Games, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) provides an inside look at the important numbers from the 38 NWSL players that are participating in the tournament.
Below is a unique look into the NWSL by the Numbers – Olympics:
1 – Game played by Seattle Reign FC midfielder and U.S. international Megan Rapinoe for club or country since she suffered a torn ACL in her right knee in Dec. 2015. Rapinoe started Tuesday for the U.S. against Colombia, and played 33 minutes before she was substituted as expected.
5 – The number of countries to make the quarterfinals at the Summer Games with an NWSL player on their roster. The only team with an NWSL player on their roster to not qualify for the knockout stages was New Zealand.
6 – Goals scored at the tournament by NWSL players under the age of 25 (Houston Dash forward Janine Beckie 3, Western New York Flash defender Alana Kennedy, Sky Blue FC forward Samantha Kerr, Washington Spirit forward Crystal Dunn). The six goals are more than the four scored by players over the age of 30 and the three scored by players between the ages of 25 and 30.
7 – The number of NWSL clubs with an Olympic goal-scorer so far at the Summer Games. The Houston Dash lead the way with five goals at the tournament (Canada international Janine Beckie 3, U.S. international Carli Lloyd 2) followed by the Orlando Pride (Brazil international Monica, U.S. international Alex Morgan) and Portland Thorns FC (Canada international Christine Sinclair 2) with two goals each. Sky Blue FC (Australia international Samantha Kerr), Washington Spirit (U.S. international Crystal Dunn), Western New York Flash (Australia international Alanna Kennedy) and the Boston Breakers (Australia international Kyah Simon) also boast Olympic goal-scorers.
13 – Goals scored by nine different NWSL players at the Olympics (Houston Dash forward Janine Beckie 3, Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd 2, Portland Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair 2, Orlando Pride defender Monica, Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan, Sky Blue FC forward Samantha Kerr, Washington Spirit forward Crystal Dunn, Western New York Flash defender Alanna Kennedy, Boston Breakers forward Kyah Simon). The 13 tallies represent 24 percent of the 54 goals scored so far at the Summer Games.
14 – The number of matches (out of 18) at the 2016 Olympics that have featured at least one NWSL player.
19 – Appearances by Houston Dash players at the Rio Games – four more than the 15 by Portland Thorns FC players for the most by an NWSL club at the tournament. (Games by club: Houston Dash 19, Portland Thorns FC 15, Orlando Pride 12, Washington Spirit 12, FC Kansas City 8, Western New York Flash 7, Sky Blue FC 5, Boston Breakers 5, Seattle Reign FC 4, Chicago Red Stars 4)
21 – The age of Western New York Flash defender Alanna Kennedy – the youngest NWSL player to score at the Summer Games.
24 – Saves by NWSL goalkeepers at the tournament – 11 by Houston Dash goalkeeper Lydia Williams, seven by Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Hope Solo, six by Washington Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and none in a start for Western New York Flash goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo.
72 – The average number of minutes played per appearance by NWSL players at the 2016 Olympics.
91 – Appearances by NWSL players at the 2016 Rio Olympics (73 starts, 18 substitutes). Of the contingent of NWSL Olympians at the tournament, 37 out of the 38 have featured for their national team – including all 33 outfield players. The only player from the league not to make an appearance at the Summer Game is Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
1,216 – Minutes played by Houston Dash players at the tournament in Brazil – the most of any NWSL club. (Minutes by club: Houston Dash 1,216, Portland Thorns 1,120, Orlando Pride 981, Washington Spirit 756, Western New York Flash 628, FC Kansas City 621, Sky Blue FC 398, Boston Breakers 379, Seattle Reign FC 303, Chicago Red Stars 190)
6,592 – Minutes played by NWSL players at the 2016 Rio Olympics (18.5 percent of the possible 35,640 minutes so far at the tournament).
Source/Photo Credit: National Women’s Soccer League
