Portland Thorns

Portland Thorns Overview

Gotham FC lift NWSL

Six takeaways: Spirit open NWSL 2026 as Legacy, Summit debut

The NWSL has unveiled its 2026 regular-season schedule, opening March 13 with Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns. Opening weekend also features expansion sides Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC making their league debuts on March 14, with Boston hosting defending champions Gotham FC and Denver opening on the road against Bay FC. Here are GOAL’s six takeaways.

Laila Harbert NXGN GFX

Arsenal's Lionesses prospect learning from the USWNT's best

Arsenal have had their fair share of success stories over the years when it comes to the women's side of the academy. Leah Williamson, England's two-time European Championship-winning captain, and Lotte Wubben-Moy, also part of those triumphs with the Lionesses, are two of the most high-profiles examples of players who have progressed through the youth set-up and become key members of the first team - and they will not be the last.

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Standings

NWSL crestNWSL

PosTeamPWDLFA+/-PTSForm
1Portland Thorns crestPortland Thorns7511126616
W
W
D
W
L
2San Diego Wave FC crestSan Diego Wave FC7502117415
L
W
W
W
W
3Washington Spirit crestWashington Spirit7331104612
W
W
W
D
D
4Gotham FC crestGotham FC732274311
W
W
L
D
L
5Seattle Reign FC crestSeattle Reign FC732277011
D
L
D
W
W
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History

Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.

Famous players

Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.

Honours

Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Managers

Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.

Stadium

Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.

Location

Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.

Owners

In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.

Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.

Frequently asked questions

Kaizer Chiefs were founded in January 1970 when Kaizer Motaung returned to South Africa from the USA where he played as a striker for the Atlanta Chiefs of the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Club founder Kaizer Motaung combined his own first name with the second name of the club (Atlanta Chiefs) he played for while in the USA.

Kaizer Motaung is the owner and chairman of the club with various other undisclosed individuals and entities holding shares in the club.

The club’s official home ground is the FNB Stadium but the club regularly plays home matches at other grounds, most notably the Moses Mabhida Stadium and New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The club is known as Amakhosi or The Glamour Boys by fans.

52 domestic trophies and one African Cup Winners Cup (2001).

Chiefs have won a total of 12 league titles under the auspices of the PSL (4), NSL (3) and NPSL (5).

Doctor Khumalo holds this record with 497 appearances.

Marks Maponyane with 85 goals.