Blair Newman

4 weeks ago | equalizersoccer.com | Blair Newman

Defensive midfield is not an easy position to adapt to. For more attacking players, the defensive duties associated with the role can stretch concentration and stamina to breaking point. For technically skilled defenders, playing higher up — with the game no longer in front of them and pressure from multiple directions — becomes a challenge their ball-playing qualities can’t handle.

1 month ago | equalizersoccer.com | Blair Newman

The last time the Houston Dash won their opening game of the season was in 2017, when goals from club legends Kealia Watt and Rachel Daly saw off the Chicago (then-Red) Stars. Last Friday’s opening day 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit therefore continued a long-running trend. Yet while the outcome was familiar, the big story here was not the result, but a performance that suggests the Dash have finally got their game face on.

1 month ago | equalizersoccer.com | Blair Newman

With the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season starting this Friday, it’s time to look at some of the new players who could soon be household names. Let’s assess five of the most exciting arrivals, analyzing what they might bring to their teams. Rebeca Bernal (Washington Spirit)With Andi Sullivan out injured, Washington went and ensured they had options in defensive midfield during the offseason.

1 month ago | equalizersoccer.com | Blair Newman

Some of soccer’s greatest coaches also happen to be excellent storytellers. What they say, and the way they say it, leaves an impact. They are capable of creating narratives, or rewriting old ones to suit their ends. They can make their message clear to a group of players, have that message filter down throughout their way of training, and ultimately their way of playing. Fundamentally it’s possessing a clear plan of action, then being able to implement.

2 months ago | equalizersoccer.com | Blair Newman

Recent evidence may indicate otherwise, but Deyna Castellanos is a goalscorer. During her college years with Florida State, she averaged a goal every 1.7 games. After turning professional with Atletico Madrid, she hit the net once every 2.7 games. Since then, though, her numbers have dropped off a cliff. She scored once every 7.2 outings for Manchester City, and last year she averaged one every 10.5 appearances for Bay FC. At her very best, Castellanos makes ghosting runs in behind defenses.