NWSL teams report player absences ahead of Sunday's five-game schedule
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:29 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Five NWSL matches take place on Sunday, as teams finalize rosters amid injury and availability concerns. Denver Summit plays Gotham, and Chicago Stars face North Carolina Courage. Portland Thorns will compete against Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride takes on Houston Dash, and Seattle Reign concludes the day against San Diego Wave. Several teams are managing lineup challenges, including injuries to Natalie Jacobs of North Carolina and Rafaelle of Orlando. Portland midfielder Deyna Castellanos is unavailable for an excused absence, while Denver midfielder Ally Brazier remains out for personal reasons. Additionally, the ongoing U-20 World Cup impacts team depth, with Seattle missing three players and Houston winger Linda Ullmark on international duty.
- •Denver Summit will play without midfielder Ally Brazier due to personal reasons.
- •North Carolina center-back Natalie Jacobs remains out with a head injury.
- •Portland Thorns face a midfield vacancy as Deyna Castellanos is absent.
- •Seattle Reign and Houston Dash have players participating in the U-20 World Cup.
- •Orlando Pride is missing starter Rafaelle and attacker Julie Doyle.
- 3:29 PMYahoo Sports — NWSL Availability Report (Matchweek 20: Sunday): Denver Summit vs Gotham, Chicago Stars vs North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns vs Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride vs Houston Dash, Seattle Reign vs San Diego Wave
"It will be a busy Sunday in the NWSL with five games to be played. Players such as Orlando's Rafaelle, Portland's Deyna Castellanos,
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