The lines are painted on the field. The grass has been mowed. The names and numbers -- Morgan #13, Solo #1, Wambach #20, Rampone #3 -- have been ironed on to the back of the jerseys.
In short, the National Women's Soccer League is ready to go.
The league's inaugural season kicks off on Saturday. The curtain-raiser features FC Kansas City, led by US women's national team defender Becky Sauerbrun and Canadian defender Lauren Sesselman, hosting the Portland Thorns, who come loaded with attacking talent in the form of US international Alex Morgan and Canadian star Christine Sinclair.
The match kicks off at 7:30 pm ET on Saturday.
LISTEN: Portland Thorns star Christine Sinclair joins ExtraTime Radio podcast
KC-Portland is the first of four matches on opening weekend. On Sunday, the Chicago Red Stars welcome the Seattle Reign, Sky Blue FC host Western New York Flash, and the Boston Breakers are home to the Washington Spirit.
And here's something we're really excited about (after all, we live digitally ourselves): All four matches will be streamed live. So there's no excuse for anyone not to check out a game. Or two.
READ: How NWSL rosters were built
From everyone at MLSsoccer.com and FutbolMLS.com, good luck to the NWSL players, coaches, and fans.
