NWSL 2026 Preseason: Injury Woes Raise Questions for Key Teams
With the NWSL 2026 regular season just weeks away, preseason training and friendlies are in full swing across the league. While these early matches are typically a time for optimism and experimentation, a spate of injuries reported as of March 8, 2026, has cast a shadow over several teams’ preparations. From star players to depth pieces, these setbacks could have ripple effects on opening-day rosters and early-season performance. Here’s a look at the most significant injury news, the teams impacted, and what it means for the campaign ahead.
Gotham FC’s Forward Crisis
NJ/NY Gotham FC, coming off a strong 2025 season that saw them reach the playoffs, faces an early challenge with forward Lynn Williams reportedly sidelined by a hamstring strain. Williams, a USWNT veteran known for her speed and work rate, picked up the injury during a preseason scrimmage last week. Initial reports suggest she could miss the first few weeks of the season, a significant blow to Gotham’s attacking dynamism. Coach Juan Carlos Amorós now must rely on younger forwards like Jenna Nighswonger to step up, though her inexperience in a central role raises questions.
Gotham’s depth will be tested further if midfielder McCall Zerboni, who is dealing with a lingering knee issue, isn’t cleared for the opener. Zerboni’s absence would disrupt Gotham’s midfield balance, forcing Amorós to adjust his pressing structure. For a team with championship aspirations, these early injuries are a stark reminder of the fine line between success and struggle in a grueling NWSL schedule.
Kansas City Current Loses Defensive Anchor
Over at Kansas City Current, the news is equally concerning. Center-back Gabrielle Robinson, a key figure in their backline, suffered an ankle injury during a training session on March 6. While the full extent of the damage isn’t yet confirmed, early indications suggest a potential multi-week recovery, which could see her miss the season’s start. Robinson’s physical presence and aerial ability were central to Kansas City’s defensive improvement in 2025, and her absence leaves a gap alongside partner Alana Cook.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski has options in reserve defenders like Elizabeth Ball, but none match Robinson’s combination of experience and consistency. Kansas City, who have invested heavily in becoming a title contender with stars like Debinha still leading the attack, can ill afford defensive frailty in the early going. Preseason friendlies will be crucial for testing alternative pairings, but fans will be anxious for updates on Robinson’s timeline.
Smaller Injuries, Bigger Implications
Other teams are grappling with less severe but still impactful setbacks. San Diego Wave FC’s midfield playmaker Taylor Kornieck is nursing a minor calf strain, which could limit her minutes in early matches. Kornieck’s ability to link defense and attack is vital for a Wave side looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025. Meanwhile, Orlando Pride’s goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse tweaked her shoulder in a recent friendly, though she’s expected to return soon. Even short-term absences for key players like Moorhouse can disrupt team chemistry during this critical preparation phase.
Perhaps most intriguing is the status of Washington Spirit’s Ashley Hatch. The forward, who has battled inconsistent form in recent seasons, picked up a knock in training, though details remain scarce. If Hatch’s injury lingers, it could open the door for younger attackers like Tara McKeown to claim a starting spot—a potential silver lining for a Spirit team in transition under new management.
Why This Matters for the NWSL Season
Preseason injuries are nothing new, but their timing and scope can set the tone for a team’s entire campaign. For Gotham FC and Kansas City Current, losing players like Williams and Robinson threatens to derail momentum before the first whistle. These absences force coaches to adapt lineups and tactics, often exposing depth issues or accelerating the integration of untested talent. In a league as competitive as the NWSL, where early points can define playoff positioning, starting on the back foot is a risk no team wants to take.
Moreover, these injuries highlight the physical toll of a packed calendar. With players returning from international duty or offseason commitments, fatigue and overuse are constant concerns. The NWSL’s medical and training staffs will be under scrutiny to manage workloads and prevent further setbacks as the regular season looms.
For fans, the coming weeks of preseason will offer clues about recovery timelines and roster adjustments. Will Gotham find a temporary replacement for Williams’ output? Can Kansas City shore up their defense without Robinson? These questions will shape early narratives in 2026, potentially separating contenders from pretenders before a single competitive match is played. As updates emerge, NWSL News will keep you informed on how these injuries—and the responses to them—redefine the league’s landscape.