Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith, left, kicks the ball against Kansas City Current defender Addisyn Merrick, right, a Lee's Summit North High School graduate, during the first half of the NWSL championship match last October. Portland is also among the favorites this season because of a loaded roster that includes U.S. national team players like Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn and Becky Sauerbrunn. Kansas City is also a favorite (AP File Photo/Nick Wass)
By Anne M. Peterson/AP Sports Writer The National Women’s Soccer League embarks on its 11th season this weekend with players looking to capitalize on the…
