Boston Breakers are no longer active in the NWSL
In 2000, the historic NWSL team the Boston Breakers were formed and after 18 years of shaping players, it has been announced by the NWSL that the team will no longer be active for the 2018 season. Per the NWSL, the team has officially ceased operations and this action has been in effect immediately.
With the former players of the Breakers and the new players selected in the 2018 NWSL College Draft, there will be a Dispersal Draft pool on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. If a player who is in the Dispersal Draft and does not get selected will be eligible for other teams. The Dispersal Draft order has been announced today and is as follows:
Dispersal Draft Order:
Sky Blue FC
Washington Spirit
Seattle Reign FC
Portland Thorns FC
Utah Royals FC
Houston Dash
Chicago Red Stars
Orlando Pride
North Carolina Courage
Those who already have contracts with their team, allocated players, and 2018 College Draft picks will not be held to the official 18-20 player roster as the team can add up to four new players. These new additions will not count against the salary cap for clubs, but the teams will be accountable for additional salary for contracted players.
“Discussions with an active buyer who had signed a letter of intent were ongoing since November of 2017," said Boston Breakers Managing Partner, Michael Stoller. “Unfortunately, due to certain factors that process was halted on short notice. Since that point a number of potential buyers were spoken with, but nothing could be completed within the short timeline.”
For the teams who still require an international player they will not include a contracted player or a 2018 draftee, but will still receive an additional international spot. Players who wish to no longer participate in the NWSL will have the opportunity to withdraw from the pool to not partake in the 2018 season.
After Tuesday, teams will be able to trade picks in the draft, but for now, the roster size will have a minimum of 18 players and a maximum or 20 players for each team. The new 2018 NWSL season now has a total of nine teams in the league with 24 games, which will allow each team to play three games against every opponent.
“In the best interest for the long-term viability of the NWSL, we will operate with nine clubs in 2018 to ensure a stronger league where all parties involved are aligned and committed to the core mission of continued growth and development as we move into our sixth season,” said NWSL Managing Director Amanda Duffy
For the dedicated Breaker fans who have already made deposits for their 2018 season tickets will be fully imbursed.
“Lee and his staff were ready to operate in 2018,” said Stoller. “We had a new stadium planned with an agreement in hand, along with making improvements all across the board. Matt had made significant improvements to the team; we were all very excited about the squad heading into 2018.”
Matt Beard's 2016 record was 3-15-2 (wins, losses, ties) and the Breakers came out in tenth place. This past season, Boston came out in ninth place with a 4-13-7 record.
