Written By: Katie Parker
Photography: Jason Morales Ortiz

 

FROM THE PITCH TO THE PLAYLIST
A Taylor Swift Songer For Every Pac North Team

 

 

Kicking off the 2024 Season with a Soundtrack

When the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) kicks off while your favorite musical artist simultaneously drops a new (double) album and restarts the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, your mind can’t help but meld the two. The clubs are listed, paired with a designated Taylor Swift song, in the order they finished in last season’s Pac North Conference standings. 

Are you ready for it?...

 

 

California Storm - “Long Live”

The Storm is one of two WPSL founding member teams in its 26th season. The club’s history reads like a who’s who of soccer stars, both past and present. From legend Brandi Chastain, now serving on the Storm’s Board of Directors, to last season’s WPSL golden boot winner, Eleanor Dale, who now plays for Everton, the NWSL’s eighth 2024 draft pick and Bay FC midfielder Maya Doms, and newly signed Houston Dash defender Madison Ayson. The players on this team, both new and old, season after season, show up with pride to represent the Cal Storm crest. 

The Storm has won three league championships and 14 regular season titles – most recently lifting the Jerry Zanelli Trophy in 2022. Finishing last season as third in the National Power Rankings and first in the West Region, the club’s legacy is undeniable. This storied history is reflected perfectly in “Long Live” off Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album. 

I said remember this moment 

In the back of my mind

The time we stood with our shaking hands

The crowds in stands went wild

We were the kings and the queens

And they read off our names

The night you danced like you knew our lives

Would never be the same

You held your head like a hero

On a history book page

It was the end of a decade

But the start of an age

Long live the walls we crashed through

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you

I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made"

And bring on all the pretenders

One day we will be remembered

Key matchups: 

06/01 v Fresno Freeze - Storm lost 0-2 last season despite winning each meeting since 2018.  

06/25 v San Francisco Nighthawks - a rivalry as old as the league itself. The Storm won 1-0 last season. 

 

Fresno Freeze - “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” 

The Freeze is entering its sixth season in the WPSL. With a 23-6-10 record, last season’s number two conference finish and 23rd place in the National Power Rankings shouldn’t be surprising. The team is making fans and other clubs take notice with its consistency, hunger, and steady improvement. Last season was Fresno’s first undefeated season, even beating the Storm 2-0. 

Despite its achievements and winning record, it feels at times the Freeze still isn’t in the conversation about title contenders - but that has to change. This club is coming for number one and should be respected as a top team to beat in 2024. Swift’s song “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” off the new double album The Tortured Poets Department matches Fresno’s come up nicely. 

So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street

Crash the party like a record scratch as I scream

‘Who's afraid of little old me?’

You should be

Key matchups: 

06/01 v Fresno Freeze - Fresno won 2-0 last season. That was the first time Fresno bested the Storm since 2018. 

07/06 v Lamorinda United - this matchup ended in a 0-0 draw last season. While the Freeze had a few other tied games with more goals, Lamorinda is another consistent “team to beat” in the conference, so this match will be a good indicator for how Fresno is stacking up this season. 

 

Lamorinda United - “Starlight”

Entering its fourth season, Lamorinda is a dominant force in the Pac North Conference. The club finished at No. 22 in the National Power Rankings last season. There is only one team the club has yet to beat - the California Storm. The Storm is responsible for Lamorinda’s only two losses on record. While the Storm’s product on the pitch has a professional energy to it, Lamorinda’s is nothing short of magical. 

There is a mesmerizing quality about the way these players play together. Many of them have come up through the Lamorinda youth system and their on-field chemistry is unmatched. The club consistently has one of the youngest rosters in the entire league. Lamorinda’s approach is to give players opportunities based on the stage they play at, not limit them due to their age. With multiple players in the Women’s Youth National Team pool, Lamorinda’s athletes are undeniably individually talented, but this team, together on the field, is something to be seen. Swift’s song “Starlight” from the Red album sums up what it’s like watching these players - it’s like they’re made of starlight.

I said, ‘Oh my, what a marvelous tune’

It was the best night, never would forget how we moved

The whole place

Was dressed to the nines

And we were dancing, dancing

Like we’re made of starlight

Key matchups: 

05/30 v California Storm - while Lamorinda lost to the Storm by an uncharacteristically large number of goals last season (1-5), this matchup is always one to circle as the Storm is the only club Lamorinda has yet to beat. 

07/02 v San Ramon FC - San Ramon has a way of rising to the challenge and giving Lamorinda a tough matchup. These clubs have only met twice. The most recent ended in a 1-1 draw and in the other Lamorinda beat San Ramon 2-1. 

 

San Francisco Nighthawks - “Look What You Made Me Do”

The San Francisco Nighthawks is one of the two remaining founding teams of the league in its 26th season. The club prides itself on utilizing a non pay-to-play model, which allows talented players who otherwise wouldn't have the resources to join a team a chance to make an impact and thrive. On the pitch, the Nighthawks play with intensity and grit. Historically the team has found itself falling just short of winning the Pac North Conference, perpetually the underdog - with the California Storm nearly always at the top of the table. 

 

However things shifted a bit when in the 2022 season the Nighthawks found themselves above the rest. The team earned the Pac North Title after extra time and penalties against the Storm. For 26 seasons the Storm has been the Nighthawks' main rival and although the Storm is still liked as the top contender to come out of the conference, the Nighthawks are rising from the shadows. Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” from the Reputation album matches the intensity of the San Francisco Nighthawks. 

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

I got a list of names, and yours is in red, underlined

I check it once, then I check it twice, oh!      

Key matchups: 

05/25 v Fresno Freeze - The Nighthawks and the Freeze are two clubs clawing their way to the top. Last season this matchup ended in a 1-1 draw. 

06/25 v California Storm - The Nighthawks lost last season 0-1, but beat the Storm the previous season in the conference final in PKs. This matchup between the league’s two oldest rivals is always one to underline. 

 

FC Davis - “Shake It Off”

FC Davis kicks off its fourth season in the WPSL. The club holds an overall record of 11-14-4 and is still finding its stride. Davis has displayed some spectacular defensive work coupled with a hunger to get forward and convert the hard work on the pitch to points on the board. Most matches end by just a goal or two difference and Davis held off a couple of the top title contenders to very close games last season. It’s only a matter of time before the team starts consistently turning those tight matches into victories. Swift’s “Shake it Off” from the 1989 album is a good fit currently for FC Davis. 

But I keep cruisin'

Can't stop, won't stop movin'

It's like I got this music in my mind

Sayin' it's gonna be alright

Key matchups: 

06/22 v San Francisco Nighthawks - Davis beat the 2022 conference champs 2-1 last season.

06/30 v Fresno Freeze - Davis held the Freeze to a 2-2 draw last season 

 

Napa Valley 1839 FC - “State of Grace”
 

Napa has an electric home atmosphere. The club regularly hosts double headers with its National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) men’s team. Green smoke fills the air when the home team scores, courtesy a group of supporters called the “Green Army” and a mascot named Napa Snappa. The club utilizes its platform to give back each season through a “cause kit” where the proceeds from a specially designed jersey go to a specific community nonprofit. Napa has the foundation of an intentionally thought out, well executed and marketed club. 

Entering its third season in the WPSL, one of the more impressive points about Napa is that the team nearly always finds the back of the net. The last two seasons, the club has scored in all but two matches. It’s a testament to the players’ character and perseverance, and the coaches’ ability to motivate the team. This club has something special and it’ll only continue to grow as the seasons pass by. Swift's “State of Grace” from the Red album matches the spirit of Napa Valley 1839 FC. 

This is a state of grace

This is the worthwhile fight

Love is a ruthless game

Unless you play it good and right

These are the hands of fate

You're my Achilles heel

This is the golden age of something good and right and real

Key matchups: 

06/02 v FC Davis - Although Napa lost this matchup last season 0-1, it should be a tight game against the club that finished just ahead of Napa in the standings. 

06/15 v Nevada Futbol Club - Napa took this matchup 3-2 last season. It should be a close and exciting game - and one Napa has proven it can win.

 

Nevada Futbol Club - “You’re On Your Own Kid” 

The club kicked off its inaugural season in 2023 with something to prove. It opened its WPSL journey by beating FC Davis 2-1 and went on to give an impressive performance against the 2022 league champs, the California Storm. Although the Storm beat the 2023 expansion side, Nevada only gave up two goals. Another impressive fact from last season is that Nevada scored in every single match. 

Nevada is currently the only WPSL club in its state. The closest matchup for the team, when not at home, is more than 130 miles away to new expansion side Iron Rose’s turf. This club was built because the leadership knew there was a pool of talent in the area not being given a chance yet to play at a higher level. Nevada has big plans, including a new state-of-the-art soccer-specific complex. There’s a certain determination and a glow that’s hard to describe coming from this team. I like Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own Kid” from the Midnights album for Nevada. The lyrics feel lonely at first, but build towards the end to the powerful realization that even though you were on your own, look at all you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come - you did that. Nevada Futbol Club should feel proud of the product they’ve put on the pitch so far. The future is bright. 

“Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned

Everything you lose is a step you take

So make the friendship bracelets

Take the moment and taste it

You've got no reason to be afraid

You're on your own, kid

Yeah, you can face this

You're on your own, kid

You always have been

Key matchups: 

06/15 v Napa Valley 1839 FC - Nevada lost this one last season 2-3. This should be a fun and close one to watch. Like Napa, Nevada knows how to find the back of the net. 

06/26 v FC Davis - Nevada beat Davis 2-1 in its 2023 inaugural match. This season, the two meet at the end instead of the beginning of the regular season. It’ll be a good indication of how much Nevada has grown in a short amount of time.

 

San Francisco Elite SC - “Twenty Two”
 

In its second WPSL season, San Francisco Elite Soccer Club is still finding its rhythm. The team ended the 2023 season with a 3-5-1 record. While there were certainly some bumps in the road, there were also glimpses of what’s to come. The Fresno Freeze had one of its best seasons in 2023, finishing second in the Pac North, and while SF Elite lost when the two teams met, it only gave up two goals. On the same note, Elite held number three in the conference, Lamorinda United, to a 1-1 draw.

SF Elite kicked off the 2024 season on opening weekend with another 1-1 draw against the hungry expansion side Iron Rose FC. In that first matchup of the season Elite showed immense composure and patience along the backline, seamlessly resetting and switching the field. The team is settling into its identity and will continue to find its rhythm as the season rolls on. Swift’s song “Twenty-Two” from the Red album pairs well with SF Elite - just keep moving forward and everything will be alright. 

I don't know about you

But I'm feeling twenty-two

Everything will be alright if

You keep me next to you

You don't know about me

But I'll bet you want to

Everything will be alright if

We just keep dancing like we're

Twenty-two, twenty-two

Key matchups: 

05/29 v Lamorinda United - SF Elite held the reigning third place Pac North team to a 1-1 draw last season. 

06/10 v San Ramon FC - Last season against San Ramon SF Elite was able to maintain its rhythm and come away with a 2-0 win. 

 

San Ramon FC - “New Romantics” 

San Ramon enters its eighth season in 2024 with an overall record of 23-28-9. While last season the club came in dead last in the Pac North standings, there’s reason to be hopeful. Historically San Ramon ping pongs between winning and losing seasons. In 2019 the team only lost three matches. In 2021, when the league returned to play after the onset of COVID, San Ramon lost seven games. It followed that result in 2022 by only losing three. Last season, the club lost six matches. Which means, if history repeats itself, this season San Ramon will be in an upswing. 

Don’t let the lower ranking fool you. This club has something special. The team philosophy and style of play is evident on the pitch, with players working hard and fully committing to the coaches’ guidance. The foundation in San Ramon is solid and well established, even if the results haven’t yet been consistent. It almost feels like the club is biding its time before unleashing its full potential on the league. Maybe 2024 will be that season? Swift’s “New Romantics” from the 1989 album fits San Ramon nicely.

Baby, we're the new romantics

Come on, come along with me

Heartbreak is the national anthem

We sing it proudly

We are too busy dancing

To get knocked off our feet

Baby, we're the new romantics

The best people in life are free

We're all here

The lights and noise are blinding

We hang back

It's all in the timing

It's poker

He can't see it in my face

But I'm about to play my Ace

Key matchups: 

06/19 v FC Davis - These two clubs have met twice in previous seasons and both have walked away with a win. Last season San Ramon won 4-1. This match will serve as a tie-breaker of sorts. 

07/02 v Lamorinda United - San Ramon held Lamorinda to a 1-1 draw last season.

 

Iron Rose - “Welcome to New York”
 

This season is Iron Rose FC’s inaugural season in the WPSL. Without knowing much about the club, I chose the song “Welcome to New York” from Swift’s 1989 album as a basic ‘welcome to the league’ song. However, after watching its first match of the season I feel it’s more appropriate as a ‘welcome to Iron Rose’ song. This club came out swinging and matched SF Elite SC for a 1-1 draw. 

Iron Rose had chemistry expected from a group of athletes who’ve played together for years. The expansion side didn’t have all its players available and utilized a field player in goal for the majority of the first half until an actual rostered keeper could arrive to the match. The team’s backline is strong and tough. The club’s presence was felt, noted and impressive. It left a great first impression of who they are and what they’re made of. Iron Rose also has a group of really enthusiastic owners who are doing everything they can to create an intentional and exceptional experience for the players. Iron Rose is poised to leave a lasting mark on the WPSL.

Walkin' through a crowd, the village is aglow

Kaleidoscope of loud heartbeats under coats

Everybody here wanted somethin' more

Searchin' for a sound we hadn't heard before

And it said

Welcome to New York, it's been waitin' for you

Key matchups: 

05/24 v Nevada Football Club - Like Iron Rose, Nevada Football Club came out swinging last season as an expansion side. It’ll be fun to see how the two newest clubs to the conference stack up against each other. Iron Rose is also the closest commute for Nevada Football Club.  

06/19 v California Storm - We have to wait until week seven to see what this matchup looks like, but how this expansion side does against the reigning number one team in the west will show us a lot.