Burgundy Wave is expanding our women’s soccer coverage. Here’s what to expect.

CHICAGO — It just feels right to sit down at my desk and start hammering away at a story again. This is the feeling I missed over the last number of weeks.

Burgundy Wave is expanding coverage of women’s soccer and I’m happy to play a role. For those who may not know, I was the Colorado Soccer reporter at The Denver Post for the past two years and covered everything from the Rapids to the Women’s World Cup. Then, in mid-November after five tremendous years in the Centennial State, I moved back to my hometown of Chicago to be closer to family and start a new position outside of journalism. Even in the weeks after my time with The Post ended, I felt I had more to contribute to the Colorado Soccer space.

Suffice to say, I got antsy about sitting this season out and wanted to do my part. Fortunately, Matt said I was free to come back to write any time. And after a few weeks off of settling in to Chicago, here we are: I’m joining Burgundy Wave as a contributor focusing on the women’s game, Coloradans in the NWSL and Rapids away days.

Side note: It’s just dawning on me now that we’ve got a Chicago Bureau of BW. We’re almost nation wide! Anyways, here’s a plan of what to expect from expanding women’s soccer coverage from myself and my colleagues on staff ahead of the 2024 soccer season:

• A weekly check-in “column” on who did what the weekend prior. If there’s a Coloradan crushing it, I’ll be on the lookout. That means on the men’s side: The MLS, USL Championship, League One; On the women’s side expect write-ups on those playing in the NWSL, (new) USL Super League, W-League and Europe. It’s a whole lot of players, but I’ve got my spreadsheets and they’ll be put to good use.

• Regular feature stories on Coloradans in the NWSL who make their way to Chicago. As it stands, there’s 18 Coloradans in the NWSL (it could be higher after the rosters are finalized, as a few are on pre-season trials). Whether it’s checking in on their recovery from an injury, or a fun side of players that fans might not know about, these players all came out of Colorado and it’s important to hear their stories. While For Denver FC might not have kicked a ball yet, Matt and I figured the next best thing was to establish a consistent NWSL presence, writing about the Coloradans who’ve made it to the League, while also getting to be in my hometown. If you don’t know ’em yet, you will soon — they’re great. It’s a win-win.

• For Denver FC news. Yeah, that was one of the highlights of last summer for sure. Given the timeline Burgundy Wave has heard, news could be coming thick and fast about the future of professional women’s soccer in the Mile High City as soon as this spring. It’s going to be really fascinating and fun to cover this ride, friends, so be please consider subscribing if you haven’t already so you’re in on the latest news.

• If you love Holding the High Line: Stay tuned in, because we’re in the planning stages of launching a Colorado Women’s Soccer podcast!

• Continued coverage of the United States Women’s National Team, as the one and only John Babiak can do!

• Reporting on the USL W-League and the teams which make up the Mountain Division. This league has produced plenty of players who’ve been drafted since its re-launch in 2022. That’s great, and it will be fun to see which players make a name for themselves and the support they have in the soccer community. Also, speaking of the USL, now that the Super League achieved first-division sanctioning from U.S. Soccer, it will be interesting to see how this first season plays out come August. Maybe we’ll be writing about the Switchbacks women’s side not too far down the line.

• Rapids Away Day coverage in-person from Midwest cities such as the Twin Cities, St. Louis and a weekend in New York City is also in the works.

There’s still plenty of ideas that I’ve yet to come across or report on. If you have an idea, DM me on X @BrendanPloen or email me at brendan.ploen@gmail.com.

Burgundy Wave has continually delivered top-notch coverage of the Beautiful Game in the most beautiful state. I’m fortunate to have joined such a supportive staff, and cannot wait to uphold the high standard which has been set since 2010. Women’s soccer in Colorado has been having its moment over the last year-plus, but I truly believe we will be entering into an entirely new era in the seasons ahead, and BW will be ready for whatever comes next. Kickoff is upon us, and there’s no better time than that.

-Brendan

Photo Credit: John Babiak

Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. If you want to support us, join our Patreon starting at $5/month. Also, we’re always looking for new talent to contribute to the site, develop, and give opportunities to. If you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer in any way, let us know.