Are you able to imagine the NWSL is again this weekend already? It looks like we have barely had a break!
The busy offseason included Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit fairly actually forcing the NWSL to change its rulebook so the star would not go abroad. Enlargement sides Denver Summit FC and Boston Legacy FC equipped for his or her debuts.
The Summit have already introduced they may set a brand new NWSL attendance file this season and signed U.S. ladies’s nationwide staff captain Lindsey Heaps, whereas the Legacy have, um, undone as a lot harm as they may from their preliminary launch.
We’ll cowl all that and extra — don’t be concerned. Megan Swanick, Joseph Lowery and Cesar Hernandez can be your guides with our annual all-team mega-preview. They’ve every predicted the end-of-the season standings from prime to backside, averaging their predictions collectively to provide one remaining, collective prediction. We have introduced the league’s 16 groups under within the order of their predictions.
This is how they see the season taking part in out, with a rundown on what has modified for each staff since Gotham FC lifted the championship trophy in November.
• Watch Gotham vs. Boston: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, reside on ABC
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• NWSL ambition rankings: Which groups paved the way?
Final season’s end: First place (21W, 3L, 2D), 65 factors
Largest offseason strikes: The record-setting 2025 NWSL Protect winners have a brand new coach. After two profitable years as head coach and sporting director, former USWNT supervisor Vlatko Andonovski is concentrated on being world sporting director. The Present named former USMNT participant Chris Armas as his substitute.
Armas has loads of managerial expertise, however this can be his first managerial position in skilled ladies’s soccer. That is large information, however the Present made larger strikes within the midfield: 20-year-old defensive midfielder Claire Hutton joined Bay FC. And 2024 NWSL Rookie of the 12 months, Croix Bethune, is transferring to the Midwest after a few profitable years in Washington.
Along with Hutton, KCC’s different large departures embrace Bia Zaneratto, Nichelle Prince and Hailie Mace.
Why they may end first this season: The Present will miss gamers corresponding to Zaneratto and Hutton. And sure, Chris Armas is new to the NWSL — to not point out ladies’s skilled soccer, whereas questions over lingering accidents might affect their attacking line.
However essentially the most constantly dominant staff within the league has maintained sufficient of its core to proceed its success. Bethune’s creativity as an attacking midfielder might take the league’s most harmful assault to a terrifying new degree.
Largest query heading into the season: Will all their gamers be match and able to play?
Temwa Chawinga, the staff and league’s prime scorer, ended final season with an harm. Is she again able to go? Bethune and Michelle Cooper have been each left off the USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster due to return-from-injury health. When will they be totally match? The general well being of key gamers — and Chawinga particularly — is the largest query forward of 2026. — Swanick
Final season’s end: Second place (12W, 6L, 8D), 44 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Have not you heard? Trinity Rodman is again. After a monthslong contract saga, Rodman grew to become the highest-paid participant in NWSL historical past.
After all, Rodman’s return wasn’t the one headline for Washington this winter. With former Orlando Satisfaction architect Haley Carter now within the door because the Spirit’s president of soccer operations, the Spirit splashed an almost seven-figure price to signal 18-year-old Paraguayan ahead Claudia Martínez and traded attacking midfielder Croix Bethune to the Kansas Metropolis Present in change for money. Washington followers actually aren’t bored!
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Can Trinity Rodman overcome her earlier harm issues in 2026?
The “Futbol Ladies’s” crew debate what wants to vary in 2026 for Trinity Rodman.
Why they may end second this season: As a result of there is a boatload of expertise on this staff.
With Rodman again within the fold and more likely to be more healthy than final 12 months, it is extraordinarily simple to imagine that the Washington Spirit may have a sky-high ceiling in 2026. Even with Bethune gone, there is no scarcity of high quality surrounding the U.S. star upfield between Present Monday, Rosemonde Kouassi, Leicy Santos, Martinez and others nonetheless.
Add in a powerful backbone that includes Hal Hershfelt, Tara Rudd and a gaggle anticipated again from maternity depart, and you’ve got a staff that can be downright terrifying in each section of play.
Largest query heading into the season: How will Aubrey Kingsbury‘s absence in purpose affect issues?
With Kingsbury anticipating a child in July, the Spirit can be with out their longtime starter between the posts. How Sandy MacIver, a former No. 1 for Everton within the WSL who served as Kingsbury’s backup final 12 months, performs as Washington’s new go-to goalkeeper is a significant storyline to observe in 2026. — Lowery
Final season’s end: Third place (11W, 8L, 7D), 40 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Final week, Portland introduced the hiring of Robert Vilahamn as their new coach. Just lately with Ladies’s Tremendous League facet Tottenham Hotspur, Vilahamn guided the English membership to their first-ever Ladies’s FA Cup remaining in 2024.
Additionally, though technically not an offseason transfer, the return of ahead Sophia Wilson from maternity depart is price highlighting. The Olympic gold medal winner and USWNT star returned to the sphere for Portland in a pleasant on March 6.
Why they may end third this season: The 20-year-old U.S. worldwide Olivia Moultrie has but to achieve her lofty potential, Wilson might take a while to be 100% match match, although is now a minimum of again with the squad, and there is additionally a handful of younger promising gamers that ought to be capable of preserve the membership’s place in a playoff place.
We have to take any friendlies with a grain of salt — notably one at residence towards a non-NWSL opponent — however they did additionally brush apart Liga MX Femenil giants Monterrey 5-1 in Wilson’s return.
Largest query heading into the season: Can Vilahamn discover success from the beginning?
Versus a full preseason or not to mention a full fortnight to arrange, the Swedish coach that has by no means managed within the NWSL may have an extremely brief window of time to prepare for the season. We can also’t ignore the truth that Vilahamn was dropped by Tottenham final June after narrowly avoiding relegation.
Vilahamn may even should handle the absence of dependable midfielder Sam Coffey, who left for Manchester Metropolis within the offseason. Will Portland hit the bottom operating or stumble into 2026? — Hernandez
Final season’s end: Eighth place (9W, 8L, 9D), 36 factors
Largest offseason strikes: The reigning champions peaked on the proper time late final season, with gamers corresponding to Rose Lavelle wholesome and Jaedyn Shaw transferring seamlessly into the staff.
Whereas sustaining most of their trophy-winning roster, Gotham have made just some tweaks within the offseason: Brazilian midfielder Gabi Portilho (who had six purpose contributions in 17 video games final season) signed for San Diego. Within the different path, they introduced in veteran NWSL midfielder/ahead Savannah McCaskill from San Diego.
Why they may end fourth this season: Gotham took time to hit their stride in 2025. Accidents restricted taking part in time to key gamers, and pivotal additions corresponding to Shaw had but to reach.
This season, middle again Tierna Davidson is again and able to play. Lavelle is wholesome and matching profession data for possibilities created at SheBelieves Cup. With a mostly-healthy squad able to go, Gotham can obtain the consistency of outcomes they achieved in 2024 and safe a prime 4 end.
Largest query heading into the season: Will the staff keep match, and may Esther preserve her type? Gamers corresponding to Davidson and Lavelle are wholesome to begin the season however have handled a number of accidents over time. Their availability may have a huge effect on the season.
In relation to scoring objectives, Spanish striker Esther is a sport changer. However she ended 2026 in a dry spell, scoring only one purpose of their remaining eight video games together with the playoffs. With 9 objectives in 21 video games final season, consistency from Esther might propel Gotham additional up the desk. — Swanick
Final season’s end: Fourth place (11W, 8L, 7D), 40 factors
Largest offseason strikes: In Emily Sams, Carson Pickett and Ally Brazier, three of Orlando’s 11 most used gamers from final season have departed the membership. Sams, who performed greater than 2,000 minutes at middle again in 2025, leaves the largest gap.
Nonetheless, with rising abilities corresponding to central defender Zara Chavoshi and veterans corresponding to new exterior again signing Hailie Mace, the Satisfaction nonetheless have loads of expertise even after seeing a trio of key gamers depart.
Why they may end fifth this season: Coach Seb Hines has an awfully spectacular squad at his disposal, would not he?
We barely obtained a style of what record-breaking signing Lizbeth Ovalle might do for Orlando after she signed final August, and there is purpose to anticipate the Mexican worldwide attacker to shine after a full preseason.
There are questions on how a new-look backline will gel, in fact, however the presence of a rock-solid midfield headlined by Haley McCutcheon and Angelina solutions a minimum of a few of them. There’s expertise aplenty in Orlando, and that is earlier than we even get to the headliner…
Largest query heading into the season: Will Barbra Banda be again to her finest?
It is not an exaggeration to say that your entire end of the NWSL’s 2025 season might’ve been very, very completely different if not for Banda’s abductor harm suffered in August. A just about unstoppable pressure when wholesome, the 25-year-old striker is among the league’s finest and most influential gamers.
If Banda is totally wholesome and able to go atop Orlando’s formation, the Satisfaction can be in each trophy dialog this season. She’s simply that impactful. — Lowery
Final season’s end: Sixth place (10W, 9L, 7D), 37 factors
Largest offseason strikes: San Diego acquired Brazilian worldwide Ludmila in January from the Chicago Stars in change for $800,000 in switch price funds. After discovering the again of the online 10 occasions in her earlier NWSL season, the Wave are hoping to see an identical tally for 2026.
As for exits, eyebrows have been raised after the membership mutually agreed to half methods and terminate contracts with key names corresponding to Delphine Cascarino and Kailen Sheridan.
Why they may end sixth this season: Kenza Dali (an NWSL Finest XI second staff inclusion from 2025) remains to be within the midfield image, there’s loads of upside from the roster’s younger group of gamers (keep watch over Kimmi Ascanio and Melanie Barcenas), and Ludmila ought to assist cowl a few of the extra noteworthy attacking points seen final season.
Chelsea‘s Catarina Macario can be reported to be closing in on a transfer to San Diego this summer season as effectively.
Largest query heading into the season: How a lot will San Diego miss Sheridan?
As not solely a shot-stopper that may recurrently placed on a present together with her saves but in addition a vocal captain, San Diego at the moment are with out some of the vital figures of their brief historical past as a membership. Backup DiDi Haracic is now slated to be the starter but in addition had pretty common performances in her restricted minutes in 2025.
If Haracic would not work out, coach Jonas Eidevall might need to look towards one of many goalkeeping alternates which have zero NWSL appearances… — Hernandez
Final season’s end: Ninth place (9W, 9L, 8D), 35 factors
Largest offseason strikes: North Carolina’s most notable motion is the departure of longtime veteran midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, who performed 9 seasons with the membership.
Within the different path, the addition of Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan may very well be an enormous increase, offering a robust veteran voice in a altering squad. Swedish striker Evelyn Ijeh, who completed third in Serie A’s 2024-25 golden boot race, is one other thrilling addition from AC Milan. Notably, the Braveness even have a brand new coach in Lebanese supervisor Mak Lind, and apparently, he is “obsessive about scoring objectives.”
Why they may end seventh this season: With a brand new coach and veteran departures, there are vital unknowns for the Braveness. However they’ve maintained an excellent portion of the roster. And after narrowly lacking the playoffs in 2025 (they trailed eighth-place Gotham by one level), they’ve made tweaks at both of the sphere that may assist safe a top-eight end.
Largest query heading into the season: Can they generate extra within the remaining third? With 39 objectives in 2025, the Braveness have been pretty medical with the possibilities that they had, however they did not create as many possibilities as they’ve prior to now. A brand new striker might add a lift, Sheridan’s type taking part in out of the again, a shakeup within the midfield and a coach intent on scoring might want to pay dividends within the remaining third. — Swanick
Final season’s end: Seventh place (10W, 9L, 7D), 37 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Louisville made historical past with their first playoff look in 2025 however had a quiet offseason because it prepares to construct on that success. Louisville signed former SEC Midfielder of the 12 months and First-Crew All American Macey Hodge from Angel Metropolis, bringing her to Kentucky for her second NWSL season.
Louisville signed former Seattle backup goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska, additionally able to spend her second NWSL season in Kentucky. Within the different path, Ary Borges left for Angel Metropolis and Janine Sonis signed for Denver Summit.
Why they may end eight this season: After a number of years of falling simply wanting the playoffs, Racing earned a deserved playoff berth in 2025 and gave Washington Spirit a tricky take a look at within the postseason. With their crew intact and coach returning, their chemistry and confidence appears poised to ship one other postseason-worthy season.
Largest query heading into the season: Will Racing degree up defensively? Louisville is hard to play and is aware of grind out outcomes. However Racing conceded extra objectives than every other playoff staff in 2025. Solely three groups throughout the league allowed extra photographs on track. Even a marginal enchancment in these numbers might have a huge effect on their season. — Swanick
Final season’s end: Fifth place (10W, 7L, 9D), 39 factors
Largest offseason strikes: It has been a quiet winter for the Reign with out a lot in the best way of high-profile roster turnover. Membership legend Lauren Barnes retired, whereas one other icon in Jess Fishlock opted to return for her 14th 12 months in Seattle. One of many solely new arrivals is 19-year-old midfielder Sofia Cedeño, who has been known as up by the U.S. U-20s whereas drawing curiosity from Panama‘s senior staff.
Why they may end ninth this season: As a result of the roster has stagnated.
Exterior of Barnes, each 2025 common is again. Might that be seen as helpful continuity? Certain. However because the league’s prime groups hold pushing ahead, Seattle is susceptible to being left behind.
With Laura Harvey (and ChatGPT?) on the helm, Maddie Dahlien may have the possibility to strike in transition from the wing whereas Jordyn Bugg anchors the backline. However with out elite expertise upfield, particularly within the absence of Lynn Biyendolo who will start the season on maternity depart, the ceiling is low.
Largest query heading into the season: Will an attacker step up?
Defensively, there is a world the place the Reign are near elite this 12 months. Claudia Dickey is a top-tier goalkeeper, whereas Bugg, Madison Curry and Sofia Huerta paint the image of a good backline. However who’s doing harm on the different finish?
Dahlien is harmful on the left wing, however the 21-year-old would not profile like a Finest XI attacker. Jordyn Huitema is not a high-end starter. Emeri Adames is simply 19, whereas Fishlock is one other 12 months older. Biyendolo is a query mark. To essentially compete, this staff wants a star attacker to emerge. Will one? — Lowery
Final season’s end: thirteenth place (4W, 14L, 8D), 20 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Chosen on the No.1 spot in ESPN’s NWSL U19 rating from 2025, Claire Hutton has actually turned some heads together with her transfer.
Introduced in at an eye catching $1.1 million from the Kansas Metropolis Present, Hutton arrived to a lot fanfare to soccer followers within the Bay Space. The younger midfielder, who has already sported the captain’s armband for the USWNT, may even deliver some level-headed assuredness to the center of the XI.
Why they may end tenth this season: Bay ought to take some steps ahead within the new 12 months, however simply how far is a thriller. Though 2025’s purpose contributions chief Racheal Kundananji will proceed to be a risk going ahead, and now has winter striker addition Cristiana Girelli taking part in alongside her within the assault, Girelli would possibly want time to regulate to the NWSL — which is also stated for brand spanking new coach Emma Coates after becoming a member of the membership in December.
All that stated, Hutton’s addition is likely to be the distinction between narrowly making it or not into the playoffs.
Largest query heading into the season: Will Girelli have sufficient time to make an affect?
There needs to be some optimism in 2026 with the Italian veteran purpose scorer within the entrance line, particularly after Bay completed final in complete objectives scored final season, however Girelli’s contract is just a mortgage by means of August.
Retaining in thoughts that the ahead did not be part of her new membership teammates till after World Cup qualifiers for Italy in early March, her stint with Bay would possibly show to be temporary. — Hernandez
Final season’s end: eleventh place (7W, 13L, 6D), 27 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Emily Sams and Ary Borges. Once you permit 41 objectives throughout 26 video games in 2025, it is sensible to usher in somebody like Sams to assist help the backline. Traded over the winter for $650,000, the U.S. worldwide can be anticipated to be a key determine in protection. Borges, a Brazilian worldwide that just lately performed for Racing Louisville, can be set to be a difference-maker above Sams within the midfield.
Why they may end eleventh this season: With loads of roster modifications since final 12 months, this nonetheless looks like a rebuild 12 months for Angel Metropolis. Granted, the ceiling needs to be greater with the additions they’ve made and a full preseason beneath coach Alexander Straus, who joined the staff midseason, however the beginning XI and formation itself stay as a puzzle that may must be sorted. Let’s additionally not overlook that locker room leaders corresponding to Ali Riley and Christen Press are not with the roster after retiring final season.
Largest query heading into the season: Can Riley Tiernan carry the entrance line?
The 2025 Rookie of the 12 months finalist was glorious final season, offering eight objectives in her debut marketing campaign. If Tiernan can construct off this tally, or if a promising attacker just like the 19-year-old Kennedy Fuller improves her purpose contributions complete of seven from 2025, Angel Metropolis would possibly be capable of push for a playoff place. — Hernandez
Final season’s end: N/A
Largest offseason strikes: There are few larger names on this sport than Lindsey Heaps, who will spearhead Denver’s growth marketing campaign (as soon as she arrives from Lyon in June, that’s). Within the meantime, head coach Nick Cushing has a proficient backline at his disposal — see: Ayo Oke and Eva Gaetino, each younger gamers capped by the U.S. at worldwide degree, together with Janine Sonis, Carson Pickett and Kaleigh Kurtz. Toss in German striker Melissa Kössler and artistic rookie and U.S. youth worldwide Yuna McCormack and there are greater than a handful of thrilling items on provide in Denver.
Why they may end twelfth this season: The true, trustworthy reply to this immediate is: I don’t know the place Denver Summit will end.
Certain, they will wrestle to push for the highest 5 based mostly on roster high quality alone. However wouldn’t it shock me if Kössler, Heaps and a few of the children shortly type a dynamic, efficient staff from prime to backside? No, probably not. Wouldn’t it shock me if Heaps seemed a step slower than we keep in mind upon her debut at age 32 and the unknown portions round her within the midfield and ahead strains wrestle? No, probably not.
Most outcomes are on the desk for Denver.
Largest query heading into the season: Does a non-Heaps star emerge?
It is secure to anticipate Denver to take a few of the typical growth lumps to begin the 12 months, particularly with out Heaps. However it can escape from the early season feeling out interval with fewer bumps and bruises ought to a star emerge from the bounce.
If one of many younger gamers — I’ve obtained my eyes most intently on McCormack, rookie ahead Olivia Thomas and even 24-year-old attacker Lourdes Bosch — begins to point out out, Summit will grow to be a staff nobody desires to face. — Lowery
Final season’s end: N/A
Largest offseason strikes: The Legacy are making their NWSL debut with an thrilling cadre of worldwide gamers and a handful of NWSL veterans, together with USWNT goalkeeper Casey Murphy, who signed for a reported $1.5 million. Led by former Benfica supervisor Filipa Patão, some notable worldwide signings from overseas embrace Ugandan striker Fauzia Najjemba, Brazilian defender Andressa “Kaká” Ferreira, Danish midfielder Josefine Hasbo and El Tri Femenil defender Nicki Hernandez.
Including extra intraleague expertise: Canadian internationals Nichelle Prince and Bianca St-Georges joined from Kansas Metropolis and Utah, respectively. Venezuelan worldwide Bárbara Olivieri provides extra NWSL expertise, signing from Houston Sprint.
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NWSL’s Boston Legacy indicators GK Casey Murphy; deal price $1.5M
NWSL’s Boston Legacy indicators GK Casey Murphy; deal price $1.5M
Why they may end thirteenth this season: This staff is filled with expertise. However lots of them, together with the supervisor, are model new to NWSL. The Legacy’s long-term success appears possible. Nevertheless it would possibly take time to hit their potential, particularly of their first season. Negotiating a number of residence venues, each shared with different skilled golf equipment, might additional delay realizing their full potential.
Largest query heading into the season: Will NWSL’s fifteenth staff re-capture Boston’s preexisting fan base (pour one out for the Boston Breakers) and command substantial residence crowds with their performances?
Whereas the Legacy look forward to Boston’s White Stadium to be prepared in 2027, they will play their video games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with a handful of video games in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Whether or not that has any impact on constructing a passionate fan base or season-long attendance is but to be seen. Nevertheless it might have a huge impact on the success of their marketing campaign. — Swanick
Final season’s end: tenth place (8W, 12L, 6D), 30 factors
Largest offseason strikes: In relation to senior additions, it has been an extremely quiet offseason for the Sprint. On the rookie entrance, although, Houston has been busy. Maybe most notably, it added 2024 Mac Hermann winner Kate Faasse from the College of North Carolina. Do not be shocked if the 21-year-old ahead instantly slots into supervisor Fabrice Gautrat’s beginning lineup.
Why they may end 14th this season: As a result of the cons outweigh the professionals.
Enchancment for the Sprint is not exterior the realm of risk given the rookie additions and the presence of a few fringe nationwide teamers. Nevertheless it appears an terrible weighty factor to anticipate a gaggle of first-year professionals to rescue the staff that posted the third-worst xG differential within the league final 12 months, as per American Soccer Evaluation.
The assault exterior of Yazmeen Ryan is a priority. On the different finish, Jane Campbell has allowed extra objectives than anticipated every of the previous two years, as per ASA. There are causes to fret.
Largest query heading into the season: Can Avery Patterson go supernova within the assault?
In keeping with American Soccer Evaluation’ objectives added metric, solely 10 gamers have been extra precious final season than Patterson. The 23-year-old was a legit sport changer from her exterior again spot, notching 5 purpose contributions whereas offering best-in-class dribbling and likelihood creation.
If Patterson continues to enhance on the charge she has throughout her first two seasons within the NWSL, the Sprint would possibly simply put collectively a harmful assault in any case. — Lowery
Final season’s end: 14th place (3W, 12L, 11D), 20 factors
Largest offseason strikes: Brazilian ahead Ludmila scored 10 of the Stars 32 regular-season objectives in 2025 however departed within the offseason for San Diego Wave in change for $800,000 in switch charges.
Within the different path, the Stars signed Nigeria worldwide Michelle Alozie from Houston Sprint in change for $40,000 in allocation cash.
Why they may end fifteenth this season: For a staff that completed 2025 in final place, the offseason wasn’t busy sufficient to quell fears of a repeat wrestle. Ludmila’s departure is an enormous blow; the Brazilian scored practically a 3rd of their objectives in 2025.
Even with the return of Mallory Swanson, that leaves lingering questions in assault. Defensively, the Stars conceded extra objectives than anybody else within the league by a 12-goal margin. Adequate defensive reinforcements have not arrived to stem that move.
Largest query heading into the season: Mallory Swanson. The star USWNT ahead was on maternity depart in 2025 however is poised to return in 2026. Swanson’s return-to-play standing will not be but confirmed, although coach Martin Sjögren confirmed the Stars anticipate her again in 2026. Swanson’s health to begin the 12 months, and her type all through this season, has fate-shifting potential for final 12 months’s basement dwellers. — Swanick
Final season’s end: twelfth place (6W, 13L, 7D), 25 factors
Largest offseason strikes: It has been a largely quiet offseason for Utah, who did not add apparent, confirmed NWSL star energy. Nonetheless, the Royals have had some intriguing pickups in Kiana Palacios, Membership América’s club-record purpose scorer, Kameron Simmonds, a Jamaican worldwide defender out of Florida State College, and Narumi Miura, a starting-level midfielder by the use of the Washington Spirit.
Why they may end sixteenth this season: Merely put, it would not look as if the squad at coach Jimmy Coenraets’ disposal has improved sufficient for the Royals to something however fall within the standings.
Certain, Mandy McGlynn will deliver stable shot-stopping behind back-to-back iron girl Kate Del Fava. However even leaving the door open for Palacios to be a transformative ahead risk, this staff lacks the real attacking difference-makers to spark perception. In comparison with the league’s finest — and even a few of the relaxation — Utah can be working at a expertise deficit.
Largest query heading into the season: Can the brand new signings hit the bottom operating?
Few groups within the NWSL want their newcomers to nail their NWSL introductions fairly like Utah. If Simmonds is a much-needed improve on the surface, Dayana Pierre-Louis, a Haitian worldwide acquired from France‘s prime flight this winter, and Miura increase the central midfield corps, and Palacios supercharges the assault, Utah will discover themselves exceeding preseason expectations.
However that their largest query depends on so many unknown portions is a harmful place to be. — Lowery
