You really can't ask for a more beautiful setting for a soccer stadium in Seattle than Memorial Stadium. With the Space Needle looming overhead, it really doesn't get more "Seattle" than that.

Sure, it's an older stadium, dating back to just after World War II. But I think that adds to the charm. The locker room is being renovated by the team to bring it up to more of a professional standard. I didn't get a chance to go up to the press box, but it looks a little frightening. Luckily, I'll be spending most of my time on the sidelines! (Sorry Josh!)

The state of the pitch looked pretty good. It's my understanding that it is a fairly new turf. They are working on getting rid of the football lines, and they have actually widened the soccer lines by about two or three yards on each side. It definitely seems in better shape than what the Sounders are playing on these days. (Though I know that's not saying much.)

As for the team itself, just about all players are now in camp. Hope Solo was the only player missing today, having attended this weekend's Manchester City match in England.

There are definitely many new faces to get to know. So I've attempted to add names in the captions.

The first match at Memorial will be a friendly against Seattle Pacific University on April 5th at 6 PM. I'll unfortunately miss that since I'll be shooting a certain match down in Portland earlier in the day. But if you can get there, tickets appear to be free on their website. The first match of the regular NWSL season is on April 13th against the Boston Breakers.