FootyPop: NCAA Soccer Heats up With This Dazzling Bicycle Kick
This week there was a ton of NCAA action, the international break, and some not-so-great results out of Gotham FC. We witnessed a ton of remarkable goals, including a dazzling bicycle kick out of Long Beach State and a brace by Sophia Smith for the USWNT. So, without further ado, let’s get into this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
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Lena Silano takes our player of the week title with this incredible bicycle kick goal. She’s even surprised she scored this one. Silano shows such talent with the way she makes it look so easy.
Low of the Weekend
I assure you all, we are NOT ok with being at the bottom of the table. To Meg’s point, this position is all too common for this club. Here’s why you can have faith in the future of what we’re building 🧵⬇️ https://t.co/pe1c6H7PfU
— Yael Averbuch West (@Yael_Averbuch) September 5, 2022
Gotham continues their run of bad luck, and they’ve had enough. After losing their eighth match in a row, players and owners had something to say. The team has never really had success on the league scale, but Yael Averbuch West tweeted about how they’re working to cultivate that. We hope it turns around for them soon.
News of the Weekend
¡Este lunes se disfruta mejor con fútbol! Ven y pasa tus mejores momentos con nosotres en la Copa Angelina.#Volemos | #CopaAngelina | #LAvMX | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/1ckbnjz5dA
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 5, 2022
Angel City played a friendly match against the Mexico national team, the first game of its kind in the NWSL. Ultimately, Mexico won 2-0, but the game shows a bright future for collaboration between the NWSL and other countries and leagues!
Fail of the Weekend
Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC play here September 17th 😬😬 https://t.co/0Mugod5WN5
— nubia ツ (@nxbaafnkln) September 5, 2022
A video is circulating of the brand new Snapdragon Stadium that shows it terribly. The stadium has no covered seating, and with extreme heat hitting Socal currently, fans attending the San Diego Wave vs. Angel City game will need to be ready for what’s in store. It seems like the stadium’s designers should have considered the weather when making plans.
Player of the Weekend
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Sophia Smith received Woman of the Match at the USWNT’s first friendly against Nigeria this past weekend. Smith got a brace, which isn’t too surprising as she’s been a goal-scoring machine for the Thorns and the US this past year.
Goal of the Weekend
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Lexi Wright’s scored a beautiful goal in UCLA’s 2-1 win over number one ranked North Carolina. The goal reminds me of OL Reign’s Eugenie Le Sommer’s goal from last year in the way she absolutely breaks the defender’s ankles by cutting the ball from left to right.
Record of the Weekend
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Yes, we added a new category since it seems women’s soccer has been breaking all sorts of records as of late.
Arsenal broke the FA WSL attendance record after selling 38,500 tickets for their match later in the month against Tottenham. San Diego recently broke the NWSL attendance record by selling out Snapdragon stadium for their match against Angel City. Love to see it!
What to Look Forward To
USWNT
Tuesday, September 6: USWNT vs. Nigeria at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
NCAA
Thursday, September 8: North Carolina (1) vs. Duke (2) at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
NWSL
Friday, September 9: Orlando Pride vs. Portland Thorns at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Friday, September 9: OL Reign vs. Chicago Red Stars at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Saturday, September 10: Washington Spirit vs. San Diego Wave at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT
Saturday, September 10: North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM ET
Sunday, September 11: Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Sunday, September 11: Houston Dash vs. Angel City FC at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
Why don’t we ever talk about about how tennis players play an entire match with a tennis ball in their pants
— Nicole Baxter (@NicoleBaxter512) September 1, 2022
The US Open took place this weekend–Serena Williams was AMAZING to watch–and Gotham FC’s Nicole Baxter made this very relatable observation.
Featured image via @longbeachstatesoccer on Instagram
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