FootyPop: Thorns and Current Will Battle in the NWSL Championship
From the World Cup draw to NCAA action to NWSL madness, this week’s women’s soccer news is exciting, to say the least. So, without further ado, here’s your roundup of the past week!
High of the Weekend
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The World Cup draw took place this past weekend–getting us more and more hyped up for next summer!! The USWNT is in Group E, along with the Netherlands, Vietnam, and the playoff winner from Group A.
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Additionally, and arguably the real High of the Week, is the 2023 Women’s World Cup mascot, Tazuni!
Low of the Weekend
Not the ending we wanted, but a hard-fought effort from our #U17WYNT 🇺🇸
Looking forward to what the future holds for this group » https://t.co/VCrwNxV7AA pic.twitter.com/6IhAveVj4o
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) October 21, 2022
Unfortunately, the U17 USYNT is out of the World Cup. Nigeria beat them 4-3 in PKs after a full match of 1-1. However, they had a spectacular run and have incredible talent, so they’ll be back, and we can’t wait to follow where some of the players go in the coming years.
News of the Weekend
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The NWSL Championship is set! It’s the Portland Thorns against the Kansas City Current. The game is at Audi Field in Washington D.C. next Saturday at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT.
Kansas City upset OL Reign 2-0 at the Reign’s home field. Even though the Seattle side had more possession, the Current got the job done thanks to their goals from Alexis Loera and Kristen Hamilton.
The Portland Thorns and the San Diego Wave also had their semifinals battle, with Portland ultimately taking the W thanks to a stoppage-time screamer from none other than Crystal Dunn!
Win of the Weekend
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The Ballon d’Or award ceremony crowned Alexia Putellas for the second year in a row!
On a side note, Trinity Rodman, a nominee, looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet.
Goal of the Weekend
ROCKY RIGHT ON CUE 🤩@raque_rocky | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/FkWb1K1uXG
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 23, 2022
This goal from Rocky Rodriguez is SOMETHING ELSE. Her touch is perfect to set up her rocket of a volley that shot into the back of the net.
Player of the Weekend
CRYSTAL DUNN AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!@Cdunn19 | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/COECaQuags
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 23, 2022
This is Portland’s game-winner from their semifinal. Crystal Dunn subbed on in the second half (into the midfield !!) and scored this goal in stoppage time to put the Thorns ahead of the Wave. And in case you forgot, Dunn just gave birth to her son just five months ago, making her first goal back all the more special.
Upset of the Weekend
HAWKS WIN!!!
Iowa knocks off No. 13 Northwestern on the road to secure three huge points in the Big Ten standings!#Hawkeyes x #FightForIowa pic.twitter.com/116J25SHrh
— Hawkeye Soccer (@HawkeyeSoccer) October 21, 2022
The Iowa Hawkeyes took down No. 13 Northwestern last week 2-1!
What to Look Forward To
NWSL
Saturday, October 29: Portland Thorns vs. Kansas City Current at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
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Jess Fishlock and Tziarra King just announced their engagement!!!
Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram
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