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FootyPop: Bring on the USWNT and World Cup 2023 Hype!

The Men’s World Cup wrapped up on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to the women’s competition next summer. In addition, U.S. Soccer announced its Female Player of the Year nominees, and FIFA announced two new international tournaments! There’s a ton of exciting action going on right now, so here’s a recap of this week’s women’s soccer news. 

 

High of the Weekend 

U.S. Soccer just announced the nominees for the Female Player of the Year! Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, and Sophia Smith are all contenders for the award. But, honestly, it could go to any of them for the incredible year they’ve each had. 

Additionally, Alyssa Thompson–called up to the senior team this year–was nominated for the Young Female Player of the Year award!

 

Low of the Weekend

Unfortunately, another elite player suffered a torn ACL. Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is joining her teammate Beth Mead on the sidelines after tearing her ACL in a match last week. This means she’ll miss the World Cup next year, where she would’ve played with the Netherlands. 

 

News of the Weekend 

Tampa, San Francisco, or Boston? These are the three cities the NWSL says are in contention for being the next NWSL expansion city!

 

Additionally, the equal pay movement is reaching far and wide. The Scottish WNT is taking legal action against the Scottish FA after negotiations broke down regarding pay parity.

 

Win of the Weekend 

Not your typical win, but a win for the growth of women’s soccer! Adding to the World Cup buzz, FIFA just announced they’ll add a Women’s Club World Cup and a Women’s Futsal World Cup. Although FIFA’s president stated the women’s schedule won’t be changed until 2025, it’s still a while away with plenty of details to figure out. 

We’re stoked for more international women’s soccer, but it raises questions about packed schedules and injuries.

 

Game of the Weekend

If you’re into international women’s soccer, you need to be following the UEFA Women’s Champions League–a long-winded tournament between the best of the best in Europe. The last WCL quarterfinal spot will come down to a game between Juventus and Lyon on Wednesday. 

 

Player of the Weekend

 

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We all know Carli Lloyd is the GOAT of women’s soccer. With the Men’s World Cup wrapping up, Kylian Mbappe scored a hattrick in the final match, and Lionel Messi scored in every knockout game. But we WoSo fans will know Lloyd did both of those first!

 

What to Look Forward To

UEFA Women’s Champions League 

Wednesday, December 21: Juventus v. Lyon at 12:45 PM ET/9:45 AM PT

Thursday, December 22: Chelsea v. PSG at 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT

 

Fav Social Media Post 

We feel you, Janine.

 

Featured image via Getty Images

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