FootyPop: A Wholesome Moment of Sportsmanship from the FA Women’s Cup
This week had some ups and downs. From wholesome moments out of the Women’s Super League in England to more misconduct in the NWSL to World Cup teasers, this week’s women’s soccer news has us in a mix of emotions… but mostly excited for what’s to come in February and beyond!
High of the Weekend
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This is the best shirt swap we’ve ever seen. Leeds United player Amy Woodruff tweeted Arsenal’s and England national team’s Leah Williamson before their FA Cup match, “I’m gonna play against leah williamson wtf, I’ve already won no matter the result” and asked for her jersey. Williamson tweeted back about swapping shirts after the match.
And here’s the result. Although Leeds fell nine to nil, it was still a wholesome and happy moment.
Low of the Weekend
— Pierre Soubrier (@Pjsoubrier) January 26, 2023
Further investigations into misconduct in the NWSL were released. Portland Thorns Assistant Coach Sophie Clough was fired for inappropriate sexual behavior towards a player after their NWSL Championship win. Thorn’s athletic trainer Pierre Soubrier was also fired after the team’s physician raised concerns about him administering Codeine to players. One player was administered the drug without informed consent.
Pierre Soubrier is married to Crystal Dunn, and both released statements on Twitter.
And lastly, the investigation substantiated verbal and emotional misconduct claims against former Spirit coach Kris Ward.
Of course, it’s hard to hear even more bad news and misconduct from the NWSL, but it’s good that things like this are being reported and those responsible are held accountable.
News of the Weekend
Special delivery! 🚁⚽
Behold the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 official match ball, OCEAUNZ. A design inspired by the unique natural landscapes of the two host nations, Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand. 🌊 #FIFAWWC | #BeyondGreatness pic.twitter.com/4b2zDWP2iN
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 24, 2023
Two new soccer balls and a new jersey? What a week for equipment and kits.
FIFA released the official match ball for the Women’s World Cup in epic fashion by flying in a giant version via helicopter.
a moment for the official 2023 @NWSL ball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/r4E0LnviWs
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) January 27, 2023
Next, the NWSL released its new match ball. It’s giving soccer glam with pink and silver.
Additionally, the release of the new ball and preseason social media content has fans a little riled up about the fact that there is no schedule of matches yet.
The rumored new @USWNT World Cup home kit has been leaked 🇺🇸
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/sZihGGRl9m
— Womens Transfer News (@womenstransfer) January 24, 2023
And lastly, a leaked version of a special kit for the USWNT is making the rounds on Twitter. Some love it, and some, well, despise it.
Team of the Weekend
FC BARCELONA FEMENÍ ARE THE FIRST TEAM IN FOOTBALL HISTORY TO WIN 50 CONSECUTIVE LEAGUE MATCHES 👏 pic.twitter.com/sLjHNogTDY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 25, 2023
FC Barcelona Femeni is and has been on top of the league for a while now and marked their dominance by becoming the first team to win 50 league matches in a row.
Although their feat is incredible, it does point to a massive disparity between them and the rest of the league. More investment in the women’s game is still needed!
Player of the Weekend
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Khadija Bunny Shaw is on fire for Manchester City. She’s had 16 goals in as many games, with 21 total goal involvements.
Trade of the Weekend
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In a trade of epic proportions, Emily Fox is heading to North Carolina, and both Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett will go to Louisville.
Erceg tweeted her disappointment at leaving her long-time team but expressed excitement about the road ahead in Louisville.
What to Look Forward To
Mark your calendars! WSF is heading to Washington, D.C. to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day® & to remind our lawmakers that we're not done yet! Tune in at 1:45pm ET on February 1 as we host a briefing on Capitol Hill commemorating #NGWSD2023. https://t.co/0MdY2ABI2m pic.twitter.com/NWTmXSU2xT
— Women's Sports Foundation (@WomensSportsFdn) January 25, 2023
February 1 is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation!
February 15-21: Women’s Revelations Cup (Teams: Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nigeria)
February 16-22: SheBelieves Cup (Teams: United States, Brazil, Canada, Japan)
February 18-23: Women’s World Cup Playoff Tournament
Featured image via Getty Images
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