FootyPop: Canada WNT Faces Budget Cuts Ahead of the World Cup
In women’s soccer news this week, we were finally blessed with the NWSL schedule (and ensuing social media content), the Canada WNT is facing budget cuts ahead of the World Cup this summer, an NWSL owner came up HUGE, and more. So, without further ado, here’s the WoSo news recap you’ve been waiting for!
High of the Weekend
The wait is finally over! Hope you're as obsessed with our 2023 season schedule as we are with @Netflix Wednesday Addams 🎥
Season Tickets Packages and Group Deposits available now. 🎟 pic.twitter.com/qPlpNQep7O
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) February 8, 2023
The long-awaited NWSL schedule was released last week… and let’s just say, some teams took a ~creative~ approach.
The Red Stars released a jaw-dropping rendition from the hit Netflix show Wednesday–also the day that the schedule came out. If this is how the 2023 NWSL year is starting, I seriously can’t wait for what’s to come.
The schedule consists of Challenge Cup matches dispersed throughout the season and international breaks for the World Cup this summer!
Low of the Weekend
To be clear. We are being forced back to work for the short term. This is not over. We will continue to fight for everything we deserve and we will win. The She Believes is being played in protest. https://t.co/1CmXU3CiYp
— Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) February 12, 2023
Earlier this week, the Canada WNT called off its strike after Canada Soccer threatened legal action against them. Canada Soccer reduced funding for the women’s team and youth team programs.
Both hinder the sport’s growth, and it’s shocking to cut funding after Canada’s success in the Olympics and this World Cup year. The players came out with a statement about how they haven’t even been paid yet for 2022.
The team will be playing in the SheBelieves Cup as a protest as they demand more support from Canada Soccer and can’t afford any legal or financial actions.
News of the Weekend
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The FIFA Women’s Player finalists are Beth Mead, Alexia Putellas, and… you heard right… Alex Morgan!
The award winner will be announced on February 27 after national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans have voted for their picks.
Win of the Weekend
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An NWSL owner won the Super Bowl! QB Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a win on Sunday night. He recently joined his wife, Brittany Mahomes as an owner of the KC Current. Love the support that the city has for its teams!
Player of the Weekend
The #U23WYNT returns to the pitch for the first time this year for a camp and two matches vs. France on Feb. 17 & 20, outside of Paris. Among the invited players, seven were part of the 2022 U-20 @FIFAWWC Team.
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) February 9, 2023
Mia Fishel has been a big topic of conversation as she shines in the Liga MX Femenil for Tigres UANL. Many are wondering if and when she’ll get a national team call-up. However, USWNT Coach Vlatko Andonovski spoke about his current team picks, and for now, Fishel received a call-up to the u-23 USWNT! We can’t wait to see what she does in their games against France!
Team of the Weekend
Kick off 2023 with us on 2/25!
Our friendly match against @AmericaFemenil will be played at Starfire Stadium, as part of the recently announced partnership with @OLfeminin and Club América!
Limited tickets available now –
🎟️🎟️ https://t.co/3038vaV7gh#ShapingtheFutur3 pic.twitter.com/nd2Y68T4Vt— OL Reign (@OLReign) February 9, 2023
Among preseason matches being announced, OL Reign will play Club América of the Liga MX Femenil later this month. It’s part of the new partnership with Lyon, OL Reign, and Club America. The international collaboration establishes ways for the three teams to share knowledge and skills and organize friendly games.
What to Look Forward To
February 16-22: SheBelieves Cup (Teams: United States, Brazil, Canada, Japan)
February 18-23: Women’s World Cup Playoff Tournament
These quarter-final ties 🤤🍿
Your excitement levels ___ / 💯#UWCL // #UWCLdraw pic.twitter.com/hAZTur1Yv9
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) February 10, 2023
Last week the UEFA Women’s Champion’s League quarterfinals draw was made, and the matches will be played in March!
Featured image via Getty Images
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