FootyPop: Sophia Smith Returns for the Portland Thorns as They Clinch Playoff Spot

October 9, 2023
By Hannah Cantrell

In this week’s women’s soccer news, the NWSL is racing towards a chaotic and epic finish. Next Sunday is NWSL Decision Day, meaning the playoff spots will be determined. Four out of the top six spots are still up for grabs! Additionally, the FA WSL in England is in week two of their season, and it looks like it’ll be an exciting and closely contested season. Plus, we’ll catch you up on NCAA action. Without further ado, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news recap:

High of the Weekend

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Portland Thorns FC (@thornsfc)

Sophia Smith returned for the Thorns after 41 days out with an injury. She came at minute 83’ and helped see the game out, with Portland Thorns winning 1-0 over Gotham FC. Her return was especially exciting since this win helped the Thorns clinch an NWSL playoff spot! This marks the ninth time in ten consecutive seasons that the Thorns have made the playoffs.

Low of the Weekend

Do think it’s interesting KC is going into 2024 with a number of attendances higher than the official capacity of their new stadium https://t.co/dqa6GnAD8u

— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) October 8, 2023

Kansas City might have goofed up before the next season has even started. They’ve been breaking attendance records, with their latest record being over 15,000 attendees. That’s amazing; however, their new stadium, set to open next year, doesn’t seat that capacity! Its capacity is listed at 11,500 occupants.

News of the Weekend

Mary Earps’ goalkeeper kit was finally put on sale TODAY by Nike, with no announcement made by the company.

It’s already sold out 🤑 pic.twitter.com/DMg6wMDA9o

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) October 9, 2023

Better late than never… right? Nike put Mary Earp’s goalkeeper jersey on sale today, and it’s already sold out. If you’re confused about why this is such big news, it’s because Nike did not produce any Earps jerseys around the time of the Women’s World Cup. They had all other England jerseys for sale, but not Earps’, England’s star goalkeeper.

Save of the Weekend

WOW 🤯 pic.twitter.com/h7re8OOBnw

— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) October 9, 2023

This header save off the line for Liverpool is so clutch. They secured a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, putting them second in the standings.

78' | NOPE ❌❌❌

Leah puts a stop to a UNC PK opportunity!

🐏 1, 🔵😈 0

📺 ACC Network pic.twitter.com/vTUgtGuwQp

— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) October 8, 2023

Here’s another great save during a high-stakes moment. UNC should’ve easily gone up 2–0 here, but Duke’s goalkeeper put up a magnificent stop to keep the score at only 1-0. And eventually, it paid off as Duke scored a last-minute goal to equalize!

Goal of the Weekend

A clutch goal from Savannah McCaskill boosts Angel City's playoff hopes! pic.twitter.com/kHABUg5DTb

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 9, 2023

Angel City showed a great team effort in their match against Houston. Savannah McCaskill was particularly impressive, as she assisted Alyssa Thompson’s goal to equalize and then scored one of her own at 90 + 1’ to put out the win for Angel City!

Player of the Weekend

A true 👑

Congrats to @alikrieger for reaching 175 appearances in the NWSL 🖤 pic.twitter.com/VmJBLZUThL

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 7, 2023

Ali Krieger just celebrated 175 NWSL regular season appearances! She’s been so consistent in the NWSL, and it’ll be hard to see her leave after this season.