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FootyPop: Sophia Smith Becomes Youngest and Fastest Player to Reach 40 Goals

Another week of action in the NWSL, including a slate of midweek matchups and action over Mother’s Day weekend. Plus, a surprising departure in the WSL and more. Check out this week’s women’s soccer news!

 

High of the Weekend 

Paige Nielsen came up HUGE for the Houston Dash against her former club, Angel City. In the last play of the game, a Dash corner kick came flying in, and Nielsen connected with it perfectly to send it past ACFC’s goalkeeper and into the back of the net. After she scored, she ran over to her teammates and celebrated. 

Nielsen was traded by Angel City to the Dash right before the trade deadline in April, and it came as a huge shock to fans, players, and even Nielsen and her family. Angel City caught a lot of heat for the trade, so to see Nielsen return to her former club’s stadium and score the last-minute game-winner was something special. 

 

Low of the Weekend

The unfortunate saga continues, but this time, there’s some positive news. Luis Rubiales will go on trial for alleged sexual assault, when he kissed Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win, and for alleged coercion that he used after the incident.

 

News of the Weekend 

Vivianne Miedema is set to leave Arsenal this summer after seven seasons with the club. Miedema is widely regarded as one of the best players in the WSL and even in Europe. In her 105 appearances for Arsenal, she scored 79 goals. 

However, she recently suffered an ACL tear and only returned to the pitch last year. Some are speculating that Arsenal didn’t re-sign her because she hasn’t instantly returned to her goal-scoring ways. Multiple sources told ESPN that Manchester City will likely be her next club

 

Game of the Weekend 

Portland Thorns beat Seattle 4-0 in the Cascadia rivalry, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, rivalries in the NWSL. The match was only 1-0 at halftime, with a goal from Olivia Moultrie, but Seattle slid in the second half, ultimately losing 4-0. 

Sophia Smith was the star of the match, picking up three assists and scoring a goal. 

 

Save of the Weekend 

Kelli Hubly came in clutch for the Thorns on this play. She puts her body on the line in the exact right position to stop Balcer’s power header from going into the goal 

 

Goal of the Weekend 

The goal from Cameron Tucker is an absolute top-bins banger! Plus, it was her first professional goal. 

 

Player of the Weekend 

Sophia Smith made it to 40 goals, the youngest and the fastest to ever do so. She’s been on fire this NWSL season, and she’s sure to break a couple more records in the future. 

 

Team of the Weekend 

 

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The Orlando Pride have been playing out of their minds this season. They remain undefeated and have won six matches in a row.

 

Fav Social Media Post 

 

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The Mother’s Day content was so heartwarming!

 

Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram

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