FootyPop: The USWNT Prepares for First Olympic Match Against Zambia
It’s the best week of the summer; the Olympics are starting! The USWNT kicks off against Zambia on Thursday and other matches throughout the day and on Sunday. The NWSL’s Summer Cup featuring NWSL and Liga MX teams is off to the races, and much more. Keep reading for this week’s women’s soccer news roundup!
High of the Weekend
Our Olympic dream begins in THREE DAYS! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸#USWNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/SaZddJPfjv
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 22, 2024
IT’S OLYMPIC WEEK! Mark your calendars because it all starts on Thursday. The USWNT takes on Zambia at 3 PM ET/12 PM PT. They’ll face off against Germany and Australia later in the group stage.
While the USWNT are certainly still favorites to go far in the tournament, concerns have been mounting over the team’s ability, especially after their 0-0 draw against Costa Rica. The team had 80% possession and 26 shots but were unable to convert any into goals. The match was extremely hot–the game took place in DC, where the temperature reached a high of 103, meaning it was even hotter on the field–which could have affected the team’s play. But, overall, if the USWNT wants to succeed at the Olympics, we’ll need to see some of those chances finished.
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Low of the Weekend
Lena Oberdorf erleidet im Spiel gegen Österreich eine Kreuz- und Innenbandverletzung 💔💔💔
Tut uns im Herzen weh, Obi! Wir sind bei dir! 🖤❤️💛WIR #IMTEAM 🇩🇪
📸 imago pic.twitter.com/kQO67RvePl— DFB-Frauen (@DFB_Frauen) July 17, 2024
Just a week before the Olympics, Germany’s young star midfielder, Lena Oberdorf, was sidelined by an ACL injury. She suffered the injury in their Euro qualifying match against Austria on July 16, in a match that was less consequential to Germany since they already qualified.
News of the Weekend
FIRST NWSL ➡️ USL SUPER LEAGUE LOAN
The KC Current loan 24-year-old Argentine international Sophie Braun to Spokane Zephyr FC through the end of the NWSL season. Braun will play in the Super League’s inaugural season, which kicks off in August 2024.
📸 @thekccurrent pic.twitter.com/04HOMhibVj
— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) July 19, 2024
The USL Super League starts up soon, and we’re seeing the first signs of how the new league and the NWSL will function concurrently. The KC Current announced a loan of Sophie Braun, a midfielder who plays for the Argentina national team, to Spokane Zephyr, a Washington team in the USL Super League. Additionally, Racing Louisville put rookie goalkeeper Madison White on loan to Dallas Trinity FC.
Goal of the Weekend
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NWSL teams showed up in the Summer Cup, winning all of the matches against Liga MX opponents. Our favorite goal came from Angel City rookie Kennedy Fuller, who’s become quite a star in the team’s midfield. In this play, she received a ball in the perfect space to turn and take a shot, helping the team win 2-1 against Club América.
Player of the Weekend
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Scoring in just the fourth minute of the Thorns’ match against Xolos Femenil in Liga MX, there’s no slowing down for Christine Sinclair. She broke yet another record, becoming the first player to score in the regular season, Challenge Cup, playoffs, Fall Series (during COVID), and the Summer Cup.
Team of the Weekend
The Champs are in the White House 😎🇺🇸#OneTribe pic.twitter.com/ubR7rrOINo
— FSU Soccer (@FSUSoccer) July 22, 2024
Florida State, the reigning NCAA champs, took a trip to the White House to celebrate their victory last year. The team was stacked with talent, including Leilanni Nesbeth, who now plays with the Red Stars.
Coach of the Weekend
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Rob Gale was hired as the permanent head coach for the Thorns! He helped turn the team’s rocky start around earlier this season and has upheld a regular season record of 8-3-5.
Signing of the Weekend
🚨Chelsea announce the signing of 5x UWCL winner Lucy Bronze on a two year contract🔵 pic.twitter.com/9xyNZ13Edv
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 17, 2024
Formerly with Barcelona, Lucy Bronze is returning to England to play with Chelsea! The England women’s national team defender recently won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the Spanish side and has just signed a two-year deal with the English club.
What to Look Forward To
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There will be a ton of women’s soccer to watch here and abroad in the coming weeks. Make sure to tune into the Olympic women’s soccer tournament on Thursday and Sunday, and check out the NWSL’s Summer Cup schedule!
Fav Social Media Post
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Just warms our hearts!
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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