FootyPop: Christine Sinclair Announces Retirement

In this week’s women’s soccer news, Gotham visited the White House; Christine Sinclair announced her retirement; Bay FC announced a new training facility; and more!

High of the Week

This week Gotham FC took a historic trip to the White House. It marked the first time that an NWSL Championship team received the invitation. They became just the second women’s professional soccer club to be honored with an invite and the first since 2010.

Today, President Biden welcomed Gotham FC to the White House to celebrate its 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Championship.

Congratulations, @GothamFC! pic.twitter.com/xRPECepDLt

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 23, 2024 

Low of the Week

Christine Sinclair announced this week that the 2024 season would be her last as she plans to retire at the end of the year. Sinclair is a legend on both the international and club level. The forward is the highest-scoring player on the national stage having ended her career with Canada with 190 goals. She’s spent the majority of her club career with the Portland Thorns where she’s helped the club win three NWSL Championships.

Your impact will last a lifetime. Thank you for everything, Sinc. ♥️

Club legend, Christine Sinclair, has announced her retirement from professional football.

More here: https://t.co/O0NJQr58iV#ThankYouSinc pic.twitter.com/8L0ikhH44E

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) September 27, 2024 

News of the Week

Bay FC unveiled some exciting news this week as the club plans to build a dedicated training facility for the club on Treasure Island. The club plans to break ground on the training facility at some point next year with hopes of it opening in 2027.

#BayFC is anchored in the Bay! ⚓️

Our world-class permanent training facility will be located on Treasure Island, and will feature three training fields, dedicated sporting operations facilities, and top-of-the line resources and spaces for players needed to perform at the… pic.twitter.com/W0kNxLJYph

— Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) September 24, 2024

Win of the Week

On Saturday, California signed Katie Meyer’s Law into law. The law was created to honor Meyer who was a standout goalkeeper at Stanford who tragically took her own life. Katie Meyer’s Law states that colleges are required to allow students to select an advisor to assist them during disciplinary hearings.

As of Saturday, Katie Meyer’s Law is signed and on the books in California, thanks to the work of @KatiesSave.

At @TheAthletic https://t.co/LlzBpUNuuS

— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) September 29, 2024 

Signing of the Week

The Chicago Red Stars were able to sign their captain Alyssa Naeher to a new contract through the 2025 season. The contract means that Naeher will be back in Chicago for her tenth season with the club. It’s a huge extension for Chicago to be able to lock in their leader for another season.

A decade of dominance in goal. 🧤⚽

Alyssa Naeher is back for her 10th season with Chicago!#WithTheStars | #NWSL

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) September 25, 2024 

Goal of the Week

Beth Mead took a beautiful touch to pop the ball over the defender and then hit a perfect volley for an insane goal in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Häcken in UEFA Champions League play. 

BETH MEAD JUST DID THAT VS HÄCKEN 😱

🎥 @SHEscoresbanger pic.twitter.com/3pGuUAXuYt

— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) September 26, 2024 

Team of the Week

Brooklyn FC announced the hiring of Jessica Silva as their first-ever head coach. She had previously been an assistant coach for the Canadian U-15, U-17, and U-20 youth teams. Brooklyn picked up two wins this week taking down both Dallas Trinity and Lexington SC. They currently sit in second place in the USL Super League standings.

Big news! BKFC has signed Jessica Silva as the first-ever head coach for our team! Jess has signed a two-year contract to lead us through the inaugural 2024/25 USL Super League season.

We couldn’t be more excited! Please help us in welcoming our Gaffer! #bkfc #brooklynfc pic.twitter.com/95ykMvu4OC

— Brooklyn Football Club Womens (@_BrooklynFCw) September 23, 2024 

Player of the Week

Last year’s NWSL MVP Kerolin returned to the field for the North Carolina Courage two weeks ago. In just her second game back she scored her first goal for her club since her injury. Kerolin’s goal helped lead the Courage to a vital 3-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars.

Oh how we’ve missed you Kerolin 🥹 pic.twitter.com/eClNg6Abbz

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 30, 2024 

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