FootyPop: Ellie Roebuck Makes Her Barcelona Debut

December 9, 2024
By Kayleigh Toney

In this week’s women’s soccer news, Ellie Roebuck returned to the field; we got an update on Sam Kerr’s return; the National Championship match is set; and more!

High of the Week

Ellie Roebuck was back on the field after 303 days making her Barcelona debut. Roebuck had suffered a stroke in March that kept her sidelined but it’s wonderful to see her back on the field. The goalkeeper officially signed with Barcelona in June after spending six years with Manchester City.

Primer partit amb la samarreta del Barça 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/umgwURc88p

— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) December 7, 2024

Low of the Week

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor announced that we will have to wait a bit longer to see Sam Kerr return to the field. The club isn’t expecting to have the star forward return before February or March. Kerr suffered an ACL tear in January while at a training camp.

Sad news for football fans. During a press conference, Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said Sam Kerr won’t be ready to play until February or March 😢

The wait for her return continues, but oh boy, will it be fun when she’s back on the pitch scoring goals 😏 pic.twitter.com/qXmtPUmITQ

— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) December 6, 2024

News of the Week

Angela Hucles and Angel City announced that they were mutually parting ways. She has been with Angel City since 2021 and served as their general manager since 2022. The San Diego Wave also announced that club President Jill Ellis was stepping down to become the Chief Football Officer of FIFA.

Thank you, Angela.
📰 #AngelCityFC announces a mutual parting with General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Angela. As a community and club, we sincerely wish her all the best for the future.

More information here: https://t.co/8JiYqLt7mF pic.twitter.com/UHsZvvME1Q

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) December 5, 2024

Signing of the Week

The Houston Dash got a big free-agent pickup when they announced the signing of Delanie Sheehan. Sheehan was drafted in by Gotham where she spent four seasons making 64 appearances. She was a bit of an unsung hero for Gotham this season and’ll be a great addition for the Dash who struggled this season.

Bringing playoff experience to the midfield 👏

Welcome to H-Town, @DelanieSheehan!

🗞️ https://t.co/3Uikp768oO pic.twitter.com/saqNj6AaBQ

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) December 4, 2024

Team of the Week

Wake Forest defeated Stanford 1-0 to advance to their first ever National Championship match where they’ll face North Carolina. Emily Morris scored the game-winner for the Demon Deacons to advance. Wake Forest has had a terrific season with a 16-3-4 record. Their 16 wins is the most in a season since 2021.

🏆National Championship Bound🏆 pic.twitter.com/xVWNfwz1PR

— Wake Women’s Soccer (@WakeWSoccer) December 7, 2024

Goal of the Week

Alessia Russo sent a rocket into the far side of the net from a difficult angle inside the box to help Arsenal get a 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

Curled home by @alessiarusso7 🎯#BarclaysWSL @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/cRAeDxVYrR

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 8, 2024

Save of the Week

In Wake Forest’s win over Stanford goalkeeper Valentina Amaral made a flying save to push the ball off the post and defender Kristin Johnson was there to clear it off the line.

WHAT AN INSANE SAVE 🤯#WCollegeCup x 🎥 ESPNU / @WakeWSoccer pic.twitter.com/q5ETFkob1z

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 6, 2024

What To Watch This Week

The NCAA National Championship is set for Monday, December 9th with Wake Forest facing off against North Carolina at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be shown on ESPNU. It’s the second meeting of the season for these two ACC teams, they first met back in September with the Tar Heels getting a 1-0 win.