FootyPop: Adriana and Messiah Bright Shined in the Orlando Pride’s Win Over Portland
In women’s soccer news this week, the NWSL reached the halfway point in its season and showed us some quality goals and defending. Notably, two Brazilians, Adriana, and Kerolin, had amazing weekends. Plus, Spain’s roster for the Women’s World Cup dropped, there are some concerning injuries for USWNT players and more. Check it all out in this week’s women’s soccer news roundup!
High of the Weekend
A trio of Cellys 🤩 pic.twitter.com/jMv2RgZ4jv
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) June 12, 2023
The Orlando Pride had a stunning game against the Thorns this past weekend, beating them 3-1. Unsurprisingly, an assist from Morgan Weaver to Sophia Smith opened the scoring, but the Pride returned with a vengeance. Adriana scored a brace, including a brilliant free kick, and Messiah Bright scored the third goal. She got the timing just right on an error by the Thorn’s back line.
Watching the Pride begin to find success after a rough couple of seasons is fantastic. Plus, their attackers are just fun to watch; Adriana seems to have gotten into her goal-scoring groove, and if Messiah Bright continues her good form, she could be in contention for Rookie of the Year.
Low of the Weekend
Spain’s preliminary @FIFAWWC roster is HERE
✅ “Las 15” members IN:
Aitana Bonmatí
Ona Batlle
Mariona Caldentey❌ “Las 15” members OUT:
Patri Guijarro
Leila Ouahabi
Lucía García
Mapi León
Laia Aleixandri
Clàudia Pina
Sandra PañosAlexia Putellas is IN the squad ✅ pic.twitter.com/wDumhBoS2C
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) June 12, 2023
The Spanish Women’s National Team preliminary roster dropped, and as expected, many of its best players are not on it.
Las 15, or the 15 players who originally took a stand against the coach, Jorge Vilda, was split up as Vilda decided to recall some of them: Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey, and Alexia Putellas all made the roster.
It’s tough, to say the least, that this ongoing dispute affects their roster for the biggest women’s soccer tournament to date.
News of the Weekend
OL Reign and USA 🇺🇸 winger Megan Rapinoe is dealing with a calf strain she suffered in Saturday's match. She went down with an apparent calf injury in the 1st minute of play and was subsequently subbed off in the 5th minute. Further examination revealed a mild (grade l) calf…
— MillsRx (@GameMedicine) June 11, 2023
The OL Reign experienced a scary moment in their match against Kansas City. Megan Rapinoe was subbed off within the first ten minutes of the match due to an apparent injury. Later, it was revealed that Rapinoe suffered a mild calf strain, but any injury news for a player looking to make the World Cup roster is concerning.
Becky Sauerbrunn officially out for the Thorns tonight, indicating a potential setback in recovery from her foot injury. #BAONPDX
That’s something to keep an eye on for #USWNT, too. https://t.co/0je5uA8RKh
— Ryan Clarke (@RyanTClarke) June 11, 2023
Likewise, star defender Becky Sauerbrunn wasn’t rostered for the Thorns’ match against Orlando Pride due to a lingering foot injury.
Save of the Weekend
View this post on Instagram
Ashley Hatch nearly scored our goal of the week, but instead, Didi Haracic will snag our save of the week.
View this post on Instagram
If this play looks somewhat familiar, it’s because Kansas City’s Croix Soto also saved a shot off the line against the OL Reign.
Goal of the Weekend
The Wizard working her magic 🪄@adrisilva_16 | #ORLvPOR pic.twitter.com/69ANDg1QYx
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) June 11, 2023
It was so nice; we had to mention it twice. Here’s Adriana, who scored a banger off a free kick for the Pride.
Coach of the Weekend
Excited to introduce our next head coach: Julianne Sitch!
Welcome to Denver, Coach!
📰 https://t.co/se9PlUynYA#GoPios | #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/3kmIJabeM3
— Denver Women's Soccer (@DU_WSoccer) June 7, 2023
Coach Julianne Sitch, who coached the Chicago Men’s team to an NCAA championship last season, is headed to the University of Denver! She was the first female coach to coach a men’s team to a championship. Now, she’s headed to the women’s side.
Player of the Weekend
View this post on Instagram
Kerolin and the Courage slammed the Chicago Red Stars five goals to nil this weekend, three of those scored by the Brazilian. She now has seven goals in eleven regular season games.
Additionally, her great form attracted attention from a slew of European clubs, ESPN Brazil reported. Lyon, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all interested, but her contract doesn’t end until next year.
Return of the Weekend
JOY. pic.twitter.com/H7bBxz3b7S
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
Sydney Leroux played her first game for Angel City last Monday and scored a goal in front of the home crowd! She brings undeniable energy onto the pitch. So, fans and players alike are stoked to have her back.
What to Look Forward To
NWSL Challenge Cup
Wednesday, June 14:
Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Racing Louisville vs. Houston Dash at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
KC Current vs. Chicago Red Stars at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
NWSL
Saturday, June 17:
San Diego Wave vs. Angel City at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. OL Reign at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Sunday, June 18:
Racing Louisville vs. Gotham FC at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT
Chicago Red Stars vs. Portland Thorns at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
KC Current vs. Washington Spirit at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Featured image via @orlpride on Instagram
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
