FootyPop: Ali Krieger, Megan Rapinoe’s NWSL Journeys Continue as Gotham FC, OL Reign Make Semifinals
This past week was filled with tons of NWSL Playoff excitement, NCAA teams beginning the race towards the post-season, a look into the USWNT’s international break matches, and more. Without further ado, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
SEE Y’ALL IN PORTLAND!!!
L.F.G. 🦇🦇🦇 pic.twitter.com/4RpJIOr05E
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) October 23, 2023
The NWSL semifinals are set, as the quarterfinals were settled this weekend. Gotham got their first-ever NWSL playoff win, beating the NC Courage 2-0. Delanie Sheehan scored the first goal right before halftime, and Lynn Williams assisted Yazmeen Ryan to seal the deal with a second goal during second-half stoppage time.
Gotham, formerly Sky Blue, won the WPS championship in 2009, but this is their first time advancing in the NWSL playoffs.
Additionally, this means star defender Ali Krieger’s NWSL career is still alive, and she’s guaranteed to play at least one more match. Krieger will retire following Gotham’s NWSL playoff conclusion.
Picture perfect frames from last night's WIN 📸#ReignSupreme pic.twitter.com/pAvuTfit6t
— x – OL Reign (@OLReign) October 21, 2023
In the other quarterfinal match, OL Reign got their first NWSL playoff win since 2015. Defeating Angel City FC 1-0, with a late game-winner from Veronica Latsko, OL Reign has made their fifth consecutive NWSL semifinal.
Like Krieger, Megan Rapinoe continues her NWSL career for at least one more match.
The NWSL semifinal stage is set: Gotham FC at Portland Thorns, and OL Reign at San Diego Wave in two weekends.
Low of the Weekend
We're all with you and wish you a speedy recovery. We know you'll come back stronger, @kerolinnicolii 💙
We have placed Kerolin on the season-ending injury list
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) October 21, 2023
This past week, the Courage confirmed that Kerolin had been placed on the season-ending injury list due to an ACL tear. She was outstanding this past season, and it’s a shame her NWSL playoff run was cut short. She’s added to a long list of world-class players who have torn ACLs in the past few years.
With all the devastation surrounding ACL injuries in the game right now, it’s important to highlight the comebacks as well.
Welcome back, @VivianneMiedema ⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/9IwycACAfO
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) October 22, 2023
On the other hand, there are players beginning to return from ACL injury rehab. Beth Mead returned to Arsenal just last week, and now Vivianne Meidema is back!
News of the Weekend
27 strong. 💪
Fall footy awaits. ⚽️Full Roster Details » https://t.co/lFEFV20Lyq https://t.co/MYhDkCCvz7 pic.twitter.com/hKRMeSvkRf
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 18, 2023
The USWNT October international window roster was announced, and it included many familiar faces. Excitingly, 18-year-old Olivia Moultrie received her first senior WNT call-up.
In 2021, at age 13, Moultrie became the youngest women’s soccer player in America to go pro.
Members of the Reggae Girlz have made themselves unavailable for this October camp due to outstanding fees. This comes as the Jamaica Football Federation scrambled to find Lorne Donaldson's replacement, too. https://t.co/iQOid6fat7 pic.twitter.com/wTlfoA3eEh
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) October 20, 2023
While the United States and the rest of the world will compete in the upcoming October international window, Jamaica’s WNT, the Reggae Girlz, released a statement withdrawing themselves from their two October matches in the Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers due to the “constant mistreatment” from the national governing body.
Their statement shared that they haven’t been paid for their World Cup efforts or for qualifying for the tournament and that information about their upcoming matches, the head coach, medical equipment, and staff has been inadequate and untimely.
The Jamaican Football Federation responded by saying that the players boycotting international duty were not fulfilling their contractual obligations and could be suspended from selection for the team.
Goal of the Weekend
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In another exciting week of NCAA matches, this UC Davis goal stands out. It’s incredible how she rips a shot that quickly.
Player of the Weekend
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Canadian star forward Christine Sinclair announced her retirement from national duty this past week. She’s played in six FIFA World Cups and leads international soccer–men’s and women’s–in goals with 190.
Return of the Weekend
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Rose Lavelle made her return for OL Reign in their playoff game. It was her first appearance since September 3. It’s a great sign for Lavelle to be returning to play, though she’s not yet been called back up for U.S. duty.
Team of the Weekend
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Angel City had a season they’ll never forget. After a losing streak midway through the season and firing their head coach, the second half of their season has been a rocket upwards, and their NWSL playoff clinch shows it. Although they lost in the quarterfinals to OL Reign, this team did something incredible this season.
Rookie of the Weekend
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Angel City’s Angelina Anderson was the first rookie goalkeeper to play in the NWSL playoffs since 2013 when AD Franch played for the Western New York Flash.
Signing of the Weekend
Kansas City Current close to finalizing contract with former USWNT boss Vlatko Andonovski to coach the NWSL club, two people familiar with the situation said.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) October 20, 2023
Vlatko Andonovski is finalizing a contract to be the head coach for the KC Current, and Freya Coombe, formerly with Angel City FC, could be his assistant.
Upset of the Weekend
🔴BADGERS TAME LIONS 🔴
No. 21 @BadgerWSoccer defeats No. 4 Penn state, 1-0.#NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/eEIkcNg0W3
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 22, 2023
There were two notable upsets in NCAA soccer. First Wisconsin upset Penn State, currently ranked No. 1 by the D1 Committee.
‼️DOGS DID THAT‼️@HailStateSOC defeats No. 16 Alabama, 2-0.#NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/wpSNVs4JvK
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 23, 2023
Second, Mississippi State upset Alabama, ranked No. 12. Things are certainly getting interesting as we head toward NCAA tournament time!
What to Look Forward To
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Featured image via @nwsl on Instagram
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