FootyPop: Barcelona Signs US Youth Talent, EA Sports Predicts USWNT to Win World Cup, and More
The countdown continues! We’re only 17 days away from the Women’s World Cup! More rosters have been released for the tournament, and more NWSL talent received the call-up to their respective nations. Additionally, with the cup approaching, NWSL teams are gearing up moves for the transfer window, and some stars are getting locked in for additional seasons. So, read on to catch up on the last week in women’s soccer!
High of the Weekend
Barcelona have signed 17-year-old Onyeka Gamero, one of the USWNT’s most promising young talents 🇺🇸
La Masia continues to expand 🌟 pic.twitter.com/RwcXdBhz7I
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) June 28, 2023
FC Barcelona just signed a bright young talent from the United States! Onyeka Gamero is 17 and has appeared for the United States at the youth level. Her mother is Nigerian, and she would also be eligible to play for them.
She just signed with the FC Barcelona B-team, where she’ll have the opportunity to grow at such an established club and hopefully make it up to the first-team level.
Gamero recently appeared for the United States in the U-21 CONCACAF Championship, where she scored the tying goal, but the team ultimately lost 2-1 to Mexico.
Low of the Weekend
So you can wear EVERYTHING else but a LGBTQ armband 😂😂😂😂😂😂.
What is going on.
What are we so afraid of.
so much effort into stopping something .. I am so confused. https://t.co/Syv9s8DFZX— Jessica Fishlock MBE (@JessFishlock) June 30, 2023
FIFA announced that team captains are not allowed to wear the popular One Love armband, which stands for diversity, respect, and love for all sexualities and genders. Instead, captains can choose from eight new designated armbands. With homophobia and transphobia rising globally, especially in football after the men’s tournament in Qatar, it’s disappointing to see FIFA banning an armband that stands for inclusion.
News of the Weekend
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EA Sports has correctly predicted the last four winners of the men’s World Cup, and now, we’ll have to see if it can get the women’s right too. The simulation showed the USWNT earning their fifth star.
However, many disagree since other teams like Germany, Brazil, England, and Australia all look extremely strong right now, while the US looks very different from the last World Cup.
All around, women’s soccer is changing fast. The United States might not be the most dominant team in the world anymore, and other countries are quickly catching up.
Goal of the Weekend
Tatumn Milazzo ➡️ Ella Stevens
The @chicagoredstars are ahead at home! 👊 pic.twitter.com/zPPQNWnJSu
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 2, 2023
Our goal of the week also comes from our relationship goals of the week. Tatumn Milazzo assisted girlfriend Ella Stevens on this goal to put Chicago up 1-0 over San Diego!
Player of the Weekend
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Michelle Cooper is the second youngest player to convert a penalty! Cooper was a bit quiet the first half of the season, but has really become a bright spot in the Current’s attack.
Coach of the Weekend
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Laura Harvey just extended her contract to coach the OL Reign through 2025! Harvey is iconic and has to be one of the coaches we look up to most in the league. Additionally, she led the team to steal a point against Louisville on Saturday. The Reign was down until the 83rd minute, but then they equalized in the span of five minutes!
Signing of the Weekend
Bem-vinda, Rafa 💜
We have signed Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza through the 2025 season!
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) July 3, 2023
After rumors circled last month, the Orlando Pride just announced the signing of Rafaelle, a Brazilian defender who just left Arsenal. Rafaelle is world-class, and it is great to see the NWSL attracting more and more talent like this!
Upset of the Weekend
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The NWSL had a few big upsets this week, which could be in part to many international players departing for World Cup duty. Nonetheless, we got to see the underdogs come out victorious, with Kansas City winning 1-0 over Portland Thorns (a little Championship rematch as well), Chicago Red Stars coming out 1-0 over San Diego, and Orlando Pride defeating the Spirit 3-0.
What to Look Forward To
USWNT World Cup Send-Off Match
Sunday, July 9: USWNT vs. Wales at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT
NWSL
Friday, July 7
Orlando Pride vs. OL Reign at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Racing Louisville vs. KC Current at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Saturday, July 8: San Diego Wave vs. Washington Spirit at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Sunday, July 9
Portland Thorns vs. Gotham FC at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT
Angel City FC vs. North Carolina Courage at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Featured image via @womenstransfer on Twitter
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