FootyPop: Bay FC Launches as the 14th NWSL Team

In this week’s women’s soccer news, the UEFA Women’s Champions League concluded in spectacular fashion; a 14th NWSL was launched for next season; we’ve gotten to see plenty of Pride throughout the women’s soccer world since this month is Pride Month and much more. So, without further ado, here’s your need-to-read WoSo recap for the past week. 

 

High of the Weekend 

#BayFC launch complete! 🔥☄️☑️ pic.twitter.com/ELFpM1C0DD

— Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) June 3, 2023

It’s official: Bay Football Club will be the 14th team in the NWSL! This past weekend, they recently launched their branding and team, and it’s looking cleannn. 

The team’s owners consist of four USWNT legends, so it’ll be super exciting to see this club grow as they head into their first season!

 

Low of the Weekend

Extremely disappointing to see 42,000 packed in Lumen Field for Timbers-Sounders, and for half that or less to stay for Thorns-Reign.

This was billed as a doubleheader. Tickets were sold to both matches combined.

Props to all who stayed. But we have so far to go. #NWSL #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/yfSIPB9Y61

— Ryan Clarke (@RyanTClarke) June 4, 2023

Women’s soccer is growing, no doubt. But it’s things like this that still point to the fact that there’s still progress to be made, and women’s soccer is still underprioritized compared to the men. 

 

News of the Weekend 

 

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A post shared by FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona)

FC Barcelona pulled off the most unlikely, absurd comeback in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against VfL Wolfsburg. In the first half, Wolfsburg shattered Barca’s offense and, with their counterattacking prowess, put two goals up on the Spanish side. However, the second half was a completely different story. Barcelona equalized in the first five minutes of the second half, and Fridolina Rolfo put the winning goal in at minute 70. 

 

Win of the Weekend 

 

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A post shared by National Women’s Soccer League (@nwsl)

Kansas City got their first win since April 30, with a goal in the first ten minutes of the match against the North Carolina Courage. Kristen Hamilton was the goal scorer, and it was great to see the team celebrate in their normal fashion again. 

 

Team of the Weekend 

 

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A post shared by Angel City FC (@weareangelcity)

Angel City has had quite the bumpy ride in its first couple of seasons with injured players and not being able to win matches. Despite an incredibly talented roster, they’re having more of the same issues this season.

However, ACFC always finds a way to maintain hope. They just signed French national Amandine Henry, who previously played for Lyon. Henry is also a seven-time UEFA Women’s Champions League champion and an NWSL Champion.

 

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A post shared by Christen Press (@christenpress)

What’s more, Christen Press posted on Instagram that it looks like she’s been training a bit. So things are looking up for Angel City once again!

 

Signings of the Weekend

Bayern Munich pre-season signings (so far):

🇩🇰 Pernille Harder
🇸🇪 Magdalena Eriksson
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Sam Kerr
🇦🇹 Katharina Naschenweng
🇩🇪 Alara Şehitler

The transfer window in Germany does not open until 1 July, but that hasn’t stopped Bayern from getting their business done early 📝 pic.twitter.com/euaSFR8mtO

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) June 1, 2023

The Frauen Bundesliga has been making some big moves lately. Specifically, Bayern Munich has collected a handful of world-class players ahead of the next season. It’s honestly hard to even believe!

 

What to Look Forward To

MLB: Having a crisis about whether they can have Pride without making bigots mad.
NWSL: HALFTIME DRAG SHOW https://t.co/DXekquGdKi

— Allison McCague, PhD 🧬⚾️ (@PetitePhD) May 30, 2023

Happy Pride Month! It’s great to see the NWSL go all out with Pride nights, social media, and other ways of expression! 

 

Fav Social Media Post 

Check out our new spot, featuring some of women's football's biggest stars. Girls everywhere, thank you for inspiring us through play. #PlayUnstoppable #LEGO pic.twitter.com/KtIzYopCfh

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) May 30, 2023

This week we were blessed with an epic ad from Lego. You just need to watch it. 

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