FootyPop: Bella Bixby Scores a Ridiculous Goalkeeper Backheel Goal
This week we saw chaos in the NWSL (the good kind, thankfully), including some epic goals, great matchups, and a surprising upset. The UEFA Women’s Champions League found one finalist team last week, with the other playing today in a Leg 2 semifinals match. Plus, the 1,000th NWSL game took place between Racing Louisville and OL Reign! So, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news without further ado!
High of the Weekend
SHE'S OUR FREAKING KEEPER!!!!! #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/O1PCR0u33w
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 30, 2023
Bella Bixby scored the most epic goal of the season. The Portland Thorns keeper came all the way up for the game’s last play, and she backheeled the ball into the back of the net.
She’s only the second keeper to score a goal in NWSL history, and for it to be the game-tying goal to keep their undefeated streak is something special. Angel City did well, but not well enough with Bixby in the attack.
Low of the Weekend
Another reason why covering the NWSL is so challenging: where is this rule written down?
I searched the 61-page NWSL competition manual and 8-page rules/regulations guide and… nada. No mention that games can be considered complete after one half. https://t.co/j3nDq28Nlq
— Alex Azzi (@ByAlexAzzi) April 29, 2023
This is not too much of a low, just what seems like classic NWSL confusion. The Courage vs. Dash game completed one half due to inclement weather, but the game is being called complete and won’t be rescheduled.
News of the Weekend
See you tomorrow, Gooners 😍 pic.twitter.com/UGroigl2Zg
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 30, 2023
This is what happens when you invest in women’s soccer! Arsenal will be playing their Champions League semifinal match against Wolfsburg in a ~sold-out~ stadium.
Win of the Weekend
Eindhoven is calling! 📞@FCBfemeni are back in the @UWCL final! 🇪🇸 🏆 pic.twitter.com/uvGleSH4Ub
— ata football (@atafball) April 27, 2023
Even though Barcelona tied Chelsea in their Leg 2 semifinal game of the Champions League, they still secured a spot in the final due to an aggregate score of 2-1. Even after losing their star player, Alexia Putellas, this team looks extremely bright, and we can’t wait to watch them in the final.
Save of the Weekend
Abby Smith has been super so far! pic.twitter.com/8NloTBhRJf
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
Abby Smith was on fire in Gotham’s match against Kansas City. Even though they ended up losing 2-0 from a Debinha brace, Smith was a bright spot for Gotham. She came up with a handful of crucial saves.
Player of the Weekend
Just a kid from San Diego ✨
15-year-old Melanie Barcenas commemorates her first @NWSL game. pic.twitter.com/W0qs15gwoi
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 30, 2023
15-year-old San Diego native Melani Barcenas made her NWSL debut this weekend! San Diego announced her as the youngest signing earlier this year, and her debut makes her the youngest player to debut in the NWSL as well!
Assist of the Weekend
This assist from Olivia Moultrie to Morgan Weaver was RIDICULOUS and probably my favorite play of the weekend.
Look at how Moultrie waits for Weaver to make the run, releases the ball at the exact right time, and puts the perfect weight and bend on it.pic.twitter.com/S3Qbbt6zLF
— The Trivela Effect (@TrivelaEffect) April 30, 2023
Olivia Moultrie’s assist to Morgan Weaver was simply ridiculous. Moultrie’s soccer IQ is off the charts for this one.
Upset of the Weekend
Snapdragon Streak Breakers 😏#PrideOrDie pic.twitter.com/acwvGYJ52V
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) April 30, 2023
Major upset alert! The Orlando Pride took down San Diego at Snapdragon 3-1! The Pride has been at the bottom of the table, and this was their first W. Whereas San Diego has been on the upward trajectory. The match included a couple of amazing goals, a baffling header from Haley McCutcheon, and a beautiful meg from Adriana.
What to Look Forward To
NWSL Challenge Cup
Wednesday, May 3: North Carolina Courage vs. Gotham FC at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
OL Reign vs. Angel City at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
NWSL
Saturday, May 6: Washington Spirit vs. San Diego Wave at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT
Orlando Pride vs. Racing Louisville at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
OL Reign vs. Houston Dash at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Sunday, May 6: Chicago Red Stars vs. Gotham FC at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Angel City vs. Kansas City Current at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
Mary Magdalen Raised by Angels, by Giovanni Lanfranco, 1616, 📸 by @kryptobanana https://t.co/qwmLSmkg86 pic.twitter.com/1q8NgAPPxl
— ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) April 30, 2023
No explanation needed
Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram
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