FootyPop: Casey Stoney Named Head Coach Of Canada WNT

In this week’s news, Casey Stoney is the new Canadian Women’s National Team head coach; the NWSL announced the 2025 schedule format; Viviane Miedema returned to the pitch; and more!

High of the Week

Casey Stoney is the new head coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team. She is a great choice for a team that needed a fresh start after the Olympics drone scandal. Stoney previously was the head coach of the San Diego Wave, where she spent three seasons before being fired midway through the 2024 season.

A new leader at the helm!

Casey Stoney is appointed as #CANWNT Head Coach 👏

— CANWNT (@CANWNT) January 13, 2025 

News of the Week

The NWSL announced the schedule format for the 2025 season. The season will begin with the Challenge Cup on March 7, with the Orlando Pride hosting the Washington Spirit. The regular season will officially begin on March 14. The Championship will be held on November 22.

The key dates for the 2025 NWSL season are here ‼️ pic.twitter.com/JXnU9xFrcZ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 6, 2025 

Low of the Week

Wildfires are currently destroying much of Los Angeles. Angel City defender Ali Riley was forced to evacuate, and unfortunately, she lost her house in the fires. Angel City has collaborated with Fanatics to create a shirt, with the proceeds going to the Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation.

#LAStrong

We’ve teamed up with Fanatics and other leagues to support those impacted by the tragic wildfires.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross and LA Fire Fighters Foundation to support relief efforts: https://t.co/AE1d3664vZ pic.twitter.com/tzPOvkhHuy

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 11, 2025 

Return of the Week

Viviane Miedema returned to the field this weekend for Manchester City in their Adobe Women’s FA Cup clash. It was her first match for Manchester City since October. She also scored a goal in Man City’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Welcome back, Viv 🩵 pic.twitter.com/jfkYqBG9PG

— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) January 12, 2025 

Signing of the Week

Marta gave the women’s soccer world a real scare with her announcement this week with the Orlando Pride. Marta made it seem like she would be retiring but then announced that she signed with the Pride for two more years. Here’s to getting to watch Marta play the beautiful game a little longer.

Two more years of @martavieiras10 in Orlando ✨

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) January 9, 2025 

Transfer of the Week

Jeff Kassouf and The Equalizer reported that the San Diego Wave are trading forward Jaedyn Shaw to the North Carolina Courage for an undisclosed amount. It’s a huge pickup for the Courage who are in desperate need of a consistent goal scorer but a shocking loss for San Diego. 

Sources: #USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw is being traded to the NC Courage in one of the biggest #NWSL deals of the offseason. Wave will get significant cash funds in return. Reminder: The new CBA requires player consent for trades. More on @EqualizerSoccer:

🔗 https://t.co/FB2aKjDq8Y pic.twitter.com/3RteXUS5vT

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) January 11, 2025 

Goal of the Week

Ella Toone was able to curl in a long-range shot from a tough angle off the crossbar and into the back of the net for Manchester United. It was Toone’s first match since suffering a calf injury over two months ago.

In off the cross bar from Ella Toone! 🚀#AdobeWomensFACup @ManUtdWomen pic.twitter.com/46YYCbLCr8

— Adobe Women’s FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) January 11, 2025 

Assist of the Week

Selma Bacha hit a wonderful free kick to a sprinting Lindsey Horan at the edge of the box who was able to send it across to Vanessa Gilles for the tap-in.

📐 Angles straight from the training ground: Bacha – Horan – Gilles, and Lyon have the lead against Dijon!

Watch live for free on DAZN ▶️ https://t.co/dIfKpURfZv #ArkemaPL pic.twitter.com/rtkuFcYoWK

— DAZN Women’s Football (@DAZNWFootball) January 8, 2025 

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