FootyPop: Christen Press Shares Recovery Progress, USWNT Wins SheBelieves Cup, and More
In this week’s women’s soccer news, the NWSL returned after the international break, where the USWNT brought home the SheBelieves Cup trophy. In the NWSL, the Thorns are at the bottom of the table, while the Current is at the top, which is a big change from the end of last season. We saw some great goals and goalkeeping this week, so without further ado, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news!
High of the Weekend
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The USWNT won the SheBelieves Cup! It was another thrilling USWNT vs. Canada match-up, which went to PKs after a 2-2 scoreline. Once again, Alyssa Naeher was the star of the penalty kicks. She saved a shot, went up to take her own, made it, and then saved another shot. Unreal goalkeeping.
LOOK OUT, @TOMBRADY. @AlyssaNaeher and @emilysonnett got seven of them things!
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/0ONH2pHF4L
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 10, 2024
Additionally, this was Alyssa Naeher and Emily Sonnett’s seventh time winning the tournament!
Low of the Weekend
#NCvPOR #BAONPDX Becky Sauerbrunn, what the focus needs to be on ahead of next week
"We've only got one point on the board, we can't get much lower so we obviously need to change something up…the intensity, the discipline, these are all things we need to bring 100% of the time pic.twitter.com/pNXNUbv9Cv
— Taylor Vincent (@tayvincent6) April 14, 2024
Portland starts the season with three losses and a draw, which is uncharted territory for the team who are normally near the top of the table. They suffered a 2-0 loss on Saturday against the NC Courage. The team is just not performing how they normally do, and something needs to change for them to get back on track.
Coach Mike Norris and captain Becky Sauerbrunn both expressed their disappointment in the performance but look forward to trying new things and bringing more intensity to team training.
News of the Weekend
BREAKING #NWSL news: Multiple sources confirm that Houston Dash winger Maria Sanchez has requested a trade ahead of Friday's deadline just four months after signing a record contract as a restricted free agent. For @espn:https://t.co/jPrBIyh10w
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 15, 2024
Maria Sanchez reportedly requested a trade before the trade and transfer window closes this Friday. Sanchez signed a record-breaking deal with the Houston Dash back in December–$1.5 million for three years, with the option for a fourth.
The Dash have had five different coaches in the past two years, which is a lot of turnover. The team has conceded ten goals this season already and is not playing the best soccer, with a 1-1-2 record.
Player of the Weekend
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Christen Press is back training on a field! She’s been posting updates on her recovery process more frequently, which indicates that things are headed in the right direction. Press has been out with a knee injury since June 2022.
Debut of the Weekend
LET’S GO KIMMI 👏@NWSL debut at 16 years old pic.twitter.com/h7SJj1UpTW
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 14, 2024
16-year-old Kimmi Ascanio debuted for the San Deigo Wave, subbing in for Danny Colaprico in the 76th minute of the match against Racing Louisville.
San Diego Wave signed Ascanio after her stellar performance in the U-17 CONCACAF Championships. She was the youngest player on the team and scored a hat trick in seven minutes in the semifinals.
Team of the Weekend
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Bay FC was down 1-0 after the first half against the Seattle Reign. But they came back with a vengeance in the second, scoring two stunning goals in a row.
Kayla Sharples got the equalizer, which was a bit of a redemption after being the cause of the own goal in the first half. Alex Loera netted the second–a powerful half-volley. Ultimately, the team won 3-2 against the Reign.
Return of the Weekend
THE ONE AND ONLY LYNN WILLIAMS CHECKS INTO THE 2024 NWSL SEASON 💪💙
After dealing with a leg injury for the last 35 days, @lynnraenie makes her season debut in front of her home crowd. 🏟️
Welcome back, Lynn. We missed you! 🫶❤️
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) April 14, 2024
Lynn Williams made her season debut for Gotham FC after being out with a leg injury for the first four weeks.
Record of the Weekend
Setting her own record in the NWSL history books.
Congratulations, Sam! 👏 pic.twitter.com/EU0eQ9E3ez
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 14, 2024
Sam Staab, the Chicago Red Stars center-back, set a new record with the most consecutive regular-season appearances in the NWSL!
What to Look Forward To
Welcome home, @BarbraBanda11 💜 #BandaWagon pic.twitter.com/jmFNMZNH4c
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) April 14, 2024
Barbra Banda has landed in Orlando! She’s going to be a player to watch next weekend in her first match for the Pride.
Fav Social Media Post
What's poppin' Jack Harlow? pic.twitter.com/VE9fEPHwN6
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 14, 2024
Jack Harlow made a visit to his hometown and went to the Racing Louisville match!
Featured image via @christenpress on Instagram
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