FootyPop: Heyman’s hat trick, an El Clasico review and Karen Carney’s history-making day

Feeling not-so-thrilled about the fact that it’s Monday? Welp, pick your chin up, fam because there are two (2) awesome women’s soccer things happening right on this very February 1 the year of our lord 2021. First, NWSL preseason starts today. And second, the USWNT  SheBelieves roster is out today. Not bad for a Monday or any day that ends in “y” if you ask me. As for what happened over the weekend you probably dearly miss already? Let’s dive into the latest women’s soccer news.

Tobin Heath’s Injury is Gonna Keep Her Out for A While

Best of luck with your recovery, @TobinHeath — we're all right behind you! ?#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/aaHkEd3ubK

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) January 30, 2021

Let’s rip off the bandaid with the bad women’s soccer news first. As reported last weekend, Manchester United star Tobin Heath is out with an injury. This weekend, we found out that the ankle injury will keep her sidelined for 10-12 weeks and we all promptly cried. 

Press, Lavelle Score First FA WSL Goals and Dahlkemper Debuts

Man United picked up crucial points this weekend despite their beloved winger’s absence. And in that big win, Christen Press scored her first league goal for the Red Devils. Imagine me rubbing my hands together in an evil way right now, because once Press starts banging them in… defenses beware. Frightening stuff. 

On the other side of Manchester, Rose Lavelle scored her first FA WSL goal for Manchester City after coming on as a 65th-minute sub. Meanwhile, new signee Abby Dahlkemper made her debut for the club and played 90 minutes. Ya love to see it.

Karen Carney is Really, Really Good at Her job

Former England standout Karen Carney and history-making milestones. Name a more iconic duo. Even though she retired from playing in 2019, Carney has continued to pave a path and inspire off the field as a soccer pundit. Her on-air talent has been rightfully recognized and this weekend she became the first woman to serve as a co-commentator on a Premier League television feed. Go on, Kaz!

Barcelona hands Real Madrid another El Clàsico loss

The Catalan giants triumphed over their rivals in Madrid with a 4-1 win on Sunday in Barcelona. Alexia Putellas scored her 100th league goal for Barça, while Oshoala and Hermoso added the other goals. Because this is likely the most heated rivalry in sports, it’s not surprising two red cards were shown in the game – one for each side. Madrid buried a PK to get themselves a consolation goal. 

Michelle Heyman Ties Sam Kerr’s W-League Tally

Yes, yes, Sam Kerr is the name on all our minds whenever we think of star Australian forwards. But, before Kerr propelled to the top of the game, there was Michelle Heyman. For over a decade, she’s torn up the W-League for Sydney FC, Canberra United, and Adelaide. The 32-year-old took a year off from playing but returned to sign with Canberra for the 2020-21 W-League season. In just three appearances, Heyman has already scored 4 goals, including a hat trick this weekend that saw her tie Sam Kerr’s all-time W-League scoring record. 

Featured Image Via Twitter @ManUtdWomen

_ 

GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS