FootyPop: Incredible Vibes for NWSL Opening Weekend
NWSL’s opening weekend was incredible. From Alex Morgan scoring the late-game winner for San Diego to win the Challenge Cup to record-breaking game attendance numbers across the country, the NWSL is clearly back and better than ever. Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting NWSL action this past weekend, and more.
High of the Weekend
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It was NWSL opening weekend! Every single match brought excitement. From Seattle Reign’s first win over the Spirit since 2021 to the two expansion sides’ debuts and plenty of rookies and new signings making their first appearances, this was an unforgettable weekend of NWSL action.
One of the most exciting and noteworthy matches was between the KC Current and Portland Thorns–a rematch of the 2022 NWSL final. It took place in the first women’s sports purpose stadium, CPKC Stadium, and there were a ton of goals.
The Current tallied three goals in 12 minutes to open the scoring, but Portland answered just before the half. The Current then tallied two more to make it 5-1, but the Thorns wouldn’t give up. The match ended 5-4.
Low of the Weekend
My favorite part about having a google tv is that it doesn’t have NWSL+ 🫠
— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) March 16, 2024
Many fans are finding the NWSL streaming situation less than ideal. Last season, most games could be found on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. But this season, with the media deal, coverage is spread out across channels and streaming platforms, making it hard for fans to watch every game.
The NWSL did roll out a new NWSL-centric platform, NWSL+, but it isn’t available on some TV apparatuses, including Google.
News of the Weekend
USA DROP NEW KITS🇺🇸😍
The USWNT unveiled new 2024 jerseys that they will wear at the Olympics this summer in Paris.
They will first debut their new jerseys on April 6 at the SheBelieves Cup
📸: @USWNT pic.twitter.com/fGR1VGmsGG
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) March 18, 2024
U.S. Soccer just released the new kits for all of its teams. The home kit is called American Classic and features a white jersey with detailed red and blue edges. The away kit, American Icon, is bold. It features a bright blue and red jersey and shorts with a white stripe.
Fail of the Weekend
Arsenal had buy socks from
the Chelsea Megastore and put tape over the Nike logo since they are sponsored by Adidas.You couldn’t script it.
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) March 15, 2024
Last week, due to a kit clash, Arsenal had to buy socks from the Chelsea Megastore and tape over them. Then, in what is one of the WSL’s biggest rivalry matches, Arsenal ended up losing 3-1. Couldn’t make it up.
Save of the Weekend
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Alyssa Naeher had a GAME against the Utah Royals. The Red Stars have everything to prove after their last-place finish last season, and you could definitely see that tenacity in Naeher. Coming up with five saves, she held down the defense to secure the 2-0 victory against the expansion side.
Goal of the Weekend
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Alex Pfeiffer became the youngest player to score in the NWSL when she added to the Current’s five goals against the Thorns.
Player of the Weekend
17-year-old Kennedy Fuller in her professional debut (stats via FotMob):
– 89 minutes.
– 37 touches.
– 19/24 accurate passes.
– 4/5 ground duels won.
– 3 changes created.
– 2 shots on target.
– 5 recoveries.
– 2 interceptions.
– Fouled 3 times.📸: @HenryTran__ @SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/o3C3PEvBJa
— Kamran Nia (@kamran_nia) March 18, 2024
Angel City’s most recent signing, 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller, performed like a player in their second or third season this weekend. Her stats were incredible.
Goalkeeper of the Weekend
A record-tying EIGHT stops from @LysianneProulx in her @wearebayfc debut 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7pgot37Fon
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 18, 2024
Melissa Lowder was slated to be Bay’s No. 1 goalkeeper, but after an ACL injury, back-up keeper Lysianne Proulx had to step up. But don’t get us wrong; we’re not taking anything away from Proulx. A future star for Canada, Proulx could be the NWSL’s next big thing. She made eight spectacular saves against Angel City as they kept finding chances on goal.
Team of the Weekend
HISTORY. THE FIRST EVER #BayFC Goal.@AsisatOshoala | #LAvBAY #BLegendary #WeCameToPlay pic.twitter.com/5ijS090zu1
— Bay Football Club (@wearebayfc) March 18, 2024
Bay FC got their first win in history! Asisat Oshoala scored a banger in the first half against Angel City, and they fought hard to hold on to their 1-0 lead.
Featured image via @kccurrent on Instagram
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