FootyPop: Kelley O’Hara, 2x World Cup Champion, Will Leave Soccer at the End of the NWSL Season
In this week’s NWSL action, Houston and Seattle managed to turn their losing trajectories around; the Orlando Pride took the top spot in the table, Kelley O’Hara announced her retirement and more. Over in England, another WoSo legend announced she’ll be leaving Chelsea as her team is on the way to completing an epic comeback to win the WSL. Keep reading for the week’s top women’s soccer news highlights.
High of the Weekend
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Orlando Pride dethroned the Current at the top of the table. They’ve picked up nine points in one week and continue their unbeaten streak. Not only is this an incredible feat from a team that was just inched out of the playoffs last year, but it’s great to see the joy and love the team is playing with for their teammate Luana, who was just diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Carli Lloyd announced her pregnancy after her journey with IVF. We can’t wait for baby Hollins to arrive!
Low of the Weekend
"I hope that I have left the club, and the shirt, in a place where you can all be proud of me"
Chelsea’s leading goal scorer Fran Kirby announces her departure from the club at the end of the season.
Her name is synonymous with the club.
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) May 4, 2024
Fran Kirby announced she’ll be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season. The English soccer legend has been with the team since 2015, making 112 appearances and scoring 62 goals.
News of the Weekend
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Kelley O’Hara announced her retirement at the end of the 2024 NWSL season. The two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist has been with Gotham FC since 2023 and will retire after winning two NWSL Championships–one with the Washington Spirit and one with her current club.
🚨 NEW: A three-year project has been launched to investigate the concerning number of ACL injuries in women's football. [Sky Sports] pic.twitter.com/PV21e8176B
— Fanzine WSL (@FanzineWSL) April 30, 2024
Countless top women’s soccer players have torn their ACLs, and in recent years, this has really affected the caliber of domestic leagues, national teams, and international tournaments. It was just announced that English and global academics will partner with Nike in Project ACL to study WSL players and figure out why ACL injuries are so prolific.
Fail of the Weekend
WATCH THIS GOAL 🫣🫣
A Wacky deflection gets Bay FC on the board first!
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) May 6, 2024
This type of goal doesn’t happen very often, so when it does, we just need to take a moment and realize how unfortunately chaotic and unlucky it really is.
Win of the Weekend
Veronica Latsko's pinpoint header lifts Seattle up late! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5pKyzA5X1g
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 4, 2024
The Reign have been off to a rocky start of the season, and it seemed like their match against San Diego would continue that trajectory when Tziarra King was shown a red card in the ninth minute of the match, and the Reign had to play down a player the rest of the game. The match was tied until the 89th minute when a set piece taken by Ji So-yun found the head of Veronica Latsko to net the game-winning goal.
Goal of the Weekend
BRITTANY RATCLIFFE WHAT THE HELL pic.twitter.com/uPi1umS9EG
— ugh (@838_carlisle) May 2, 2024
Brittany Ratcliffe’s goal for the Spirit is insane. The way she strikes the ball with her first touch at full speed is so skillful.
Player of the Weekend
13 – With her goal against Bay FC, @ThornsFC's Sophia Smith has scored at least once against all 13 opponents she's faced in her #NWSL career. Checklist. pic.twitter.com/WaN2ipJStl
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) May 2, 2024
Sophia Smith has scored at least one goal against each of the 13 NWSL teams she’s faced in her career. She leads the league in goals, with seven goals in eight matches. Just for reference, she took home the Golden Boot last year with eleven goals.
Goalkeeper of the Weekend
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Jane Campbell broke the record for saves in a match! The Houston Dash put up their best defensive performance all year against Kansas City, who’re known for scoring lots of goals. Campbell looked amazing, making 12 crucial saves.
Team of the Weekend
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Chelsea beat Bristol City 8-0 in their quest for the League title. Man City is at the table was leading Chelsea by seven goals in goal differential. But, with Chelsea’s huge win, they’re now up one goal.
That means if Chelsea and Man City both win their next games (Chelsea has two matches left, and Man City has one), then Chelsea will take home the title because of goal differential. What a comeback.
Fav Social Media Post
Watch them 𝓌𝒽𝒾𝓅 💃
Another signature celebration from Kyra Carusa and San Diego 👀 pic.twitter.com/RJD0YQXXoX
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 4, 2024
This celly from San Diego is just too good not to highlight.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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