FootyPop: Marta and Orlando Pride Celebrate 17 Game Unbeaten Streak
This week, we watched the last NWSL action before the break for the Olympics, including an exciting Orlando Pride win and some great goals and assists from around the league. Things are taking a turn for the worse in San Diego, whereas Chicago’s future just got a bit brighter with a new international signing! Keep on reading for this week’s women’s soccer news roundup.
High of the Weekend
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In the most exciting game so far this season, undefeated Kansas City took on the undefeated Orlando Pride at home. The Pride struck first, with a goal from Barbra Banda, but the Current quickly equalized when Temwa Chawinga scored a goal. Things took a turn when the Pride’s Carrie Lawrence was shown a red card, and they had to play the remainder of the match with ten players.
When the game lives up to the hype >>> pic.twitter.com/P6fFcjW6Mh
— Gal Pal Sports (@GalPalSports) July 7, 2024
Orlando played their hearts out, securing a penalty kick in the second half, which Marta tucked away. The Pride held on to their 2-1 lead and celebrated with passion after the match. This is what women’s soccer needs: more of this kind of rivalry, excitement, and high stakes!
Low of the Weekend
For those who have endured abuse.
For those who are afraid to speak up.
I see you and I will fight for you.This is for you.
The time for accountability in the @nwsl is now. pic.twitter.com/ljdC1XUHCQ
— Brittany Alvarado (@bavacado2) July 3, 2024
Something is going down in San Diego, and it’s not good. Multiple former employees of the club have spoken out on social media about the mentally unsafe work environments they had to endure, particularly under Jill Ellis’ ownership and leadership. It started with Brittany Alvarado, a former photographer for the team.
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) July 3, 2024
San Diego put out a post defending Ellis, calling former employee claims “inaccurate and defamatory.” At least three other employees have spoken out on X, sharing the same sentiment as Alvarado. In one case, a former employee was put on suicide watch while working with the club.
News of the Weekend
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Midfielder Julia Grosso signed a three-year contract with the Red Stars, which is a massive signing for Chicago and the league as a whole.
The 23-year-old Canadian international formerly played for Juventus in Italy, where she made 50 appearances and scored nine goals, helping the team win the Italian Supercoppa twice.
Save of the Weekend
AND NOW CLAUDIA DICKEY WITH AN AMAZING SAVE pic.twitter.com/tRdPsaLrZa
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 7, 2024
Claudia Dickey came up big time for Seattle in their match against the Royals. The game ended 1-1, thanks to a handful of great saves from her.
Goal of the Weekend
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This is a crazy goal from Manaka Matsukubo. She intercepts a pass from Racing’s goalkeeper and hits the perfect chipped shot to get the lead!
Player of the Weekend
https://t.co/1vkJZj9q7y pic.twitter.com/x2vLcgptKe
— ugh (@838_carlisle) July 8, 2024
This no-look assist from Ella Stevens is so cold and embodies the season she’s having for Gotham this year.
The beautiful game pic.twitter.com/xohd0ymdOU
— Zito (@_Zeets) July 7, 2024
Rookie of the Weekend
1 – Makenna Morris is the first @WashSpirit player to score a goal, record an assist and win a penalty in a single #NWSL match. Multifaceted. pic.twitter.com/cBvhPr7el1
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) July 7, 2024
New Spirit head coach Jonaton Giraldez gave rookie Makenna Morris her first start, and she had an unreal game. She scored the team’s first goal and made an assist later in the match.
Team of the Weekend
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Our team of the weekend is the 2019 USWNT, in honor of the fifth anniversary of their historic World Cup win!
Featured image via @orlpride on Instagram
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