FootyPop: Naomi Girma Shines For The USWNT
In this week’s women’s soccer news, Naomi Girma had a big game for the USWNT; Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d’Or; the Kansas City Current broke the single-season scoring record; and more!
High of the Week
Naomi Girma had the game of a lifetime against Argentina. She scored a brace and it would’ve been a hat trick if the ball wasn’t deflected. The defender has been one of the best players in the world so it was fun to see her score her first goals.
A brace from America’s Sweetheart, Naomi Girma?
That’s the play of the match for SURE 🤩#USWNT x @ATT pic.twitter.com/mjTQChqoGP
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 31, 2024
News of the Week
Aitana Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or in back-to-back years. She’s had a tremendous year for both Barcelona and Spain. It’s the second time that a player has won the award in back-to-back seasons with Alexia Putellas doing it in 2021 and 2022. Caroline Graham Hansen came in second place and Salma Paralluelo.
Històric. pic.twitter.com/69LNa9gwP8
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) October 31, 2024
Low of the Week
This week there was more injury news announced with Vivianne Miedema undergoing surgery on her knee and the Utah Royals announced that Cloé Lacasse tore her ACL. Right now there’s no timetable for Miedema’s return for Manchester City.
With you every step of the way, Cloé 💛
We’ve placed Cloé Lacasse on the Season-Ending injury list.
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 30, 2024
Fail of the Week
The San Diego Wave were supposed to be hosting Racing Louisville for their final home game of the season but due to field conditions, the game had to be moved to Louisville. The field at Snapdragon Stadium has been a problem all season with it posing real injury concerns for the players. The Wave will need to figure out a solution for making the field safer for the players in 2025.
Sunday’s match vs. Racing has been relocated to Louisville due to field conditions. Click below to read our full club statement.
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) November 1, 2024
Team of the Week
The Kansas City Current broke the NWSL record for most goals in a season thanks to a 3-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars. They finished the regular season having scored 57 goals. Temwa Chawinga won the Golden Boot with 20 goals this season.
ADD IT TO OUR RECORD BOOK 🗣️
We’ve officially broken the @NWSL record for most goals in a regular season TWICE in the 1st half 🤯 (57 goals)#KCBABY pic.twitter.com/jHYgupEkUo
— KC Current – x (@thekccurrent) November 3, 2024
Player of the Week
Kaleigh Kurtz became the first player to be an Iron Woman, playing every minute for three consecutive seasons. She has been great for the North Carolina Courage and is the leader of their backline.
THREE-PEAT 3️⃣
Our No. 3 earns a third consecutive Ironwoman season, playing every minute, every game, all season!#ForTheLove | #OwnThisMoment pic.twitter.com/h3GgkQgDPk
— NC Courage – x (@TheNCCourage) November 3, 2024
Goal of the Week
Mandy Freeman took a long-range shot from well outside the box and placed it perfectly in the top corner. It was a beautiful goal and helped Gotham to a 4-1 over the Utah Royals in their regular season finale.
MANDY FREEMAN!!
PERFECT PLACEMENT.
BEAUTIFUL STRIKE.
NO NOTES. ✅🎥: @NWSL
— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) November 2, 2024
What To Look Forward To
The NWSL regular season is over but that means playoff soccer is this weekend. The matchups are set as Bay FC snagged the last spot thanks to a win in their last regular season game.
The matchups are:
Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars
Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage
Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC
NJ/NY Gotham vs. Portland Thorns
The playoffs bracket is set 😤
2024 NWSL Playoffs presented by @madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/19v24dokPi
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 3, 2024
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
