FootyPop: Reign Retires Rapinoe’s #15, Rookie Emeri Adames Seals Win with Iconic Tribute
In this week’s women’s soccer news, the Reign honored Megan Rapinoe and retired her No. 15 from their team; the NWSL Players Association reached a new CBA with the league; Alyssa Thompson had a stellar performance in Angel City and San Diego’s rivalry match and much more! Keep on reading for this week’s women’s soccer news!
High of the Weekend
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The Reign hosted Racing Louisville this past weekend in the NWSL’s regular-season return for Megan Rapinoe’s jersey retirement! Rapinoe had a profound impact not just on the Reign for the 11 seasons she played there but on women’s soccer as a sport. The team honored her by retiring #15.
During the match, 18-year-old rookie Emeri Adames scored the winning goal in the 96th minute and ran to the sidelines to celebrate. To celebrate the win, she pulled out Rapinoe’s famous celebration from the 2019 Women’s World Cup to honor the legend and her personal role model!
Low of the Weekend
#AngelCityFC has placed Ali Riley on the season ending injury list.
The “chronic and persistent leg injury that has kept her out for the majority of the 2024 NWSL season” pic.twitter.com/s1dcYcTele
— Kamran Nia (@kamran_nia) August 22, 2024
Unfortunately, Ali Riley has been placed on the season-ending injury list. The Angel City defender was ruled out of the Olympics in July and has been struggling with her injury ever since. The bright side is that Riley is a leader through and through and is taking this setback with the best possible mindset!
News of the Weekend
The NWSL and the NWSLPA have agreed to a new CBA, extending the current contract by four years to 2030.
NWSL to eliminate draft, guarantee contracts, and grant unrestricted free agency to all players. Alignment to global standards and term extension through 2030 position the… pic.twitter.com/Za8JqqRKRY
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 22, 2024
The NWSL reached a historic CBA years before its last one was set to expire! Among the biggest changes are no more NWSL draft, no trades without player consent, and free agency for all! The new deal prioritizes player rights and ensures players get a say in where they’re playing. It’s a historic deal that sets the NWSL apart from other American sports leagues but puts it on the same playing field as international soccer leagues.
Goal of the Weekend
Alexia Putellas took aim from France (basically) 😱
(via @FCBfemeni) pic.twitter.com/2FrY5VajHA
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2024
The long-range goal from Alexia Putellas is special and shows why she is one of the best in the world right now.
Player of the Weekend
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Alyssa Thompson finally had her moment this season, scoring TWO goals against Angel City’s SoCal rivals, San Diego. She already had five assists on the season, adding a brace in this weekend’s match.
Team of the Weekend
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The Spirit went into its first match back BLAZING… beating the Current a whopping 4-1, handing them their biggest loss of the season. Leicy Santos made an assist and scored in her debut, Paige Metayer got her first goal of the season, and Trinity Rodman and Ouleymata Sarr scored the other goals.
Debut of the Weekend
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The NWSL transfer window this month has seen a lot of action. In a big move, Seattle traded Bethany Balcer for Jailen Howell at Racing Louisville. Bethany Balcer debuted for Louisville this past weekend, helping them win 3-1.
Return of the Weekend
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This video of Luana training with the Pride again is so great. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier in the season, ruling her out of play. But she’s on the journey to recovery, still enjoying the beautiful game.
Trade of the Weekend
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Another big trade coming in is Abby Dahlkemper to Bay FC! The San Diego center-back just scored a goal for the SoCal club but is making the move to the Bay.
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