FootyPop: Savannah DeMelo Becomes Racing Louisville’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer
The NWSL action this week was a joy to watch. There were a ton of stunning goals and plenty of trade and transfer chaos. Internationally, the UEFA Women’s Champions League completed Leg 1 of the semifinals. Keep reading for this week’s women’s soccer news recap.
High of the Weekend
ALYSSA NAEHER JERSEY SOLD OUT IN UNDER 3 HOURS 😅
The @NWSL announced goalkeeper jerseys would be available to purchase today and fans sold out @AlyssaNaeher's Chicago Red Stars replica jersey faster than a last-minute penalty (save or kick 😉)💪
Via: @itsmeglinehan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dw7IJRn6j2
— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) April 17, 2024
The NWSL put goalkeeper jerseys on sale last week after years of fan demand. Alyssa Naeher’s and Kailen Sheridan’s sold out in hours, and Bay FC’s Lysianne Proulx’s are already in limited quantities. We love to see the support for the keepers!
Low of the Weekend
Alex Loera confirms via Instagram that she sustained a torn ACL against Kansas City and will miss the remainder of the season with #BayFC. #NWSL pic.twitter.com/DXpzI60a7o
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) April 22, 2024
Alex Loera went down with an injury in Bay FC’s match against the Current, and she confirmed over the weekend that she suffered a torn ACL. There have already been more than a handful of season-ending injuries this season.
News of the Weekend
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Last week, news came out that María Sánchez had requested a trade from the Houston Dash, the team with which she signed the highest-paying NWSL contract at the time. It came as a shock to many that she’d requested a trade. The trade and transfer window closed Friday night at midnight, and her request was honored. She’ll be headed to the San Diego Wave.
Win of the Weekend
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With no wins, the Thorns had a very rough–and surprising–start to their season. They turned that around on Saturday with a 4-1 victory against the Dash, with goals from four different players.
Goal of the Weekend
And she's just a rookie? 🤯@CroixBethune scores her third of the season in impressive fashion! pic.twitter.com/ftCe3RYIuj
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 20, 2024
This goal from Croix Bethune is almost unbelievable to watch; she makes it look so easy.
Player of the Weekend
✌️ for ACFC!
Emslie doubles @weareangelcity's lead and scores the 💯th goal of the 2024 season! pic.twitter.com/b6awmXYRaO
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 22, 2024
Claire Emslie has been on fire for Angel City so far this season, and her performance against the Courage proved that with goals to back it up. First, she scored an absolute worldie off a free kick and then scored a beautiful chipped goal in the second to extend their lead, 2-0.
Team of the Weekend
Some big #RacingLou 1sts tonight:
-1st win of the season
-Bev Yanez’s first win as a coach
-Turner & Sears’s 1st goals
-Largest attendance
-1st game with 5 goals
-1st win with 4 goal win margin
-1st time undefeated in 1st 5 gamesAnything I’m missing?#NWSL
— Bekki Morgan (@bekki_morgan) April 20, 2024
Racing Louisville had a match against the Royals, fully taking advantage of a limited Utah roster. Savannah DeMelo became the team’s all-time leading scorer after netting a brace and rookies Reilyn Turner and Emma Sears both got their first goals.
Transfer of the Weekend
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There was quite a bit of action before the NWSL trade and transfer window closed on Friday. Other than Sánchez’s move to San Diego, Angel City traded defender Paige Nielsen to Houston and midfielder Amandine Henry to Utah.
Houston is trying to solidify their defense due to their lack of defenders because of injury and maternity leave. It’s rumored they’re also bringing in Brazilian international Tarciane.
What to Look Forward To
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The UEFA Women’s Champions League is reaching a conclusion. In the first leg of the semifinals, Chelsea beat Barcelona 1-0, and Lyon came back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against PSG.
Tune in to watch Leg 2 of the UWCL semifinals on April 27 and 28. You can watch for free only on DAZN.
Featured image via @racinglouisvillefc
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