FootyPop: USL Super League Launches Inaugural Season with Three Sold-Out Openers
This week in women’s soccer news, the USL Super League and NCAA women’s soccer kicked off, and both look to have exciting seasons ahead. San Diego hired a new interim head coach, and the USWNT is back on top of the FIFA rankings and much more. Keep on reading for the full breakdown!
High of the Weekend
The USL Super League, a new top-flight women’s league with equal USSF sanctioning to the #NWSL, has officially launched. All three games on opening weekend were announced sellouts.
Carolina (Charlotte): 10,533
Spokane: ~5,000
Tampa: ~5,000— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) August 19, 2024
The USL Super League launched its inaugural season this past weekend with an amazing turnout. Six of the eight teams competed, making three home openers and three sold-out crowds! The Carolina Ascent sits at the top of the table after defeating DC Power FC 1-0. Spokane tied Ft. Lauderdale, and Tampa Bay tied Dallas Trinity. The success in the opening weekend just shows how much fans want more women’s soccer, and the start of the season couldn’t have kicked off any better.
Low of the Weekend
Welcome to Wave FC, @landondonovan 🌊
Donovan will serve as our interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/UNOqlSyZSF
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) August 16, 2024
Landon Donovan was appointed San Diego Wave’s interim head coach, the some of the reactions haven’t been great. Many fans are struggling to reconcile the team firing Casey Stoney, who led the team to the NWSL Shield last season, but hiring a manager who’s never coached women’s soccer. Donovan has an impressive record, but not one that includes experience in women’s soccer.
News of the Weekend
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The USA is on top of the FIFA rankings once more! The team’s Olympic performance played a big role in the nation’s return to the top. Spain got bumped down two spots, and England went up one, sitting at the No. 2 spot. Shockingly, France was knocked down eight spots, while Olympic silver medalists Brazil moved up to No. 8.
Game of the Weekend
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The Spirit took on Arsenal in an international friendly match. Although the Spirit was missing many of its stars from the Olympics, it was able to play its new signings, Leicy Santos and Rosemonde Kouassi. Plus, icons Michelle Kang and Jason Sudeikis were there to support the squad.
Goal of the Weekend
WHAT. A. GOAL. 🫨#NCAASoccer x 🎥 ESPNpic.twitter.com/K7P7poGQTG
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 19, 2024
College women’s soccer is BACK, and Florida State is still a force to be reckoned with. Just watch this ridiculous Olimpico from Taylor Huff.
Team of the Weekend
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Angel City had themselves a game with their 7-0 victory over FC Juarez. Messiah Bright scored a hat trick, netting her first three goals for the club.
Trade of the Weekend
We’ve traded defender Carson Pickett to the Orlando Pride so she can be closer to home.
Thank you for all you did on and off the field, Carson 💜
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) August 16, 2024
Racing Louisville traded Carson Pickett to the Pride after spending a couple seasons with them.
Signing of the Weekend
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Jessica Silva, the Portuguese international and former Benfica attacker, signed with Gotham FC. She used to play for the Kansas City Current in 2021 and 2022, where she made 14 appearances.
Return of the Weekend
Things we love to see: this pic.twitter.com/nyQgey1C55
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 19, 2024
Christen Press made her return to BMO stadium! Tobin Heath was there to support her as well.
Fav Social Media Post
MARTA IS ENGAGED. THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OF THIS KIND OF LOVE
“BRAZILIAN GOAT AND A NEW RING”
🇧🇷🇺🇸💍Parabens to Marta and Carrie Lawrence on their engagement. We wish them a lifetime of health and happiness pic.twitter.com/C1xeFIEavi
— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) August 18, 2024
Orlando Pride teammates Marta and Carrie Lawrence got engaged!
Featured image via @carolinaascentfc on Instagram
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