FootyPop: Washington Spirit Clinch Playoff Spot
In this week’s women’s soccer news, Ashley Sanchez made NWSL history; the Washington Spirit announced a historic partnership; Morgan Weaver returned to the field; the U20 USWNT advanced to the semifinals of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, and more!
High of the Week
Ashley Sanchez found the back of the net for the North Carolina Courage against Bay FC to lead the Courage to a 2-1 win. The goal not only was the game winner but it also meant that Sanchez became the first player in NWSL history to score a goal against all 14 active teams.
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Low of the Week
The Portland Thorns are struggling this season. They’re currently on a four-game losing streak and have lost nine games this season which is the most in a season for the Thorns since 2015. It’s the longest losing streak for the Thorns and the loss makes it a real possibility that Portland could miss the playoffs for just the second time ever.
Final from Providence Park. pic.twitter.com/QwHnhPd2n8
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) September 14, 2024
News of the Week
This week the Washington Spirit announced an exciting new partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook. It’s Fanatics’ first partnership with a women’s professional team. The deal makes Fanatics the Spirit’s Official Sports Betting Partner and also adds various in-game promotions for fans at Spirit home games to enjoy. It’s the first sports betting deal in the NWSL.
Washington Spirit 🤝 Fanatics Sportsbook
The first @FanaticsBook partnership with a women’s sports team and the first sportsbook partnership in NWSL history!https://t.co/cVV3O9qhg3
— Washington Spirit – x (@WashSpirit) September 12, 2024
Return of the Week
Morgan Weaver returned to the field for the Portland Thorns in their loss to the Chicago Red Stars. Weaver suffered a knee injury on May 1 that required the striker to undergo surgery to fix. Her return comes at a good time for a Portland team that is struggling and is in desperate need of wins if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After 135 days… no. 22 is back 🥹@morganvweaver x #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/pljqIwphYk
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) September 14, 2024
Goal of the Week
Ally Sentnor is currently with the USWNT U20 squad at the U-20 World Cup and she scored an absolute beauty of a goal to help the US defeat Mexico in the Round of 16. The captain struck a long-range shot perfectly leaving the goalkeeper with nothing to do.
OUTRAGEOUS STRIKE FROM UTAH ROYALS ROOKIE ALLY SENTNOR FOR THE US U20 VS MEXICO 😱🚀
🎥 @TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/6AD6hcrPUp
— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) September 12, 2024
Win of the Week
The Washington Spirit are on a hot streak right now and they extended their unbeaten streak in the regular season to five games after a massive win over the Houston Dash. Ashley Hatch picked up a brace and Trinity Rodman got on the scoring sheet in the Spirit’s 3-0 win. Washington joined the Orlando Pride as the only two clubs clinched a playoff spot. The win was Washington’s 14th of the season which is a club record for most in a season with six games still to go in the regular season.
Trin Spin ➡️ Trin Moves ➡️ Trin Goal ➡️ Trin Celly
Wow, just wow. pic.twitter.com/uweeZa1u9O
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 15, 2024
Move of the Week
The Seattle Reign announced this week that they have loaned defender Sofia Huerta to Olympique Lyonnais for their upcoming season. The loan deal is for the entirety of Lyon’s 2024-25 season. The move is a big loss for a struggling Reign team as they lose a key piece of their defense. Huerta has been with the Reign since 2020.
Bienvenue à Lyon. 🏠😍 pic.twitter.com/1qr7MFjsGd
— OL Féminin (@OLfeminin) September 12, 2024
Team of the Week
The U20 USYNT is currently competing at the U20 World Cup and they got a massive come-from-behind win against Germany. They were trailing 2-0 until two stoppage time goals just a minute apart that sent the match to extra time. It then went to penalties where the United States came away with a 3-1 shootout win to advance to the semifinals.
FT | Final in Cali 🎉 On to the semifinals of the #U20WWC!!!! pic.twitter.com/1VStAMXFOd
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) September 16, 2024
What To Look Forward To
The Women’s Super League’s season starts this weekend. The reigning champions, Chelsea, begin their season on Friday, September 20 against Aston Villa.
It’s finally #BarclaysWSL gameweek! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FnPM926XLL
— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 16, 2024
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