FootyPop: Julie Ertz Finds a Home with Angel City, Red Stars Win After Losing Swanson, and More
This week, we saw leagues back in action after the international break, some great NWSL matches, a lot of trade and signing news, and more. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know to get caught up on this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
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Julie Ertz has found a home after not playing for two years! She just signed a one-year contract with Angel City. So it’s possible that she could start playing as soon as this weekend, which would be amazing considering Angel City is taking on their SoCal rivals, the San Diego Wave, on Sunday.
🚨Understand that Amandine Henry won't be extending her contract with Lyon.
The french international is expected to be joining Angel City FC in the NWSL in the summer, unless something unexpected happens⚽️ pic.twitter.com/SpUFfhG60L
— Amanda Zaza (@amandaezaza) April 11, 2023
More in Angel City news, it looks like French star Amandine Henry could join the club this summer. Henry isn’t renewing her contract with Lyon. If the NWSL can attract more world-class players like Henry, the whole league’s level will improve!
Low of the Weekend
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Arsenal faces another injury. England legend Kim Little was put on the season-ending injury list after a hamstring injury. Arsenal has faced a slew of severe injuries, including Beth Mead’s and Vivianne Meidema’s ACL tears.
In more optimistic news, Mallory Swanson received a successful knee surgery and will begin rehabilitation for her patellar tendon tear.
News of the Weekend
A milli a milli a milli‼️
The prize pool for the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup has doubled since the 2022 Challenge Cup. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Mnf46XcdxT
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 13, 2023
The NWSL Challenge Cup prize pot is $1 million this year, the highest prize pot for a women’s soccer tournament. Last year, it was half that amount, and the players from the winning team, the Courage, received $10,000 each for their win.
The Challenge Cup kicks off this week with a new format where the teams are divided into three regional playoff groups.
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More in the NWSL, the Portland Thorns signed Manchester United’s Adriana Leon on loan.
Plus, there’s some news out of the OL Groupe–the group who owns Lyon and OL Reign–about selling the OL Reign. They also agreed to sell a majority of the French Lyon side to Michele Kang, who owns the Washington Spirit. So, it’ll be interesting to see the Spirit and Lyon’s new relationship under Kang.
Win of the Weekend
Dubs on the home field 🤝 #ChiStars pic.twitter.com/90Qlma19Qd
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) April 16, 2023
The Chicago Red Stars finally pulled out a win this past weekend. It’s great to see the team succeed, especially after losing their star player, Mallory Swanson.
They beat the Kansas City Current 4-2, including a brace from rookie Penelope Hocking! We’re big fans of Hocking since she played for Miss Kick FC, the WPSL team we partner with.
Chicago Red Stars acquire Sandra Starke from VfL Wolfsburg on loan
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) April 16, 2023
Additionally, the Chicago Red Stars acquired VfL Wolfsburg’s Sandra Starke on loan. The forward has a history with the German national team, and this is the latest instance of the Red Stars’ partnership with the German side.
Goal of the Weekend
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Gotham FC secured a win this week, but it really came down to the final minutes! In fact, both goals are the latest goals ever scored in the NWSL. Midge Purce’s penalty happened in the tenth minute of stoppage time, and Lynn Williams scored past the 106-minute mark!
Upset of the Weekend
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Lionesses had a 2-0 loss against Australia. Don’t get me wrong, Australia has an incredibly talented team, but I think we can all agree that England has just been looking outrageously good as of late, especially since their Women’s Euro win.
Their 2-0 loss to Australia this past weekend just points to how great the competition will be at the World Cup this summer.
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Speaking of Australia, Sam Kerr received this epic chant from Chelsea fans after returning from the international break and balling out against Aston Villa in the FA Women’s Cup.
What to Look Forward To
NWSL Challenge Cup
Wednesday, April 19:
Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. Kansas City Current at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Angel City vs. OL Reign at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
San Diego Wave vs. Portland Thorns at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
NWSL
Saturday, April 22:
OL Reign vs. Chicago Red Stars at 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT
Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Portland Thorns vs. Racing Louisville at 10:30 PM ET/7:30 PM PT
Sunday, April 23:
KC Current vs. Orlando Pride at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT
Angel City vs. San Diego Wave at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Featured image via @chicagoredstars on Twitter
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