FootyPop: Mal Swanson is the Red Stars’ Lucky Charm in First Win Since April

As usual in this weekโ€™s womenโ€™s soccer news, we saw some epic NWSL action. Plus, the FA WSL closed out its season naming a champion, and weโ€™ve heard a ton of transfer and injury news and updates. Without further ado, check out this weekโ€™s womenโ€™s soccer news recap!

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High of the Weekendย 

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Mal Swanson was in attendance to cheer on the Chicago Red Stars to their 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride! She might have been their good luck charm, as this was their first win since mid-April! Yuki Nagasato scored the goal that put them up in the first half.

Plus, Alyssa Naeher nabbed the NWSLโ€™s save of the week last week against the Portland Thorns, and her game against the Orlando Pride made her the goalkeeper with the most saves in the NWSL (previously held by Ashlyn Harris).

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Low of the Weekend

We received the news we were all dreadingโ€ฆ Catarina Macario will not be available for World Cup selection due to her injury recovery. Itโ€™s good that sheโ€™s prioritizing her health, but it is still a harsh blow.ย 

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Additionally, things are getting more worrisome for Rose Lavelle, who hasnโ€™t played for the OL Reign yet this season. Sheโ€™s had a lingering injury thatโ€™s kept her away, so all we can do is hope sheโ€™s recovering smoothly from here on out.ย 

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Yes, more injury news. France star Delphine Cascarino announced she suffered a torn ACL, adding her name to the list of world-class players who will be out of the World Cup.

 

News of the Weekendย 

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The Orlando Pride strikes againโ€ฆ Arsenalโ€™s Raphaella will be leaving the club to join the NWSL side. Fans are eating up this transfer as it seems like Marta is assembling a Brazilian powerhouse for Orlando. So far, Orlando has Marta and Adriana, who both represent Brazil.

More in transfer and loan news, Lindsey Horan will stay with Lyon this summer past her loan.ย 

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Goal of the Weekendย 

Quinn opened their scorebook in fantastic fashion this past weekend. OL Reign trampled Angel City 4-1, including this long-range banger.ย 

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Player of the Weekendย 

Jessica McDonald announced her pregnancy this past week! This clarifies why sheโ€™s missed matches for Racing Louisville, and sheโ€™ll miss out on the rest of the season. This will be the former USWNT starโ€™s second child!

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Team of the Weekend

The FA WSL closed out its season, and Chelsea took home the championship title! Chelsea looks to be making some big moves ahead of next season. Long-time Chelsea defender Magdalena Eriksson will leave the team, while they just resigned Fran Kirby. Additionally, it looks like Catarina Macario could join this summer, and the Blues have nabbed PSGโ€™s Ashley Lawrence.ย 

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Return of the Weekendย 

Sydney Leroux is FINALLY BACK and training with Angel City! Sheโ€™s been out since last season, and thereโ€™s no better time for her return as Angel City is sitting at number ten in the standings.ย 

 

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What to Look Forward To

NWSL Challenge Cup

Wednesday, May 31

Chicago Red Stars vs. Racing Louisville at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

San Diego Wave vs. OL Reign at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT

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Portland Thorns vs. Angel City at 10:30 PM ET/7:30 PM PT

 

NWSL

Saturday, June 3

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Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

OL Reign vs. Portland Thorns at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

Houston Dash vs. Orlando Pride at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT

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KC Current vs. North Carolina Courage at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT

Sunday, June 4ย 

Gotham FC vs. San Diego Wave at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT

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Monday, June 5ย 

Angel City vs. Chicago Red Stars at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT

 

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UEFA Womenโ€™s Champions League Final

Saturday, June 3: Barcelona vs. Wolfsburg at 10:00 AM ET/7:00 AM PT

 

Featured image via @chicagoredstars on Instagram

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