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

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

 

High of the Weekend 

Mal was there tonight to cheer on her team 🥹 pic.twitter.com/4pJnAUGLLN

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 28, 2023

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 NWSL’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).

Naeher nabs the Impact Save of the Week!#ChiStars | @DeloitteUS pic.twitter.com/unfR4fMrtb

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 24, 2023

 

Low of the Weekend

God’s plan. I will be back ✊🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/JNMsl2RbMz

— Catarina Macario (@catarinamacario) May 23, 2023

We received the news we were all dreading… Catarina Macario will not be available for World Cup selection due to her injury recovery. It’s good that she’s prioritizing her health, but it is still a harsh blow. 

Rose Lavelle injury update:

"She was really on track to be back, then she had a little bit of a setback…I would love her to be on the field tomorrow. I don't think that's gonna happen. I hope that we get to see her before the WC but honestly, right now I don't know.” pic.twitter.com/WKv5ohKKhA

— Bella Valeriano Munson (@munson_bella) May 24, 2023

Additionally, things are getting more worrisome for Rose Lavelle, who hasn’t played for the OL Reign yet this season. She’s had a lingering injury that’s kept her away, so all we can do is hope she’s recovering smoothly from here on out. 

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨

France and Lyon forward Delphine Cascarino confirms that she has suffered an ACL injury and will therefore miss the World Cup.

Wishing her a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/YPszN3Dmh1

— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) May 25, 2023

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 Weekend 

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Arsenal defender Rafaelle is set to join Orlando Pride in the NWSL this summer, according to @arseblognews pic.twitter.com/BR5SpWfmnE

— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) May 25, 2023

The Orlando Pride strikes again… Arsenal’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.

Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that USWNT star midfielder Lindsey Horan will be staying at Lyon past her loan spell🌟🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vntTX4TmDL

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) May 23, 2023

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

 

Goal of the Weekend 

GOODNESS GRACIOUS!

How's this for Quinn's first ever NWSL goal?! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Stcp12Q1MQ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023

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

 

Player of the Weekend 

Baby McKenzie #December2023 pic.twitter.com/wxYVR1ApDR

— Jessica McDonald (@J_Mac1422) May 24, 2023

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

 

Team of the Weekend

CHAMPIONS! 🏆💙 Couldn't wish for a better farewell gift 🥹 pic.twitter.com/IoxWDLeEL0

— Magdalena Eriksson (@MagdaEricsson) May 27, 2023

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 PSG’s Ashley Lawrence. 

The race for Ashley Lawrence looks to be over, according to @le_Parisien ✅

Her choice is Chelsea 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/tEeBJfNxeS

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) May 22, 2023

 

 

Return of the Weekend 

About damn time. 😤 pic.twitter.com/9XutKh9YZG

— Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) May 24, 2023

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

 

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

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

 

NWSL

Saturday, June 3

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

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

Sunday, June 4 

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

Monday, June 5 

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

 

UEFA Women’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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