FootyPop: The NWSL’s Youngest Stars Shined Bright This Week
In this week’s women’s soccer news, a handful of young players shined in the NWSL; another scandal happened in the front office of an NWSL team; FIFA’s president is taking a stand against lowball Women’s World Cup TV rights offers, and much more.
Additionally, we have launched our Soccerista United summer session! If you don’t already know, this program allows girl soccer players to grow their game by being mentored by elite college athletes from across the country. The program is specifically tailored for girls ages 9 to 15 and will be a combination of small group meetings and one-on-one time with your Squad Captain (the college players). Space is limited, and registration is open now!
High of the Weekend
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Some of the NWSL’s youngest stars showed up huge this week. 20-year-old Trinity Rodman surpassed Sam Kerr’s record as she is now the youngest player in the league to reach ten goals and ten assists.
🚨Olivia Moultrie banger alert🚨
Thorns tie it for the third time this match… if you're not watching on Paramount+, tune in NOW! pic.twitter.com/WDYw0cxpAR
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 7, 2023
17-year-old Olivia Moultrie scored a long-range goal against the North Carolina Courage to tie the game 3-3.
An absolute stunner of a goal 😱
Take a bow, Alyssa Thompson. 👏 pic.twitter.com/d5H1GixMQ4
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
And 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson scored from a near impossible angle to put Angel City up 1-0 in the first half against Kansas City.
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Additionally, rookies Jenna Nighswonger scored her first NWSL goal for Gotham FC, and Messiah Bright put one in for Orlando Pride.
Low of the Weekend
A statement from the Chicago Red Stars Board of Managers: pic.twitter.com/gknxR9kJuT
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) May 5, 2023
Chicago Red Stars GM Michelle Lomnicki was sacked this past week after failing to disclose the knowledge that a suspended NWSL coach was working with a youth club she was tied to.
The coach, Craig Harrington, is suspended from the NWSL until at least 2025 because of inappropriate conduct and sexual comments toward players. In January of this year, the Illinois youth soccer club hired Harrington as an independent contractor after doing the necessary background checks, which did not state his ineligibility.
However, in late April, the club received news that the Illinois Youth Soccer Association had suspended Harrington’s membership, so his contract ended.
News of the Weekend
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has threatened to not broadcast the Women's World Cup in five European countries unless TV companies improve their rights offers 📺📲❌#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/q5KBQj5OsN
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 2, 2023
Last week, FIFA president Giani Infantino threatened a TV blackout of the Women’s World Cup in some of Europe’s largest nations because of their lowball offers for TV rights. The nations include Germany, England, France, Spain, and Italy. This is the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, with a record 32 participating countries, including all five listed before.
Save of the Weekend
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Angel City’s defense came up big in this play, which would become a nail-biting match against Kansas City.
Angel City went up 3-0 in the first half and then squandered their lead in the second. But, ultimately, they closed out 3-2.
Team of the Weekend
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As really no surprise, Barcelona won La Liga Femenina! The team is ten points ahead of Real Madrid with only two matches left of their regular season. Next, we’ll see them in the Champions League final against Wolfsburg.
Notably, Barcelona saw the return of their star, Alexia Putellas. It’s rumored that she’ll continue to up her game minutes so she can play in the UWCL final!
Upset of the Weekend
FT: Liverpool 2️⃣ – 1️⃣ Manchester City
HUGE result in the @BarclaysWSL😮💨 pic.twitter.com/9hFXOftABW
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) May 7, 2023
Huge upset in the WSL! Liverpool, who’s in its inaugural WSL season, beat number three Manchester City 2-1. Liverpool was outshot 17 to 6 and only had possession 32% of the time, but they still managed to come away with the three points!
What to Look Forward To
NWSL Challenge Cup
Wednesday, May 10: Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
NWSL
Friday, May 12
Racing Louisville vs. Chicago Red Stars at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Saturday, May 13
Angel City vs. Washington Spirit at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Sunday, May 14
North Carolina Courage vs. OL Reign at 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT
Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride at 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT
Kansas City Current vs. San Diego Wave at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Women’s FA Cup Final
Sunday, May 14: Chelsea vs. Manchester United at 9:30 AM ET/6:30 AM PT
Featured image via @washingtonspirit on Instagram
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