The world has come together the past week to support Jenni Hermoso and call for RFEF President Luis Rubiales to be dismissed. From Spain’s players to the NWSL to the Bundesliga, we’ve seen overwhelming solidarity for the Spanish star. In the U.S., the NWSL saw a weekend filled with draws, and the NCAA saw some fantastic action, with upsets, goals, saves, and more. Let’s dive into the past week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
The unity displayed by the members of the Spanish national team both on the field and off is to be applauded.
Voices joined together are harder to ignore, and their bravery sets the standard for others to follow. https://t.co/TlAAksGnF1
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 27, 2023
This week clubs, players and fans came together in support of Jenni Hermoso.#SeAcabo pic.twitter.com/9blwyk9P1G
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 28, 2023
The widespread solidarity with Jenni Hermoso after the scandal with RFEF president Luis Rubiales has been incredible to watch. Many are using the #SeAcabo to show their support.
The 23 players of Spain's #FIFAWWC champion squad plus 58 additional players say they will not respond to a call up for the national team as long as current leadership continues https://t.co/J8x9OzMzOQ
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) August 25, 2023
If the soccer community continues to band together like this, things must change within the Spanish Federation. Luis Rubiales has been placed on probation, but the federation must take things further in order to rectify the situation and ensure that Rubiales, and no one like him, can enter his position again.
Low of the Weekend
Jorge Vilda finally released a statement on Luis Rubiales:
🗣️ “It [the kiss] is unacceptable & does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life”
🗣️ “I condemn without doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] far from an advanced & developed society” pic.twitter.com/64LpuJFHyn
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 27, 2023
On the flip side of the most recent updates of the RFEF scandal, Jorge Vilda is still the coach.
The entire technical staff of the women’s team resigned… except Vilda, who still proclaims that he will not step down. He even released a statement deploring Rubiales actions. Which is ironic, to say the least, and seems quite contrived, considering the allegations against Vilda by players.
If the federation truly wants to make it right and provide for its players, Vilda has to go.
News of the Weekend
Another look at the play where reigning #NWSL MVP Sophia Smith appeared to injure her right knee. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/avH566ZVqg
— Ryan Clarke (@RyanTClarke) August 27, 2023
In the Portland Thorns match against the Washington Spirit, Sophia Smith went down with an injury. She grabbed her knee and was later seen walking off the pitch with crutches but bearing a little weight on her right leg. Hoping the injury is minor and she makes a quick recovery!
Save of the Weekend
What a save 👀‼️#NCAASoccer x 🎥 SECN / @ValpoWSO pic.twitter.com/lDLh2iMI09
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 27, 2023
If this shot had gone in, it probably would’ve taken our goal of the weekend spot! Now, the save that’s on our list. Great work from Valporaiso’s Nikki Coryell.
Goal of the Weekend
TOOK IT TO THE 🏠#NCAASoccer x 🎥 ACCN / @uncwomenssoccer pic.twitter.com/IAW1UQa9t5
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 27, 2023
This rocket of a goal from UNC’s Ally Sentnor is a beauty. She fires it into the top of the net, putting UNC up 1-0 against USC. The Tar Heels ultimately won 4-0.
Player of the Weekend
THIS MOVE FROM TRINITY 😱 pic.twitter.com/gvrWnc0vKR
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) August 27, 2023
We have to shout out Trinity Rodman as our Player of the Weekend for this one ridiculous move. It’s been so fun to watch the World Cup returners ball out in the NWSL again!
Return of the Weekend
Abby Dahlkemper returned to San Diego Wave a few weeks ago and just scored her first goal since 2016 this past weekend! She’s back!
Signing of the Weekend
18-year-old Colombia international Ana María Guzmán will sign with Bayern Munich, per @laurabernalb_ 🇨🇴
The young defender had interest from Arsenal and Manchester City as well. pic.twitter.com/NbmfKH6Y1M
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 28, 2023
Colombia surprised many of us at the World Cup. One of their star defenders just signed for Bayern Munich, who finished top of the table in the Frauen Bundesliga last season!
Fav Social Media Post
hey wow we were all finally in the same place 🥹 pic.twitter.com/8Kn7pxQH2j
— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) August 28, 2023
Meg Linehan was the writer who broke the NWSL abuse story from Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly.
Featured image via @OLReign on Twitter
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS