The world has come together the past week to support Jenni Hermoso and call for RFEF President Luis Rubiales to be dismissed. From Spainโs players to the NWSL to the Bundesliga, weโve 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. Letโs dive into the past weekโs womenโs soccer news.
High of the Weekendย
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 Womenโs 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:
๐ฃ๏ธ โIt [the kiss] is unacceptable & does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my lifeโ
๐ฃ๏ธ โI condemn without doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] far from an advanced & developed societyโ pic.twitter.com/64LpuJFHyn
— Womenโs 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.ย
The entire technical staff of the womenโs team resignedโฆ 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.ย
If the federation truly wants to make it right and provide for its players, Vilda has to go.ย
News of the Weekendย
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 Weekendย
What a save ๐โผ๏ธ#NCAASoccer x ๐ฅ SECN / @ValpoWSO pic.twitter.com/lDLh2iMI09
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 27, 2023
If this shot had gone in, it probably wouldโve taken our goal of the weekend spot! Now, the save thatโs on our list. Great work from Valporaisoโs Nikki Coryell.
Goal of the Weekendย
TOOK IT TO THE ๐ #NCAASoccer x ๐ฅ ACCN / @uncwomenssoccer pic.twitter.com/IAW1UQa9t5
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) August 27, 2023
This rocket of a goal from UNCโs 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 Weekendย
THIS MOVE FROM TRINITY ๐ฑ 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. Itโs been so fun to watch the World Cup returners ball out in the NWSL again!
Return of the Weekendย
Abby Dahlkemper returned to San Diego Wave a few weeks ago and just scored her first goal since 2016 this past weekend! Sheโs back!
Signing of the Weekend
18-year-old Colombia international Ana Marรญa Guzmรกn will sign with Bayern Munich, per @laurabernalb_ ๐จ๐ด
The young defender had interest from Arsenal and Manchester City as well. pic.twitter.com/NbmfKH6Y1M
— Womenโs 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 Postย
hey wow we were all finally in the same place ๐ฅน 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
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