FootyPop: Sydney Leroux Scores Stunning Bicycle Kick in Angel City FC’s 5-1 Win Against Portland

This past weekend was a whirlwind in the NWSL. Four playoff spots were up for grabs going into Sunday, and we witnessed a shocking series of events to settle the playoff bracket. While the Washington Spirit unfortunately fell out of the top six, Angel City FC powered their way through with a win against the top team in the league. Let’s jump into this past weekend’s women’s soccer news.

 

High of the Weekend 

WE'RE IN! 👏👏👏

PLAYOFF BOUND for the first time in club history!#AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/kA6G4neZWS

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) October 15, 2023

In a must-win match against the Portland Thorns, Angel City FC came in with a vengeance and came out victorious. They beat the Thorns 5-1, with five goals from five different players, demonstrating the extreme depth and ability of the team. 

This team has had quite the journey this season, from being in 11th place at week 11 of the season to climbing up the standings with a near undefeated record since then. Their incredible win meant clinching the playoffs for the first time in their team history, and they’re set to play the OL Reign in Seattle for the quarterfinals. 

 

Low of the Weekend

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Former Spain manager Jorge Vilda is officially the new head coach of the Morocco women's team. He signs a contract until 2027.

The Spaniard replaces Reynald Pedros, who has been dismissed from his duties

📸 @JamesCWPhoto pic.twitter.com/gT6jJR6JFa

— DAZN Women's Football (@DAZNWFootball) October 12, 2023

Spain fired Coach Jorge Vilda less than two months ago, and now he’s been appointed the head coach for Morrocco. It’s shocking how he can be banned from coaching women’s soccer in Spain after players came out with stories of abuse but turned around and secured such a high-level position elsewhere.

 

News of the Weekend 

THE SHIELD BELONGS TO SAN DIEGO 🛡 pic.twitter.com/Lzr8vErZ3i

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) October 15, 2023

The NWSL Shield race was on between Portland and San Diego. While Portland was drubbed 5-1 by Angel City, San Diego snuck in, won 2-0 against Racing Louisville, and claimed the Shield. 

San Diego ended their season with 37 points and fun fact–they have the least amount of points of any team that has ever won the Shield. Additionally, this is the season with the least amount of points separating the first and last-place teams.

 

Win of the Weekend 

Arsenal were losing at home 0-1 to Aston Villa as stoppage time began. Then –

⚽️ Katie McCabe (90+2’)
⚽️ Alessia Russo (90+4’)

The game-winner assisted by Beth Mead 💫 pic.twitter.com/9Jpq9awaFv

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) October 15, 2023

A break from NWSL news for the moment. In the WSL in England, Arsenal has not gotten off the start of this season they wanted. They lost 1-0 to Liverpool, tied Manchester United 2-2, and looked like they were about to lose 1-0 to Aston Villa. 

Beth Mead subbed in and made a world of difference, plus it was her first game back after injury. Katie McCabe scored an equalizer in stoppage time at 90 + 2’, and then Beth Mead assisted Alessia Russo’s game-winning goal at 90+4’, ending the game, 2-1 Arsenal.

 

Goal of the Weekend 

.@SYDNEYLEROUX ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!

Leroux makes it 4-0 for @weareangelcity after an incredible bicycle kick goal. 😱 pic.twitter.com/cTEeJ7iYOv

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 15, 2023

Sydney Leroux added to Angel City FC’s five goals against Portland with this ridiculous bicycle kick. What a way to seal the deal for Angel City. 

 

Player of the Weekend 

Congratulations to @mPinoe, scoring her 51st goal today! 🏆🙌#ReignSupreme pic.twitter.com/iBNlAVYWG0

— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) October 16, 2023

In her last NWSL game, Megan Rapinoe came up big with a brace! OL Reign took on Chicago Red Stars and won 3-0, clinching a playoff spot. Rapinoe scored back to back right after the half, making it 51 goals that she scored with the club. 

 

Coach of the Weekend 

#AngelCityFC Sarah Gorden and M.A. Vignola on whether Becki Tweed should win #NWSL Coach of the Year,

"I mean, she's lost one game. Can any other coach say that in the league?" pic.twitter.com/PmjHsu0bZz

— Justin Ruderman (@JustinRuderman_) October 16, 2023

Becki Tweed, Angel City’s interim coach, has been phenomenal this season. The players are thriving under her leadership, and the question is, could she win Coach of the Year?

 

What to Look Forward To

The @NWSL playoffs are HERE 🤩🇺🇸

Quarterfinals:
🦇 Gotham FC vs. NC Courage 🦁
👼🏼 Angel City vs. OL Reign ☔️

Semifinals:
🦇/🦁 vs. Portland Thorns 🌹
👼🏼/☔️ vs. San Diego Wave 🌊

Who ya got? pic.twitter.com/PAeZqxA8WK

— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) October 16, 2023

The NWSL Playoffs are set! 

 

Featured image via @weareangelcity on Instagram

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