FootyPop: USWNT’s Mia Fishel Scores During Her Chelsea Debut

October 2, 2023
By Hannah Cantrell

In this week’s women’s soccer news recap, the WSL began its season while the NWSL is racing toward the playoffs. Only one team clinched a playoff spot, but we saw plenty of action from the league during this past weekend of matches. Additionally, we’ll look at world soccer news and the NCAA action!

High of the Weekend

Ex Liga MX Femenil player Mia Fishel with her goal debut 🤩 #CFCW pic.twitter.com/RPORxok4px

— Maria Itzel (@mariahuitareo) October 1, 2023

She just made her debut for the USWNT, and Mia Fishel will be the next big thing for Chelsea. Not only did Fishel debut for Chelsea in their opening match, but she also scored a goal off a header.

Formerly in The Liga MX Femenil with Tigres, Fishel signed with Chelsea earlier this year, and she’s sure to continue growing alongside the likes of Catarina Macario, Sam Kerr, and Lauren James.

Low of the Weekend

Putellas, Spain players testify in Rubiales case

Alexia Putellas and two of her teammates in Spain's women's national team appeared before a judge Monday as witnesses in the investigation into Luis Rubiales' conduct.https://t.co/uRVyJLFSI9

— ESPN Soccer (@ESPNsoccer) October 2, 2023

It’s been about a month and a half since the Rubiales scandal rocked Spanish women’s soccer and the world. Luis Rubiales has a case coming down on him for nonconsensually kissing Spanish attacker Jenni Hermoso on the lips during celebrations. Just today, Alexia Putellas and two other Spanish national team players appeared before a judge to answer questions as witnesses.

Things are headed in the right direction as Rubiales and Vilda have both been ousted, but the national team is still going through the toughest of times as all their demands have not been met. They are being called up for national duty, and some players need to testify before a judge.

News of the Weekend

The WSL set a new attendance record with 54,115 fans watching Liverpool beat Arsenal at the Emirates 💥 pic.twitter.com/wOGbhSvd2a

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 1, 2023

If you didn’t already know, this past weekend was the opening weekend of the WSL season! And, of course, what’s a new season in women’s soccer without shattering some records?

Liverpool upset Arsenal in front of a record crowd of 54,115 attendees. Just look at the difference between the 2021-2022 season and this season–incredible.

opening match opening match
of the 21/22 vs. of the 23/24
WSL season WSL season pic.twitter.com/ceqgeez7uf

— chloe (@puckinghell_) October 1, 2023

Save of the Weekend

Jane Campbell airlines at it again ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Y5ozMwbY6J

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 1, 2023

Jane Campbell is one of the most underrated keepers in the NWSL. Houston has one of the lowest goals allowed numbers in the league right now because of her. And once again, she made this amazing stop to prevent Gotham from getting ahead.

Goal of the Weekend

HOW ⁉️⁉️#NCAASoccer x 🎥 PAC 12 Plus / @StanfordWSoccer
pic.twitter.com/JLxuaxP7HD

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 1, 2023

Everything about this goal is impressive. The set-piece flies in with perfect placement for the Stanford player to backheel pass it to her teammates. Then, there’s the celebration!

Assist of the Weekend

OL REIGN SET PIECE PERFECTION.

Rapinoe ➡️ Balcer for the lead pic.twitter.com/zeq1xTZu0s

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 2, 2023

Of course, it would be Megan Rapinoe to nab our assist of the weekend. Her corner kick is inch-perfect here, and Bethany Balcer found the end of it.

Player of the Weekend

Forward Sophia Smith sustained a mild medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in her right knee. Smith’s status is week-to-week. #BAONPDX

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) August 30, 2023

Sophia Smith suffered a mild MCL injury in late August, but she is officially back training with the Portland Thorns. She’s begun doing some individual and on-field work but no training or drills with an opposing team.

Team of the Weekend

First to clinch ✅

San Diego Wave are going to the playoffs! pic.twitter.com/zwwYoMuYKr

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 1, 2023

We only have a couple more weeks in NWSL play before the playoffs, and only one team has clinched a spot so far. This shows the parity within the league, making fighting for a playoff spot that much more difficult (and exciting).

Upset of the Weekend

History maker. #WeAreUK 🔵😺⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pjq5MGHBP1

— Kentucky Women's Soccer (@UKWomensSoccer) September 30, 2023

In the NCAA, unranked Kentucky beat Alabama, ranked No. 9 by United Soccer Coaches. While in the NWSL, Houston unexpectedly beat Gotham 2-0, with a brace from Michelle Alozie.