Women’s International Champions Cup 2021 Recap

The Women’s International Champions Cup was a huge success for the third time. The third installment of the competition gave the fans everything they wanted: star power, great play, and cross-continent showdowns. In the end, the Portland Thorns emerged victorious, but all four teams had a great showing regardless of who was on the pitch. Here’s how the Women’s International Champions Cup went down. 

LYON 3  BARCELONA 2 (SEMIFINAL)

As per the preview, Barcelona did take this opening match as a preseason game and did not put out as many star players as Lyon did. However, with that being said, take nothing away from Lyon, who took it to Barcelona. Melvine Malard scored the game-winner within the last 10 minutes to send Barca to the third-place game, with Lyon clinching a spot in the final.  

PORTLAND THORNS 2(5)  HOUSTON DASH 2(4) (Thorns advance on PKs) (SEMIFINAL)

These two teams are very familiar with each other through NWSL play, and the match ended up being just as close. Thanks to Shea Groom, Houston blitzed Portland early and was two goals ahead; this first goal she scored was world-class. 

Shea Groom doing Shea Groom things ?

1-0 @houstondash ?#WICC2021 pic.twitter.com/Uleu6kdwUK

— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) August 19, 2021

However, Portland raged their way back into the game and scored twice within 10 minutes to end up tying the game. But, of course, the big story from the game was the player who tied it up, Olivia Moultrie. 

.@Olivia_moultrie SCORES HER FIRST PROFESSIONAL GOAL AT #WICC2021! ?

The 15-year-old ties the match for @thornsfc! ? pic.twitter.com/ZYdeIQCICA

— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) August 19, 2021

Not only did she score to tie the game in style, but she also converted her penalty kick when the game went to a shootout. Another huge surprise was Shelby Hogan making three saves in the shootout to put Portland through, setting up a date with Lyon in the final. 

BARCELONA 3  HOUSTON DASH 2 (3RD PLACE GAME)

The Dash were involved in the two most exciting games of the tournament thanks to their style of play. Once again, they surprised Barcelona with their ability to counter and press them on the ball. After Barca led early, Houston took two goals right back through Katie Naughton and, once again, Shea Groom. For a minute, it looked like Houston might have done enough to beat Barcelona. However, Alexia Putellas had something to say about that. After Houston conceded a penalty, Putellas converted her penalty to make it 2-2. 

Then the attacking star won the game in an emphatic fashion with this strike from just outside the box. 

.@alexiaputellas strikes @FCBfemeni into the lead late in the game! ? pic.twitter.com/I0oDWAKJlu

— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) August 22, 2021

That sumptuous strike would be the difference in the game. It was a bit unfortunate for Houston, who played their hearts out, but they just couldn’t hold onto their lead to win third place. 

PORTLAND THORNS 1  LYON 0 (FINAL)

This match felt like it was between the two best clubs in the world. Both of them are the gold standard for what a club should be in their respective regions, and they played like it too. Lyon looked like they would score at least once or twice and came inches away on those occasions. There were times where it seemed like the Thorns were having issues with how much faster Lyon played in terms of their style. However, late in the game, when it seemed like it was going to penalties, Morgan Weaver stepped up in a big way. 

Her first touch was great because Christiane Endler was forced to make a decision, and she wrongly chose to come off her line. The end result was Weaver finding the net from a crazy angle to secure the win. 

MORGAN WEAVER’S #WICC2021 WINNING GOAL FOR @thornsfc! ? pic.twitter.com/SmefGDQihM

— Women's International Champions Cup (@iccwomen) August 22, 2021

Overall, the third year of the Women’s International Champions Cup was a huge success with some really competitive games. These kinds of cups really help the exposure of the game but also help provide more information on who truly is the best in the world. There aren’t many chances to see American teams play European teams, and when they play well like this, it only bodes well for the future of the sport. 

Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram

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