FootyPop: World-Class Debinha Strengthens KC Current in New Signing
FootyPop has been on a hiatus over the holidays, but we’re back and better than ever in 2023. We know this year will bring tremendous excitement in the realm of women’s soccer, and we can’t wait to kick it off with our roundup of the key women’s soccer news of the past week.
High of the Weekend
.@sophsssmith had herself a YEAR!
‣ #USWNT leading scorer ⚽️
‣ @NWSL MVP ☝️
‣ @NWSL Championship Game MVP 🏆
‣ @BioSteelSports Female Player of the Year 🇺🇸— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 6, 2023
Sophia Smith is the real deal. U.S. Soccer just awarded her the BioSteelSports Female player of the year, which she completely deserves. It’s only going to get better for her.
Additionally, Jaedyn Shaw received the Young Female Player of the Year award.
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Low of the Weekend
The Red Stars announced that defender Zoe Morse – whose contract ended in 2022 – will not return to Chicago. Instead, Morse will join Brighton in the FAWSL.
Our Transaction Tracker has been updated.
➡️: https://t.co/0OqadvBNXq pic.twitter.com/VEoDVf5d2Q
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) January 8, 2023
The Red Stars have been going through it during the off-season, losing a handful of their key players. Most recently, Zoe Morse is heading to Brighton in the WSL. Chicago resigned only seven players so far, so it’ll be interesting to see how they fare in the NWSL draft this week.
News of the Weekend
A breakdown on the epic FOUR team trade today 😏 pic.twitter.com/yUvD4bFj5M
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) January 6, 2023
The NWSL 2023 draft is just around the corner! Angel City executed an epic four-way trade to secure the top pick, and they’re expected to sign Alyssa Thompson. Thompson just debuted for the senior USWNT this past fall and could add a much-needed attacking edge for Angel City.
Other key players registered for the draft include Michelle Cooper, Emily Madril, Reyna Reyes, Messiah Bright, and more.
Transfer of the Weekend
A legend has landed 👑
Welcome to KC, @Debinha7 pic.twitter.com/lb3kzdbCQB
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) January 9, 2023
At the end of the year, it was announced that Debinha would not return to the Courage, where she had played since 2017. Some worried she’d leave the NWSL and move across the pond to play in England. However, the KC Current announced her signing.
The Current looks like an extremely strong team heading into their third season, and adding world-class Debinha increases their chances of an NWSL championship even more.
Team of the Weekend
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It’s official! Lynn Williams is BACK. We don’t know how much play time she’ll get in the USWNT vs. New Zealand friendlies, but it’s great to see she’s finally back in the mix. The USWNT will play its friendlies next week in New Zealand.
Goal of the Weekend
𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂 🪄
The @SydneyFC ⭐️’s 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 chip is YOUR @LibFinancial A-League ‘Goal of the Month’ winner for December!
Congrats, @madog_9 👏 pic.twitter.com/hBYr5MJrR3
— Liberty A-League (@aleaguewomen) January 8, 2023
This goal from Stanford alum Madison Haley happened back in December but was just chosen for last month’s Goal of the Month. Haley plays for Sydney FC in the Liberty A-League, which is currently at the top of the standings.
Player of the Weekend
Your MAC Hermann Trophy WINNER!!!! 👑🏆 pic.twitter.com/TEiKQdm7QQ
— Duke Women's Soccer (@DukeWSOC) January 7, 2023
Michelle Cooper received the Mac Hermann Trophy, an annual award given to the top NCAA women’s soccer player. Cooper had an outstanding season for Duke and opted to enter the NWSL draft this year after completing her sophomore year.
What to Look Forward To
January 12, 2023: NWSL Draft
Featured image via @thenccourage on Instagram
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