There’s never a quiet week in the world of women’s soccer, and 2022 has started off with a bang. This week there was some good news from DC, more signings, a look ahead at the United Soccer Coaches Convention, and more. So here’s this week’s women’s soccer news!
News of the Week
Say hi ? to the podcasts joining us on the #UnitedCV22 Podcast Row! This year in Kansas City, we’ve hand-selected over 20 popular shows to record and develop content with attendees and presenters.
Get to know the podcasts here: https://t.co/BmgOB2kF6L pic.twitter.com/R03UK1YYIu
— United Soccer Coaches (@UnitedCoaches) January 11, 2022
Girls Soccer Network is taking their game on the road heading to Kansas City!
From January 19-23, the United Soccer Coaches Convention will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s the largest soccer convention in the world that’s back to being in person after last year’s virtual format. It’s five days filled with lots of educational sessions, presentations, and award ceremonies.
Another event is Podcast Row, where our Co-Founder/Editor in Chief Jennifer Gruskoff, will be speaking to many people for our podcast Give N’ Go. Some of the notables joining Jen in the booth will be: Mirelle Van Rijbroek, U.S. Soccer Federation Director of Talent ID/Head of Scouting Youth National Teams; Michelle Meyer, founder of the NIL Network; Leslie Gallimore, commissioner of the GA; Rachel Lindvall Erin McLeod (co-founders of the mindful Project).
Do you have any questions you’d like Jen to ask any of the aforementioned? Shoot her an email at jgruskoff@girlssoccernetwork.com
High of the Week
New: Per a source, here's the full text of a letter sent from Michele Kang to the NWSL's Board of Governors, claiming that Steve Baldwin "no longer has control of the team or the ability to dictate the terms of any sale." pic.twitter.com/AUk7UHAfPz
— Molly Hensley-Clancy (@mollyhc) January 11, 2022
The Washington Spirit saga has been a lot of bad news unfolding, but there was finally a positive turn this week. It was reported by The Athletic that Y. Michelle Kang had gained control of the Spirit and the club’s voting interests.
It’s been long reported and posted that the players want Kang to become the club owner, but Steve Baldwin has been making it complicated. Hopefully, with Kang now taking over, things can get turned around in DC.
Low of the Week
The North Carolina Football Club had a press call today with new club president Francie Gottsegen and chief soccer officer Curt Johnson. I asked them about the Courage's re-signing of Jaelene Daniels. Full transcript threaded below. #NWSL pic.twitter.com/ol0lhIkJrq
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) January 14, 2022
The NC Courage has had a busy offseason, including the surprise re-signing of Jaelene Daniels. Unfortunately, the signing left many fans feeling alienated and betrayed by the club. On Friday, North Carolina announced hiring a new club president, Francie Gottsegen.
During her introductory press conference, things went from bad to worse for the Courage. Gottsegen had an inadequate response to a question regarding the way fans were feeling after the Daniels news was released.
Win of the Week
It will be just the second time that the @FCBfemeni will play in Camp Nou since becoming a professional team.
The quarter final match between Barcelona and Real Madrid is set to take place on March 30 ? pic.twitter.com/2CgxRg8xRL
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) January 13, 2022
On March 30, the El Clasico will be played at the famous Camp Nou Stadium. It will be just the second time that Barca Women play at Camp Nou. It’s safe to say that the demand for tickets is there, with over 70,000 tickets sold.
Transfer of the Week
We have acquired @USWNT forward Lynn Williams from the NC Courage.
Welcome to Kansas City, @lynnraenie!
More on the roster move ? https://t.co/tsmSlzRoZj#TealRising pic.twitter.com/IzQIztfpQZ
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) January 10, 2022
The exodus of Courage players continued this week when the club announced that they traded Lynn Williams to the KC Current. Williams was a star for the Courage, scoring 48 goals in her time in North Carolina. The forward is to join her former Courage teammate Samantha Mewis in KC.
It was also announced that Mia Fischel signed with Tigres in Liga MX Femenil. Fischel was the fifth pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft by the Orlando Pride.
Fav Social Media Post
Abby Dahlkemper has collaborated with Adidas to create her own Adidas Superstar shoes.
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