FootyPop: This Player is England’s Brightest Young Star

February 6, 2023
By Hannah Cantrell

Another week has passed, meaning we are another week closer to the start of the NWSL season! All the teams have been getting fans pumped, and we can definitely see how the league has progressed since last season with new high-profile trades, signings, and just all-around excitement about the 2023 season. Additionally, the USWNT is gearing up for the SheBelieves Cup, and other pro leagues are in action around the world. So, without further ado, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news.

High of the Weekend

Fans have been roasting the NWSL on social media the past couple of weeks about the absence of a schedule just six weeks away from the start of the season. However, this morning the NWSL announced the schedule would be coming on Wednesday!

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A post shared by Angel City FC (@weareangelcity)

With the excitement of the schedule coming out, NWSL teams have also been hyping up fans with preseason social media content and preseason rosters!

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A post shared by Kansas City Current (@kccurrent)

Most notably, Gisele Thompson will be training alongside her sister Alyssa with Angel City, Sinead Farrelly is on Gotham FC’s preseason roster, and a couple of other USYNT regulars will be training with various teams.

Low of the Weekend

pic.twitter.com/8n3NtaVUi8

— Samantha Mewis (@sammymewy) January 30, 2023

Some unfortunate news came last week as Sam Mewis announced she had another surgery on her knee.

Mewis didn’t play for the Current at all last season, and as the World Cup draws nearer, many were hoping she’d make it back healthy to be called up to the USWNT.

Although it hurts to see her recovery taking much longer than expected, the Current state that they have her back as long as it takes.

News of the Weekend

Ready to play for hardware 🏆

Full Roster Notes » https://t.co/x2glYutyP4 #SheBelievesCup, presented by @Visa pic.twitter.com/5nJzzl0WLd

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 1, 2023

The SheBelieves Cup roster is here, and there are no surprises, really. Megan Rapinoe is back, and Sophia Smith is still out with an injury. Hailey Mace and Sam Coffey did not earn call-ups this time, but both will definitely be pushing for that World Cup spot.

The midfield is still a bit of a question mark for the team, and they aren’t taking any chances for this tournament. So, it’ll be interesting to see whether anyone new is given an opportunity in the coming months.

Goal of the Weekend

What a goal from @laurenjamess22 🤯 #WatchWithAta #BarclaysWSL

🎥 @AttackingThird pic.twitter.com/DFuwF4bNFr

— ata football (@atafball) February 5, 2023

At only 21, Lauren James is England’s newest star. She’s been incredible for Chelsea, and her excellence is summed up in this goal.

Chelsea took on Tottenham and ended in a 3-2 win, and James received the Player of the Match award. Hopefully, we’ll see her at the World Cup for the Lionesses!

Player of the Weekend

From bangers to blocks and everything in between, @Toni_Deion gave Pride fans moments they won't soon forget. Take a look back at our top 5 moments from Toni Pressley's career in purple 💜#ThankYouToni

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) February 4, 2023

The Orlando Pride didn’t resign Toni Pressley, who had been with the club since the beginning, in 2015. The top-notch defender played on the USYNT at various levels. After playing for the Pride for almost one season, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery.

Her story of recovery and resurgence should be an inspiration to all players! At 32, she is nearing the end of her career, but who knows what’s in store for her next?

Team of the Weekend

Hanna Glas will sign with KC Current on a three-year deal from Bayern Munich, per @amandaezaza ✍🏼🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/XQwwcwofw2

— Womens Transfer News (@womenstransfer) February 6, 2023

The Kansas City Current has been making HUGE moves in the off-season. From trading for Debinha to drafting Michelle Cooper and now a high-profile international deal, they sure are looking good before the season begins.

Signing of the Weekend

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A post shared by Korbin (@korbin.rose_)

This is a big one… Notre Dame’s Korbin Albert, who has also played on the USYNT, signed with PSG! Albert is foregoing her years of college eligibility to go pro, and we’ll surely be keeping an eye on her while she’s in France.