FootyPop: The USWNT is Heading into the SheBelieves Cup
This week there was more good news out of the Washington Spirit, disappointing and frustrating news out of the NWSL and USSF, and the USWNT is back in action. Here’s this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Week
The @WashSpirit have finalized a new ownership structure, authorizing Y. Michele Kang to acquire the interests of fellow team owners Bill Lynch and Steve Baldwin.
Kang will assume majority ownership of the team alongside a new, female-led ownership group. pic.twitter.com/Qx9oQemhqG
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) February 8, 2022
Finally, the NWSL has gotten it right. Y. Michele Kang has officially been given majority ownership of the Washington Spirit. Kang acquiring the Spirit is a happy ending to a long saga.
Low of the Week
NEW: A Post investigation found multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against former NWSL coach Rory Dames in youth soccer, including a player who alleged he groomed her and had sex with her once she turned 18.
"Nobody believed those teenagers."https://t.co/q4yldlqaRd
— Molly Hensley-Clancy (@mollyhc) February 8, 2022
A new Washington Post article and investigation came out about sexual misconduct allegations against Rory Dames during his time as a youth soccer coach. This comes after Dames resigned from his position as the head coach of the Chicago Red Stars amid other allegations.
The investigation also detailed that the abuse was brought to the attention of U.S. Soccer. It’s another extremely disappointing and frustrating case of the NWSL and U.S. Soccer failing to protect its players.
News of the Week
BREAKING NEWS: Thrilled to welcome goalkeeper & groundbreaker @SarahFuller_27 as our first player signing. “Sarah is a fantastic player and an even better person,” said @NicoleLukic5. “Having a leader like Sarah that has broken down barriers is a perfect fit for us." #WeAreAurora pic.twitter.com/YRagJ3QvUi
— Minnesota Aurora FC (@MNAuroraFC) February 7, 2022
Yet again, Sarah Fuller has made history as the first signing for USL W-League’s Minnesota Aurora FC. In addition, the goalkeeper made history as the first woman to play in a Power-Five football game when she stepped in as a kicker for Vanderbilt.
Player of the Week
Macario brace ✅
Lyon’s 8th ✅ #WatchWithAta #D1Arkema @USWNT pic.twitter.com/dLh7D7OkXK— ata football (@atafball) February 11, 2022
Before heading to USWNT camp, Catarina Macario played a full 90 in Lyon’s 8-0 win against Soyaux-Charente. Macario bagged a brace in the lopsided victory.
What to Look Forward To
The SheBelieves Cup is set to kick off in California on Thursday, with the USWNT hosting the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Iceland during the tournament.
Thursday, February 17: New Zealand vs. Iceland at 8 p.m. ET
USWNT vs. Czech Republic at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Sunday, February 20: USWNT vs. New Zealand at 3 p.m. ET on ABC
Czech Republic vs. Iceland at 6 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 23: New Zealand vs. Czech Republic at 6 p.m. ET
USWNT vs. Iceland at 9 p.m ET on ESPN2
Fav Social Media Post
We talking teams?
The #SuperBowl picks are in ?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/FZ5LXqOXix
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 12, 2022
In honor of the Super Bowl on Sunday, some USWNT players gave their winner predictions.
Featured image via @USWNT on Twitter
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