FootyPop: The NWSL Regular Season Gets Underway
It’s a great time of the year for women’s soccer. The NWSL’s tenth regular season got underway in a big way in LA, Tobin Heath is on the move, and Carli Lloyd has rejoined Gotham FC, yet not in the way many fans were hoping for. So here’s this week’s women’s soccer news!
High of the Week
The club, our fans, and partners have raised a combined $435,000 and counting for UNICEF USA, which includes a $100,000 donation from the club.
The tally is ongoing as we have an auction running until May 5. #PTFCForPeace pic.twitter.com/TIKvrvGevm
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 28, 2022
This week the Portland Thorns and Timbers played a charity match to raise money for UNICEF USA for the people of Ukraine. Each team consisted of a mix from both the Thorns and Timbers. It was a fun match for a great cause, raising over $500,000. They are also hosting an auction of the jerseys from that game, as well as other items.
Low of the Week
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) April 27, 2022
The Houston Dash announced that head coach James Clarkson has been suspended. The suspension comes as a result of findings from joint investigations by the NWSL and NWSLPA. The investigations were initiated after last season when abuse from multiple coaches came to light. Sarah Lowdon has been announced as the acting head coach for the club.
News of the Week
Back where I belong. Honored to join @GothamFC’s ownership group and excited for this club’s bright future! #NWSL pic.twitter.com/ZsNmary6pO
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) April 27, 2022
After retiring from the game at the end of 2021, Carli Lloyd has rejoined Gotham FC, but this time as part of the ownership group for her home club.
Tobin Heath has been released early from her contract by mutual agreement.
Wishing you all the best for the future, @TobinHeath ❤️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 28, 2022
Arsenal announced that they mutually agreed to release Tobin Heath. It comes after Heath suffered an injury setback that would have seen her sidelined for the rest of the season.
Win of the Week
Angel City FC sold over 15,400 season tickets before their first game.
Last night, they won their home-opener in front of a sold-out crowd of 22,000 🏟pic.twitter.com/r8ywudfmqM
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 30, 2022
It’s been a long time coming, but Angel City FC kicked off their first NWSL season in style with a 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage. They did it in front of a sold-out crowd at Banc of California Stadium. Angel City is setting the new standard for the league, and it is amazing to watch.
Goal of the Week
* chef's kiss * @sophsssmith is absolutely on 🔥. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/HqxuPsbJPI
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) April 30, 2022
Sophia Smith opened up her 2022 scoring account with a blast from the corner of the box into the top corner in the Portland Thorns’ 3-0 win over Kansas City.
What To Look Forward To
The stage is set! 🌟
The Current will take on the Courage and the Spirit will go head-to-head with OL Reign in the #NWSLChallengeCup semi-finals on May 4th. 💫 pic.twitter.com/Fd1rwoae56
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 25, 2022
Even though the NWSL Regular Season is now underway, the Challenge Cup title is still up for grabs.
Wednesday, May 4: OL Reign at Washington Spirit, 8 PM ET
Wednesday, May 4: North Carolina Courage at Kansas City Current, 8:30 PM ET
Saturday, May 7: Challenge Cup Championship, 1 PM ET
Featured image via @nwsl on Instagram
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