FootyPop: Ekic Makes History, Spirit-Dash Game Is Moved and the Pride Social Media Throws Shade

Women’s soccer fans are essentially trying to drink water from a firehose right now. Starting this past Friday, seven out of the next 10 nights are NWSL game nights. Add in a lil FA Cup here, a little Norwegian soccer starting, and Italian soccer ending there. And don’t you go thinking there are signs of this all slowing down. Um, remember it’s an Olympic year. May there be many overwhelming women’s soccer weekends like this one ahead. Let’s dive into the latest women’s soccer news.

Louisville Win First Regular Season Game at Home

Didn’t matter that Racing Louisville was outshot 29-7 on Friday night. Also, didn’t matter that they were beaten in possession percentage 61% to 39%. They got the job done and did so in electric fashion. The opening goal of the game came from Emina Ekic, a rookie born and raised in Louisville who also went to college at the University of Louisville. Special moment, special strike. Cece Kizer added some cushion to that Louisville lead 5 minutes later in the 81st minute. 

Pride Pull of Huge Road Win, Gotham-Red Stars Tie on NWSL Saturday Night

The NC Courage years-long undefeated streak at home came to an end Saturday night at the feet of the Orlando Pride. Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan got the monumental goals in the side’s 2-1 win over the 2x NWSL champions. The win was Orlando’s first victory over the Courage since September 20, 2017. It was Alex Morgan’s second goal in two games for the Pride, could it be a sign of more to come? 

In the other Saturday night game, the Red Stars and Gotham FC played to a 0-0 draw at SeatGeek Stadium. The Red Stars played a heck of a lot better in their first game at home in 550 days than that 5-0 loss last weekend. The Gotham defense, welcoming Kailen Sheridan back in the line-up, also came out rearing and ready to go, denying the Chicago offense several times throughout the 90 minutes. The teams ultimately settled for splitting the points. Oh, and let me not forget to mention, the incredibly fly new Momentum Kit that the Red Stars debuted last night. 

Spirit-Dash Game Moved From Virginia to Houston

On Sunday, it was controversially announced that Wednesday’s clash between the Spirit and the Dash would be moved from Segra Field to BBVA Compass Stadium. Majority owner Steve Baldwin announced the news in a letter to fans, explaining that Segra Field continued to not be compliant with NWSL stadium requirements. Knowing the construction at the field has posed problems, the Spirit asked DC United if the game could be played at Audi Field (keep in mind that May 26 is an open night at the venue. No conflict). DC United said no.

So the game is a Houston home game now. Doesn’t look like Spirit will be able to make up for this precious home game loss so they’ll go on to have 11 home games and 13 away games this season. Unfortunate circumstances all around. 

Orlando Pride Throws Shade After Courage Coach Paul Riley’s Comments

Good morning to who played ???????? and got the dub last night.? #NCvORL | #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/Mgai4383M9

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 23, 2021

This deserves its own section because it’s good tea. Soooo pretty much, after North Carolina’s loss on Saturday, coach Paul Riley made some comments about the way Orlando played, saying they didn’t “play football” *gasp*. Well, Orlando – and especially the Orlando social media team – didn’t take that sitting down. Their response was perfect.

Reign Win Cascadia Derby, Dash-Kansas City Play to 2-2 Thriller on Sunday

When the Reign and the Thorns meet, you know it’s gonna be a hard-fought physical battle that probably features some gorgeous goals. We got another one of those on Sunday as the Reign traveled down south to take on Portland at Providence Park. Christine Sinclair’s incredible 4th-minute volley wasn’t enough for the home side. A Rapinoe free-kick and Shirley Cruz finish pulled the Reign ahead in the 15th minute and it stayed that way until the final whistle.

Down in Texas later, KC WoSo got off to a dream start thanks to an Amy Rodriguez goal in the 13th minute. The game seemed to be slipping away as the minutes ticked on as Houston controlled the possession and held the edge in shots. Goals from Rachel Daly and Shea Groom within 3 minutes in the second half pulled Houston ahead. Three minutes later, KC WoSo defender Elizabeth Ball was shown a red card, leaving Kansas City to finish the game with 10 players. Miraculously, Taylor Leach headed in a last-gasp goal to give KC a well-deserved point to take home.

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