FootyPop: The Wonderkid’s Worldie, NWSL Expansion, and a Salmon Hattrick

This week there was a ton of news out of the NWSL, the Women’s Euro is heading into the quarterfinals, and the USWNT is playing Canada for the first time since their loss during the Olympics. So here’s this week’s women’s soccer news with plenty of soccer action to recap. 

 

High of the Weekend 

SCOOP: The @NWSL has hired Inner Circle Sports to run its first-ever competitive expansion process.

League is looking to add two teams for 2024 season. Utah seems extremely likely, will be a lot of interest in 14th slot. @_emcaron and I have more 👇https://t.co/8GSjuOcuXJ

— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) July 13, 2022

The NWSL has hired an investment bank to help with the expansion set to happen in 2024. Two new teams will be added, and it’s becoming more and more competitive for which cities will get the bid. Currently, Utah looks very likely. Ally Krieger and Ashlynn Harris have put their picks for Miami, Nashville, and Austin. 

Personally, with the MN Aurora FC’s outstanding work in the USL W League, I think an NWSL move in Minnesota would be amazing. 

 

Low of the Weekend

Rough day of ACL news in WoSo. Marie-Antoinette Kakoto is out of the Euros and likely a good chunk of the PSG season.

In #NWSL, Makamae Gomera-Stevens is out of the season, per the Houston Dash

— Dan Lauletta (@TheDanLauletta) July 15, 2022

Yes, even more ACL news. French star Marie-Antoinette Katoto is out for the rest of the Euros and most of her season with PSG because of an ACL tear. This adds to the list of European stars with Lyon player Catarina Macario and Barcelona star Alexia Putellas. 

 

News of the Weekend 

Morocco’s story is truly an inspiring one. Read how the belief of their King, Mohammed VI and Football Federation President, Fouzi Lekjaa in Women’s football propelled them to their first World Cup…the genesis of it all amazed me when I wrote about ithttps://t.co/KVpzpXut5S pic.twitter.com/YekhpyG1DC

— Enarya (@iamowusuaa) July 15, 2022

It’s no secret that women’s soccer is growing, but the recent news of Morroco qualifying for the World Cup, the record-breaking attendance out of the Women’s Euro in England, and the announcement of another NWSL expansion have proved the payoff of more and more investment in the sport!

 

Win of the Weekend 

A Dash of goals at PNC Stadium…

The @HoustonDash snap the @chicagoredstars' nine-game unbeaten run!#HOUvCHI | @DeloitteUS pic.twitter.com/4JInwn4oMD

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 17, 2022

The Houston Dash beat the Chicago Red Stars 4-1 this weekend, with the help of Ebony Salmon’s hat trick. The Red Stars are still at the top of the table, but the Dash proved they are only headed up this season. Salmon has made a huge difference for the team; she is ridiculously quick up top and is a reliable goal scorer. 

Assist of the Weekend

The @sophsssmith takeaway.

The @roselavelle backheel.

The @MalPugh finish.

It’s all just so ✨ 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽 ✨ pic.twitter.com/5E73faHEJs

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 15, 2022

We can never see Rose Lavelle’s back heal flick enough times. It was a brilliant pass to Mallory Pugh to put away a goal against Costa Rica. 

 

Goal of the Weekend 

OM is a G 🤯🤯🤯@olivia_moultrie x #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/F300DuyVIZ

— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 17, 2022

Olivia Moultrie’s worldie!!! Reminder: she’s only sixteen years old and finished in this spectacular fashion.

 

Team of the Weekend 

 

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A post shared by MISS KICK (@misskick)

Currently, the WPSL Playoffs are taking place. Miss Kick FC, one of our partners, had a fantastic run. With their record, they made it to the regional semifinals, where they beat the San Francisco Nighthawks in a game that went into penalty kicks. 

MKFC advanced to the regional finals, where they played the California Storm but unfortunately lost one to nil. Only created in February of this year, this team has shown so much heart and promise. It’s only up from here for Miss Kick FC!

 

Player of the Weekend 

 

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A post shared by OL Reign (@olreign)

Tobin Heath debuted for OL Reign this past weekend in her first NWSL game since 2019! The veteran player subbed on late in the second half. 

We can’t wait to see her play more for the Reign.

 

What to Look Forward To

USWNT 

Monday, July 18: USWNT vs. Canada at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT

 

Women’s Euro Quarterfinals 

Wednesday, July 20: England vs. Spain 

Thursday, July 21: Germany vs. Austria

Friday, July 22: Sweden vs. TBD

Saturday, July 23: France vs. Netherlands 

 

Featured image via Getty Images

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