FootyPop: The Gotham News That Shook Us All

Say it with me now: the Last. FootyPop. Before. Olympic. Soccer. That’s right, three (3) days until Olympic soccer gets underway in Tokyo, folks. But please, we’re not just sitting around twiddling our thumbs until the first game kicks off (which, by the way, is Great Britain v. Chile at 3:30 AM EST on Wednesday). No, instead, our eyes have feasted on several NWSL games, a big front office move in New Jersey, and some disrespect thrown at one of England’s stars. So let’s dive into the latest women’s soccer news.

High of the Weekend

A major moment in England Amputee Football. ?

Shelbee Clarke, the only female player at senior level, is subbed on for Peterborough.

Shelbee also beat cancer three times. ?

An inspiration! ? #DiscoverDisabilityFootball pic.twitter.com/KI062eVyTA

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) July 18, 2021

On Sunday, Shelbee Clarke, the only woman playing at the senior level of England Amputee Football, subbed on for Peterborough just before halftime in the side’s game against Portsmouth in the Disability Cup.

Low of the Weekend

In big brand faux pas and disrespect of women’s sports news, Adidas completely butchered promo materials featuring England and Manchester United star Millie Turner. Adidas called her “Amy Turner” in a post showing off the 25- year-old’s new Red Devils kit. Adidas has since apologized and offered to send free shirts to her fans. We can all appreciate the apology AND continue to be peeved by moments like this.

Player of the Weekend

Gabby Seiler. The 26-year-old Seiler has been open about her struggles since her 2018 ACL injury that caused her to miss her first NWSL season. She thought about quitting. She was traded and trying to find her footing. This weekend, her confidence and Houston Dash got a huge boost when she powered home her first pro goal in the 62nd minute off a free-kick. The goal gave Houston the win over North Carolina in Cary, a historic feat.

NWSL News of the Weekend

On Friday, it was announced that Gotham FC general manager Alyse LaHue, who helped rebuild the club and its culture that was quite frankly cesspool-esque, is no longer employed by the organization. LaHue was fired after an investigation that showed she had violated the league’s anti-harassment policy.

What To Look Forward To This Week

July 21
Great Britain v Chile (Sapporo) at 3:30am ET — Watch on Olympic Channel
China v Brazil (Miyagi) at 4am ET — Watch on NBCSN
Sweden v USWNT (Tokyo) at 4:30am ET — Watch on USA
Japan v Canada (Sapporo) at 6:30am ET — Watch on NBCSN
Zambia v Netherlands (Miyagi) at 7am ET — Watch on Olympic Channel
Australia v New Zealand (Tokyo) at 7:30am ET — Watch on USA

Our Fav. Social Media Post of the Weekend

Ali Riley giving us a glimpse of her Tokyo digs..and roasting Syd Leroux in the process.

Yes, the beds are actually cardboard boxes ? @sydneyleroux you could make one from all your Amazon packages ? pic.twitter.com/zKzu2Lo00V

— Ali Riley (@RileyThree) July 17, 2021

This Weekend in WoSo History…

On July 17, 2011, Japan beat the US in PKs 3-1 to claim its first World Cup and Asia’s first senior World Cup.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring, grittiest, and deserved victories since women started kicking a ball at international events many moons ago.

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