This week was full of women’s soccer. There was plenty of action in the NWSL, including a player making her case for Rookie of the Year and a star player leaving her team. Internationally, the Ballon d’Or nominees were announced. In addition, some of the best international club teams came to compete in the United States in the Women’s Cup and the Women’s International Champions Cup. So, without further ado, here’s this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
Diana Ordoñez shows no signs of slowing down for the NC Courage. The rookie scored her eighth goal of the season this past weekend. First of all, it was a stunning goal; second, because it was her eighth goal, she now holds the record of NWSL rookie regular-season goals. Not to mention, she’s only 20 years old; it’s just awesome to watch a young star rise in their first pro season.
Low of the Weekend
Houston, thank you for 7 years of unbelievable memories. I will miss you 🧡 #DTFO pic.twitter.com/R0EAC2cQVx
— Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) August 9, 2022
Sadly, Rachel Daly decided to leave the Houston Dash. Daly stated it was for family reasons, and we wish her the best of luck in her career back in England.
News of the Weekend
Let's keep the rhythm! Five new 2022 Women’s Ballon d’Or nominees!
🇩🇪 Alexandra Popp@VfL_Frauen
🇪🇸 Aitana Bonmatí@FCBfemeni
🇫🇷 Wendie Renard@OLfeminin
🇺🇸 Alex Morgan@sandiegowavefc
🏴 Beth Mead@ArsenalWFC#ballondor pic.twitter.com/I6aIQ1SnqS
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) August 12, 2022
The Ballon d’Or nominations came out this past week, and three US stars were nominated. Alex Morgan, Catarina Macario, and Trinity Rodman all made it, and we’ll surely be tuning in to see who is named this years winner. The award honors the player who had the best performance in the past year.
Fail of the Weekend
Kailen Sheridan red card yesterday was for abusive language towards a match official. Included accusatory remarks regarding match fixing, apparently, which rarely goes over well to say the least. #NWSL
— MLS Referee Stats (@MLSRefStats) August 14, 2022
After Orlando’s 1-0 win over San Diego, Kailen Sheridan was issued a red card and will miss their next game. Their next game is against Houston, and since we’re getting closer and closer to the end of the regular season, it certainly can have playoff implications. It’s a shame that their star keeper will miss it.
Team of the Weekend
The under-20 WYNT is currently competing in the World Cup in Costa Rica! They’re in the group stages now and won 3-0 against Ghana and lost 3-0 against the Netherlands. Their next match is on Wednesday, August 17, against Japan. They’ll need to secure a W in order to advance further in the tournament though, so tune in to cheer them on.
Goal of the Weekend
Check out this one-touch beauty from none other than Megan Rapinoe. She scored a brace in OL Reign’s 4-1 win against Gotham FC.
Game of the Weekend
Angel City just had a historical friendly match against the Tigres UANL Women from La Liga MX Feminil. Angel City’s Savannah McCaskill scored the lone goal for ACFC to win 1-0.
Upset of the Weekend
You’re not wrong 😏 https://t.co/UwaKIxrQzR
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) August 14, 2022
In a huge upset, the Orlando Pride beat the San Diego Wave 1-0 in San Diego. The Pride haven’t lost in their past five matches and have been moving up the standings. Whereas the Wave used to be in first and is now in third.
What to Look Forward To
The Women’s Cup
Wednesday, August 17: Club America vs. OL Reign at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT
Wednesday, August 17: AC Milan vs. Racing Louisville at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 20: Final Match at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Women’s International Champions Cup
Wednesday, August 17: Chelsea vs. Olympique Lyonnais at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Wednesday, August 17: Portland Thorns vs. CF Monterrey at 11:00 PM ET/8:00 PM PT
NWSL
Wednesday, August 17: Houston Dash vs. Gotham FC at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT
Friday, August 19: Kansas City vs. Angel City FC at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 20: Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 20: North Carolina Courage vs. Chicago Red Stars at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 20: Houston Dash vs. San Diego Wave at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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