FootyPop: Crystal Dunn Makes Her Return, NWSL Pushes Towards Playoffs
The NWSL is starting to make the final push towards the playoffs, the NCAA is continuing to heat up, and more in this week’s women’s soccer news recap:
High of the Weekend
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Crystal Dunn returned to playing this past weekend! It’s only been a little more than three months since she gave birth to her son, Marcel Jean. She subbed in during the Portland Thorns’ 2-0 win against Orlando. In addition, she was training with the USWNT before their friendlies. So excited to continue watching her play!
Low of the Weekend
that’s our goalkeeper 🥹🖤 #YERRRR https://t.co/3VXNndIdFZ
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) September 12, 2022
Gotham took another loss this weekend against Kansas City, eliminating them from advancing to the playoffs. Their season was disappointing, to say the least, but all we can do is hope the team manages to keep energy positive and move forward from here. This tweet from keeper Michelle Betos definitely points to that commitment and outlook.
News of the Weekend
The #USWNT defeated Nigeria, 2-1, at Audi Field, but the big moment of the night was the signing of a historic Equal Pay lawsuit.
✍️: @RachaelKriger pic.twitter.com/bWCMQRjQmm
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) September 7, 2022
Even though the USWNT lost their shutout streak in their Tuesday 2-1 game against Nigeria, the USWNT had another win. They signed the equal pay agreement! The historic collective bargaining agreement is with the US Soccer Federation, USMNT, and USWNT.
Win of the Weekend
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The Washington Spirit finally broke their winless streak with a tough 4-3 win over San Diego. None other than Ashley Hatch slotted the last goal with a PK in the final seconds of stoppage time. Notably, Amber Brooks had an impressive game with two goals and a lot of ~spirit~ throughout the match.
Team of the Weekend
#TealRising completes their climb to the top this week! Don't count out #AngelCityFC and #CourageUnitesUs as they each have only 17 games played pic.twitter.com/uvWaE5QWbg
— Alison Gale (@agale137) September 12, 2022
Kansas City has made it to the top of the NWSL standings. It’s been amazing to watch their growth from last season to this season! They just won 1-0 against Gotham, putting them up at 32 points.
Goal of the Weekend
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Montana’s Maysa Walters had such a clean goal against Fresno State this past week. The NCAA has undoubtedly been putting out some incredible moments so far this season.
Player of the Weekend
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Kerolin netted two goals and two assists in the Courage’s 5-1 win over Louisville. The Courage seems to improve week after week and is definitely showing better on the defensive side of the score.
Upset of the Weekend
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Northwestern took down number six ranked Stanford this past week, their second win over a ranked team in a row after beating Xavier.
What to Look Forward To
NWSL
Wednesday, September 14: NC Courage vs. Angel City FC at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Wednesday, September 14: Chicago Red Stars vs. Kansas City at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Friday, September 16: Racing Louisville vs. Orlando Pride at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Saturday, September 17: Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Saturday, September 17: NC Courage vs. OL Reign at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Saturday, September 17: Chicago Red Stars vs. Houston Dash at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Saturday, September 17: San Diego Wave vs. Angel City FC at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Sunday, September 18: Kansas City vs. Portland Thorns at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT
NCAA
Saturday, September 17: Virginia (5) vs. UNC (2) at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Sunday, September 18: UCLA (1) vs. Pepperdine (10) at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT
Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram
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