FootyPop: Epic NWSL Celly’s, Nadim’s ACL Injury, Spain National Team Chaos, and More
The past week was filled with NWSL action. There were a few upsets and a bunch of goals scored. In addition, there’s big news on the international front, with Spain’s women’s team in conflict with the federation. Read on to find out more about this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
The goal.
The celly.✨ amazing ✨pic.twitter.com/uHHHJqV1hD
— X – Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) September 25, 2022
The past weekend of NWSL games was pure chaos. San Diego barely clinched a playoff spot with their tie against Orlando. Chicago was down to 9 players in a 0-3 loss by Portland, Kansas City is looking like the happiest team on the planet, and ACFC was upset by Louisville, making it even harder to secure a playoff spot.
However, I think the best things that came out of this weekend’s games were the epic celly’s. And one stands out more than the rest: Morgan Weaver, inspired by the inflatable floppy tubes outside a car dealership. However, we also can’t forget about Lo’eau LaBonta’s on her golf-inspired one.
Low of the Weekend
Unfortunately I tore my ACL in my left knee in our last game. Obviously I’m devastated. But I have faced obstacles and rough times since I was a child- so you might say I’m an expert in overcoming them 😎I was born a fighter and I know that nothing can break me down. pic.twitter.com/tg1AUuu5P9
— Dr Nadia Nadim (@nadia_nadim) September 25, 2022
Sadly, Nadia Nadim tore her ACL this week. She had just recovered from tearing her ACL last year, and she’ll be out for Louisville’s last game. The rate of women’s soccer players tearing their ACL is alarming, and the rate of retearing it even more so.
News of the Weekend
The Spain women's national team have responded to the Spanish FA expressing their disappointment in sharing their private emails and stating that the 15 players never resigned from the team or asked for head coach Jorge Vilda to be dismissed. pic.twitter.com/Uz6vJbMI8K
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 23, 2022
This past week, huge news came out of Spain’s soccer federation. They released private communication from 15 of Spain’s women’s team players criticizing the head coach, Jorge Vilda, because of distress on their emotional state and health.
Spain’s soccer federation responded not only by making all of the communication public but also by stating that those players must apologize before being let back on the team.
The women’s players replied by stating that they did not resign and did not call for firing Vilda, only that they wished for the commitment to the health and wellbeing of their athletes.
It is an abnormal situation overall, coming just months after Spain failed to advance in the Women’s Euro. USWNT players have expressed their solitude with the Spanish players.
Fail of the Weekend
The referee-player dynamic in the #NWSL hasn't been good for years, and the issues are more complex than the ways they are often discussed, but this is not the answer.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) September 25, 2022
The NWSL saw another Amber Brooks moment this weekend. Chicago Red Stars’ Bianca St-Georges was sent off with a red card after using choice hand gestures toward the assistant ref. The relationship between players and refs in the NWSL is troubling at best.
Record of the Weekend
47,367 FANS!
A RECORD #BARCLAYSWSL ATTENDANCE 🤩 pic.twitter.com/q7iCHSYfmy
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 24, 2022
Our new category, the record of the week, is back. The FA WSL attendance record was broken in the Arsenal vs. Tottenham match. A whopping 47,367 fans were in attendance.
Player of the Weekend
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Debinha is on fire this season. She’s arguably one of the best players in the world right now. She scored 12 goals this season, including two braces and one hat trick in just the past month. This weekend, her hat trick against Gotham was spectacular because she scored in three different ways.
Upset of the Weekend
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Virginia upset UNC two weeks ago but just got their own taste of a loss. No. 18 Notre Dame beat Virginia 1-0, handing them their first L of the season.
What to Look Forward To
NCAA
Friday, September 30: Virginia (2) vs. Duke (5) at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
NWSL
Friday, September 30: San Diego Wave vs. North Carolina Courage at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Saturday, October 1: Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Saturday, October 1: Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Saturday, October 1: Racing Louisville vs. Kansas City Current at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
Saturday, October 1: OL Reign vs. Orlando Pride at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT
Sunday, October 2: Chicago Red Stars vs. Angel City FC at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
I love it here. pic.twitter.com/ZevHBM93XW
— Sañdra 💙💯⚽️ (@SandHerrera_) September 25, 2022
This could be the most relatable meme headed into the final week of NWSL chaos before playoffs are set.
Featured image via @thornsfc on Instagram
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