FootyPop: We Stand With Women’s Soccer Players
This past week was a whirlwind, and not in a good way. There is so much disappointment and frustration from what is happening right now, and I think what we all need is a break. This FootyPop acknowledges everything going on in the NWSL and stands with all of the courageous women that have spoken out. At Girls Soccer Network, fostering a caring and upbeat community is our number one priority. We do not tolerate any forms of sexism, racism, or any kind of discrimination based on gender, sexuality, skin color, or ethnicity. We are 100% about the GIRL who loves SOCCER and providing her great content and a safe community.
With that being said, we’ll be focusing on some of the positives of this week in women’s soccer news.
News of the Weekend
Excited to announce that our leagues have all united under one legendary league. Introducing A-Leagues! ? #WeAreALeagues pic.twitter.com/THureNtyuJ
— A-League Women (@aleaguewomen) September 28, 2021
W-League is incorporated into a new league, or should I say, leagues. A-Leagues launched and now includes A-League Men, A-League Women, and A-League Youth. One of their new values is unity and having all of these leagues under one league. The rebrand aims to promote gender equality and inclusivity.
The A-League Women, which consists of ten teams, kicks off in early December.
High of the Weekend
2021 COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
How the table looks like after Matchday 2.
Note: Only the group winners and the best runner-up across the three groups will qualify to the semi-finals of the competition. pic.twitter.com/ZQHjXuXeQR
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) October 3, 2021
The COSAFA Women’s Championship is underway! I think Zambia is our collective favorite after seeing Barbra Banda and the team make history at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.
The Copper Queens are on their way towards the tournament’s semifinals after beating Namibia 3-0. They are the leader of their group, and only the three group winners plus the best runner-up will advance to the semifinals.
When you realize you’re heading to the #WAC2022 ?? for the first time ever!
We can feel the excitement too! ???? pic.twitter.com/CoskWoAvPC
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) September 25, 2021
Additionally, AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 qualifying is going on. Iran qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 for the first time ever! They clinched a 4-2 win in penalties against Jordan. Eight teams have already secured their spot, with four more joining before the tournament next year. In addition, Indonesia qualified for the first time in 33 years, and the Philippines qualified for their second time ever.
Goal of the Weekend
AT THE BUZZER FOR THE WIN‼️#NCAASoccer x ? @CanesFutbol pic.twitter.com/kNbkGO40EK
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) October 3, 2021
Buzzer beater alert! NCAA soccer is so epic. Unlike the NWSL, NCAA games will go into OT if there’s no winner at the end of the 90 minutes. Plus, the clock in college soccer counts down, which makes this goal so much more incredible.
After the ball hits the net, the announcers actually ask if the goal will even count… that’s how close this one was. Can’t wait for more intense college soccer this fall.
What to Look Forward To
With the NWSL games postponed this past weekend, we’re certainly looking forward to their return.
Wednesday, October 6: NY/NJ Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit at 7:00 PM ET on CBS Sports Network
Wednesday, October 6: North Carolina Courage vs. Racing Louisville FC at 7:30 PM ET on Paramount +
Wednesday, October 6: Portland Thorns FC vs. Houston Dash at 10:00 PM ET on Paramount +
Fav Social Media Post
View this post on Instagram
This Instagram post really speaks to the goofiness of soccer players. It’s great to see some happiness from the NWSL.
Featured image via Getty Images
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
