FootyPop: NWSL Players Are More Unified Than Ever
This week, the NWSL was back in action with signs of resilience and solidarity for the league and its players. There were many quality goals this week as the league gets more and more intense into the final stretch of the season—the passion, grit, resilience… incredible and inspiring. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
??? #NoMoreSilence pic.twitter.com/iicSUvjscp
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) October 7, 2021
Amid the sexual misconduct scandal this past week, we saw hope from the NWSL. During the sixth minute of the NWSL games on Wednesday, the teams came together in the center of the field for a moment of silence in recognition of the six years that Mana Shim, Sinead Farrelly, and more fought to be heard. Additionally, signs in the stadiums read, “No More Silence” and “Protect the Players.”
At the Orlando Pride game, Alex Morgan welcomed Mana Shim to the circle with her arm around her. This act of solidarity and power is a sign that these players are not backing down. Instead, they will fight to be heard and fight for their teams and the league to be treated with respect.
Low of the Weekend
I asked Bledsoe if the team has been discussing reporting from @TheAthletic after the Spirit players asked Baldwin to sell that he withdrew an offer to sell to Kang, and even mentioned a potential owner that might move the team out of D.C. #NWSL https://t.co/fi9MoI2FQl pic.twitter.com/gdxqnnmVyi
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) October 10, 2021
Washington Spirit co-owner Steve Baldwin still will not sell his share. You may recall, Spirit fans have urged him to sell the team since the summer. Recently, Baldwin extended an offer to Spirit co-owner Y. Michele Kang but then rescinded it. Washington Spirit fans and now even its players have called for him to sell his share of the team to Kang, but still nothing. “We believe that Michele will be a great owner and continually put the players first,” Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe said in an interview with The Athletic.
News of the Weekend
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Former Australian national team player Lisa De Vanna came out with allegations of bullying, harassment, and grooming in Australian soccer. She reported first experiencing the abuse in 2001 at the age of 17 when she joined the Australian Women’s national team. Soccer authorities in Australia now urge players to make formal complaints of abuse.
The Matildas made an official statement on Instagram supporting De Vanna for speaking out and denouncing the alleged abuse.
We could see a similar reckoning in Australian national soccer and the A-Leagues as in the NWSL. The recently retired player has been vocal on Twitter before and after coming out publicly with the allegations. She made a reply which went viral to a Megan Rapinoe tweet saying, “abuse is abuse. Poor behavior is poor across all boards!”
Upset of the Weekend
? Highlights from Houston ?#HOUvNC | @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/fULIjQ0jS9
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 11, 2021
Maybe not exactly an upset, since Houston has really been on the come up in recent weeks, but the Dash’s decisive 4-1 win over the Courage. At this point, no amount of unexpected wins should really surprise us in the NWSL—full credit to the Dash on this spectacular performance. But North Carolina looks a little shaky after that one, especially after they’ve only won one of their last five matches. The Dash is peaking at exactly the right time as they claim the third spot in the standings over the Courage. Rachel Daly, Shea Groom, and Kristie Mewis are on fire.
What to Look Forward To
Wednesday, October 13: North Carolina Courage vs. Washington Spirit at 7:30 PM ET on Paramount +
Wednesday, October 13: Chicago Red Stars vs. Orlando Pride at 8:00 PM ET on Twitch
Wednesday, October 13: Kansas City vs. Houston Dash at 8:00 PM ET on Paramount +
Wednesday, October 13: Portland Thorns FC vs. OL Reign at 10:30 PM ET on Paramount +
Fav Social Media Post
We stand with you, @NWSL_Players
TOGETHER ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vzK0uf5ffN
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) October 10, 2021
FA WSL teams showed solidarity with the NWSL this past weekend during their games. This could be the most unified women’s soccer has ever been, and it’s inspiring to see.
Featured image via @thenccourage on Instagram
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