FootyPop: The USWNT Closes Out the Year with a Win!

This week was full of exciting NCAA, USWNT, and international action. The first round of the NCAA women’s soccer tournament kicked off with a bang, and the USWNT pushed hard to earn a W over Germany. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s women’s soccer news.

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High of the Weekendย 

Alyssa Naeher came up huge against a German side that could’ve put one or two more goals away. Instead, this save of hers catapulted the team’s energy into scoring two goals in two minutes!ย 

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It was fantastic to see the team win in their second and final match of 2022. Sophia Smith and Mallory Pugh both had terrific games as well.ย 

 

Low of the Weekend

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The USWNT had a wake-up call in their friendlies against Germany in the past week. They’ve faced three top teams the past couple of months, adding three losses to their record.

Yes, it’s a young team, and there are injured players out, but it’s definitely indicative that they have some work to do before the World Cup in eight months.ย 

The USA’s first loss to Germany marked their first three-loss streak since 1993.ย 

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News of the Weekendย 

 

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The race for the NCAA title has begun!ย 

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This first round of the tournament was insane. There were some crazy upsets, goals, and saves.ย 

Santa Clara won in the second OT, and NC State fell to UCF in PKs. In terms of upsets, Memphis upset Saint Louis 1-0, Xavier upset Tennesee 4-1, Brown upset Rutgers 1-0, and Irvine upset USC 2-0. Alabama had the highest-scoring game with a 9-0 scoreline against Jackson State.ย 

 

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Goal of the Weekendย 

La Liga MX is something else. This rocket of a goal from Lizbeth Ovalle right after halftime proves it.ย 

 

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Player of the Weekendย 

Alex Morgan reached 200 caps last week, the 13th USWNT player to do so!ย 

 

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Upset of the Weekendย 

 

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UC Irvine has played spoiler two years in a row. Last year they knocked out UCLA, and this year they upset USC 2-0!

 

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What to Look Forward To

NCAA

Round 2 and 3 of the NCAA tournament

 

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Fav Social Media Postย 

Someone had to do it. ย 

 

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Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram

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