FootyPop: USWNT Star Kelley O’Hara Signs with Gotham FC!
This was an exciting week in women’s soccer news, from the NCAA tournament to USWNT players getting together to a bunch of new signings and transfers in the NWSL. Here are the highlights that you need to know.
High of the Weekend
Generations of USWNT Players from 1985 through our current members came out to shine at The Players Ball. Our Players stand strong on the shoulders of so many women, and we were honored to have them present. #ThePlayersBall #USWNTPA pic.twitter.com/pq3FR742di
— USWNT Players (@USWNTPlayers) November 17, 2022
The USWNT Players Ball was hosted this past weekend, and we were served with an array of golden moments on social media. From USWNT players, current and former getting together to Rose Lavelle singing Celine Dion to all of the stunning looks, it was a great thing to see.
Low of the Weekend
NEW: An investigation into elite girls’ soccer, where men are in control at nearly every level and women coaches told me they face sexism, discrimination, and even harassment.
Women are being driven out of their own sport, and girls are paying a price.https://t.co/tf9eSO2x23
— Molly Hensley-Clancy (@mollyhc) November 18, 2022
Aaaand, the shoe we all felt was going to drop… has dropped. A new article came out about sexual harassment and verbal abuse in youth soccer, following all the findings of Sally Yates’ report into the NWSL abuse. Many NWSL coaches started in elite youth soccer, and the issues clearly run deep.
News of the Weekend
#NWSL Key Dates:
▪️ Preseason camps may open: Jan 23
▪️ Regular season kickoff: March 25
▪️ Challenge Cup Semi-finals: Sept 6
▪️ Challenge Cup Final: Sept 9
▪️ Quarterfinals: Oct 22
▪️ Semifinals: Nov 4
▪️ Championship: Nov 11 https://t.co/1u4luYkHp1— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 17, 2022
The NWSL released its schedule for 2023, and there’s a critical change that many have been asking for a while. The Challenge Cup is now in the midst of the season instead of at the beginning. This is a change that will hopefully mitigate all those preseason injuries that we saw last season.
Additionally, the league announced that minimal matches would be played over the course of the Women’s World Cup!
Win of the Weekend
For the first time ever, female referees will officiate games at the FIFA World Cup 🙌⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0cCrpxjied
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Not your typical win, but a victory nonetheless. The World Cup just began, and the excitement around the world is unreal. One thing we love to see is that female referees are included in this tournament’s officials for the first time ever!
Ontournament’s is Kathryn Nesbitt. From the United States, she made an incredible jump from being an analytical chemist to a world-renowned professional referee.
Coach of the Weekend
Spirits say hello to your new Head Coach … Mark Parsons is back in the District! pic.twitter.com/VHLtgBo1HZ
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) November 21, 2022
Coach Mark Parsons is back stateside after coaching with the Netherlands women’s national team. Parsons coached the Spirit from 2013 to 2015, and after all the team has been through, it’s great to see such an experienced coach come back to the team.
Transfer of the Weekend
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In huge news, Kelly O’Hara has signed with Gotham FC. Will she be able to bring a new edge to a team that came in last during the 2022 season?
Goal of the Weekend
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Another week of NCAA tournament action and another week of Notre Dame’s Korbin Albert causing absolute chaos for otDame’sams. Just look at this goal. Her dribbling and setup are immaculate.
Player of the Weekend
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Additionally, Ashlynn Harris announced her retirement from professional soccer. It was later announced she’d be joining Gotham FC’s front office as the Global Creative Advisor.
What to Look Forward To
NCAA Quarterfinals
Friday, November 25: Alabama (1) vs. Duke (2) at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT
Saturday, November 26: Florida State (1) vs. Arkansas (3) at 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT
Saturday, November 26: North Carolina (2) vs. Notre Dame (1) at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
Saturday, November 26: Virginia (3) vs. UCLA (1) at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT
Featured image via @gothamfc on Instagram
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