FootyPop: World Cup Sees the First All-Women Officiating Team
This past week, we witnessed progress in real-time from the men’s World Cup regarding women refereeing and the USWNT and USMNT’s equal pay agreement. The NCAA Final Four is now down to UCLA and UNC going head to head in the final match today, and women’s pro leagues around the globe are in full swing. Here’s this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
Because of US Soccer's new equal pay agreement, men and women split World Cup prize money.
With the USMNT advancing today, the two teams will each receive $6.5 million minimum.
That's more than the USWNT got for winning both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups combined: $6 million. pic.twitter.com/pGHS7XuGP8
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 29, 2022
The USMNT was just eliminated from the World Cup, sadly. But seeing all the hype around the men’s tournament has us even more hyped to see the Women’s World Cup this summer!
After the historic equal pay agreement was signed, the USWNT earnings were announced from this men’s World Cup, and it’s just exciting to see it finally be enacted.
Low of the Weekend
— Rhian Wilkinson (@rhirhi8) December 2, 2022
Just a few months following the Thorns NWSL Championship win, their manager Rhian Wilkinson resigned after the team’s request.
After an initial self-report, the Thorns elevated the matter to a joint investigation between the NWSL and NWSLPA regarding Wilkinson’s relationship with a player.
Even though no league policies were violated, Wilkinson was asked to step down.
It’s disappointing to see more turnover and bad news in the NWSL, and we’re hoping things will finally settle down this season.
News of the Weekend
For the first time ever, an all-female refereeing crew takes the field to officiate a men's FIFA World Cup match 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/y7ljNBTtbm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022
This past week, the World Cup saw the first all-female officiating team. The team reffed Germany vs. Costa Rica in the group stage and comprised Stephanie Frappart, Karen Diaz, and Neuza Back.
Save of the Weekend
Don't mess with the Crone zone 😤#NCAASoccer x 🎥 @AlabamaSoccer pic.twitter.com/fQZemv3O4r
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 3, 2022
Even though Alabama fell three goals to nil to UCLA during the College Cup semifinals, we still need to highlight this double save by McKinley Crone. UCLA has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net, so the fact that Crone stopped both these shots is something to celebrate.
Goal of the Weekend
A flying header from Julie Blakstad 🎯
She is on 🔥 for @ManCityWomen right now!#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/q7luPYmdGu
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) December 4, 2022
This goal from Man City in the WSL is just satisfying to watch. Chloe Kelly does well to get around the player and put in a cross that, at first, looks like it’s going to fly past the side of the goal. Then out of nowhere, Julie Blakstad dives in with the header!
What to Look Forward To
NCAA College Cup Final
Monday, December 5: UCLA (1) vs. UNC (2) at 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT
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This iconic celly from Leau LaBonta has reached the NFL!
Featured image via Getty Images
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