FootyPop: Bring on the USWNT and World Cup 2023 Hype!
The Men’s World Cup wrapped up on Sunday, so we’re looking forward to the women’s competition next summer. In addition, U.S. Soccer announced its Female Player of the Year nominees, and FIFA announced two new international tournaments! There’s a ton of exciting action going on right now, so here’s a recap of this week’s women’s soccer news.
High of the Weekend
Our 2022 @BioSteelSports Female Player of the Year nominees are…
🏆 @LindseyHoran
🏆 @roselavelle
🏆 @alexmorgan13
🏆 @MalPugh
🏆 @sophsssmithFull details » https://t.co/dRbC3Vlf0Q pic.twitter.com/ukJUipFiyN
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 15, 2022
U.S. Soccer just announced the nominees for the Female Player of the Year! Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, and Sophia Smith are all contenders for the award. But, honestly, it could go to any of them for the incredible year they’ve each had.
Additionally, Alyssa Thompson–called up to the senior team this year–was nominated for the Young Female Player of the Year award!
Low of the Weekend
A sight no football fan wants to see 💔
Wishing you a speedy recovery @VivianneMiedema 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lz8n5ag2C4
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) December 15, 2022
Unfortunately, another elite player suffered a torn ACL. Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is joining her teammate Beth Mead on the sidelines after tearing her ACL in a match last week. This means she’ll miss the World Cup next year, where she would’ve played with the Netherlands.
News of the Weekend
The NWSL have narrowed down the 14th expansion team to three cities according to Sportico.
🌴Tampa
🚋San Francisco
🏙️BostonThe highest initial bid is well over $40 million 👀
Which city do you want to see a @NWSL team in? pic.twitter.com/D7oSTqr2cK
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) December 16, 2022
Tampa, San Francisco, or Boston? These are the three cities the NWSL says are in contention for being the next NWSL expansion city!
Scotland women's national football team are taking legal action against the Scottish FA in a fight over equal pay and conditions after talks broke down.
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) December 16, 2022
Additionally, the equal pay movement is reaching far and wide. The Scottish WNT is taking legal action against the Scottish FA after negotiations broke down regarding pay parity.
Win of the Weekend
We have some exciting news… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/XN54kflrcJ
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) December 16, 2022
Not your typical win, but a win for the growth of women’s soccer! Adding to the World Cup buzz, FIFA just announced they’ll add a Women’s Club World Cup and a Women’s Futsal World Cup. Although FIFA’s president stated the women’s schedule won’t be changed until 2025, it’s still a while away with plenty of details to figure out.
We’re stoked for more international women’s soccer, but it raises questions about packed schedules and injuries.
Game of the Weekend
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If you’re into international women’s soccer, you need to be following the UEFA Women’s Champions League–a long-winded tournament between the best of the best in Europe. The last WCL quarterfinal spot will come down to a game between Juventus and Lyon on Wednesday.
Player of the Weekend
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We all know Carli Lloyd is the GOAT of women’s soccer. With the Men’s World Cup wrapping up, Kylian Mbappe scored a hattrick in the final match, and Lionel Messi scored in every knockout game. But we WoSo fans will know Lloyd did both of those first!
What to Look Forward To
UEFA Women’s Champions League
Wednesday, December 21: Juventus v. Lyon at 12:45 PM ET/9:45 AM PT
Thursday, December 22: Chelsea v. PSG at 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT
Fav Social Media Post
https://twitter.com/janinebeckie/status/1603574643218173954
We feel you, Janine.
Featured image via Getty Images
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