In this week’s women’s soccer news, Sophia Wilson scored for the USWNT; Brazil defeated the USWNT; the NWSL Championship location was announced; and more!
High of the Week
Sophia Wilson has been on a tear since returning to the field after welcoming her first child last September. The forward made her return to the field for the USWNT during their April friendlies, but she scored her first goal for the national team since 2024 this weekend against Brazil. She’s been in terrific form for the Portland Thorns, and that continued against Brazil. For Portland, she’s scored five goals in their last eight games.
Wilson scored in quick fashion in the second minute with a long-range shot from just outside the box. It was a hard strike on the ground that slid into the corner by the keeper. For the USWNT, an in form and healthy Wilson is a massive key for this team that is inching closer to the World Cup qualifying tournament that starts at the end of November.
Low of the Week
The USWNT ultimately fell to Brazil 2-1 in the first of two friendlies against the Brazilians. All three goals were scored early on in the match coming before the 15th minute. Sophia Wilson’s goal in the second minute opened the floodgates, and then Brazil scored twice in three minutes thanks to goals from Maranhão and Bia Zaneratto. It was a really physical match, and the United States had trouble dealing with that. The shots on goal were lopsided as well, with the USWNT only having two and Brazil finishing with six. Despite the loss, though, it’s really not the worst thing for this young team. The more competitive the friendlies are the more prepared this team will be when they get to tournament games. It was a good opportunity for them to travel to Brazil and not play in front of a home crowd as well. They had to deal with the crowd noise from 31,000 fans and the physicality, which they’re not exactly used to. Brazil finished the match with 12 fouls called against them and three yellow cards.
It is important to point out though that there was some experimentation with this lineup with a backline that had never played together all at once and a young midfield. Mandy McGlynn also got the start in goal after performing really well with her club team, the Utah Royals.
They’ll have the opportunity to get revenge when they face them again on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
News of the Week
The NWSL Championship will be played at Audi Field; the league made the announcement this week. The match will be on November 21 at 8 p.m. ET and will be on primetime television yet again. It’s been quite awhile since the championship was played on the East Coast, with the last time being in 2022 and also held at Audi. Audi Field has become quite the environment for the Washington Spirit with a consistent large and loud crowd every home game. In addition to the Championship game, Washington, DC will also host the NWSL Awards, Skills Challenge, and Fan Fest.
Game of the Week
Ireland got a shocking win over the Netherlands in dramatic fashion during UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Kyra Carusa got the scoring started in the 19th minute which would be the only goal until the 70th minute. Netherlands earned a penalty kick that Dominique Janssen buried. Then the Irish took the lead again just a minute later with Abbie Larkin. The Netherlands answered yet again with Victoria Pelova. Amber Barrett eventually scored the game-winner for Ireland in the 90th minute. Ireland also had some late game drama with Leanne Kiernan receiving a red card in second half stoppage time. Ireland is in second place of Group B, and they’ll face off against France, who are the group leaders, on June 9.
Team of the Week
Spain got a commanding 4-0 win over England in their UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match. Patri Guijarro got the scoring started in the 19th minute, and then Alexia Putellas scored a brace. Clàudia Pina finished off the scoring in the 78th minute. Spain dominated all the statistics with 62% of the possession and 21 shots.
Spain’s four goals are the most ever conceded by England during a qualifying match. It’s also the first time that they’ve lost a qualifier in over 20 years. The loss for England means that their fate is out of their hands. If Spain wins their last game against Iceland, they’ll automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup. England has to hope for Spain to drop points and for them to win in order to win the group. If England doesn’t top the group, they’ll have to play in the playoffs.
Transfer of the Week
It’s not an official signing, but it’s being reported by The Guardian that Alexia Putellas will be joining London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona. Putellas is one of the best players in the world so it’s a huge signing for London City. She spent 14 years at Barcelona and made 508 appearances and scored 232 goals in her time with the club. She leaves as the best player to ever play at Barcelona, with just about every trophy that she could win, including four UEFA Champions League trophies. She also won the Ballon d’ Or in 2021 and 2022.
Goal of the Week
Cláudia Martínez scored an insane goal off a volley. Martínez received a cross from just outside the left corner of the box, and she took one touch to lob it over the goalkeeper. She scored an impressive four goals and registered two assists in Paraguay’s 8-0 win over Bolivia.
Cláudia Martínez fue la gran figura Paraguay en la victoria por ¡8 A 0! sobre Bolivia en la Liga de Naciones:
La joya que deslumbra el fútbol sudamericano marcó un PÓKER DE GOLES y puso un DOBLETE DE ASISTENCIAS.
La calidad con la que define en el primero. 💎🇵🇾 #LNF pic.twitter.com/Ke2IQhklzG
— Mundo Pelota (@mundopelotanet) June 7, 2026
Signing of the Week
The Houston Dash announced that they signed Maggie Graham to a contract extension through 2029. Graham originally joined the Dash before the 2025 season and has been an important player for the Dash from the start. She’s made 32 appearances so far, and in the 2026 season she’s scored three goals and registered an assist. Before joining the Dash, she had an impressive career at Duke between 2020-24, making over 100 appearances. Keeping a young player like Graham in Houston is important for the Dash as they look to compete.
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