In the past week of women’s soccer news, the NWSL returned to action after an exciting international break. The USWNT won their first two matches under new head coach Emma Hayes, and things look up for this young team. In the NWSL, Kansas and Orlando are still on their undefeated streaks, and the Chicago Red Stars set a new league attendance record. And, there’s even more women’s soccer going on, with The Soccer Tournament closing out in the final match tonight. Keep on reading for this week’s women’s soccer news round up!
High of the Weekend
The Chicago Red Stars DID IT. Their marquee match against Bay FC at Wrigley Field drew over 35,000 fans, a league record!
OVER 35,000 AT WRIGLEY FIELD FOR THE NWSL! #WePlayHere pic.twitter.com/ib3V5lvH5n
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 9, 2024
Although the Red Stars lost to Bay 2-1, the match atmosphere itself was amazing, and it just goes to show that Chicago is a women’s soccer city.
Low of the Weekend
best league in the world pic.twitter.com/cgRMLo0Qkk
— ugh (@838_carlisle) June 9, 2024
We’re keeping it light with our “low of the weekend,” which is more funny than a downer. Sophia Smith received a red card for not-so-sneakily hiding the ball under the bench to waste time. She had already received a yellow earlier for time-wasting, so this second yellow means she’ll miss the Thorns match against Seattle next week.
News of the Weekend
The Soccer Tournament–the world’s 7 vs. 7 soccer championship with a $1 million prize pot–went down this past week, with the US Soccer Women and the NC Courage advancing to the finals. You can watch the match tonight at 7:00 PM ET on ESPNU.
Some notable players you’ll want to watch on the Courage side are former Courage and USWNT player Jess McDonald, former SD Wave player Giovanna DiMarco, and former NWSL defenders and sisters Sinclaire and Sydney Miramontez. On the US Women team, you’ll want to look out for former USWNT players Heather O’Reilly, Ali Krieger, Allie Long, and UNC’s Tessa Dellarose, who is also a GSN Soccerista United mentor!
Save of the Weekend
She’s baaaaaack 😈
🎥 @nwsl pic.twitter.com/CRMXcVjVSe
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) June 9, 2024
Alyssa Naeher is back from injury, and coming up with ridiculous saves once more!
Goal of the Weekend
16-year-old Lily Yohannes got her first cap and goal in the USWNT’s second friendly match against South Korea. The teenager scored just ten minutes after coming on the field.
Player of the Weekend
Rose Lavelle just made 100 caps with the national team! What’s more, she played for the whole 90’ for Gotham FC this past weekend and scored the team’s winning goal!
Team of the Weekend
Lo’eau LaBonta is back with another awesome celly after scoring the fifth goal for the Current in their 5-2 win over Seattle. At this moment, there’s no stopping Kansas City.
What to Look Forward To
🚨 BREAKING NEWS🚨
The Washington Spirit welcomes @ArsenalWFC & @ChelseaFCW to Audi Field this August! https://t.co/2Z89Ad9Oqh
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) June 10, 2024
The Washington Spirit announced they’ll be hosting two friendly matches this summer with Arsenal and Chelsea!
Featured image via @nwsl on Instagram
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