The National Women’s Soccer League made a roaring return after a four-week layoff complete with Chicago’s surprise upset of Utah, Angel City’s first win since May and even more goals for Portland. It is not all positive news from the break, however, as Manaka Matsukubo departs the NWSL for the FA WSL.
Manaka Matsukubo‘s departure is a blow to NWSL
Last week’s news of Manaka Matsukubo’s transfer from the North Carolina Courage to Chelsea FC came as a hammer blow. The 2025 NWSL Midfielder of the Year was unquestionably one of the league’s brightest talents since arriving stateside three years ago as an 18-year-old. Courage Sporting Director Ceri Bowley provided insight into the transaction on The Athletic’s Full Time podcast. The club inked Matsukubo to a two-year extension in January 2025 before Bowley’s arrival four months later.
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