Top of the morning to you, Footies! ⚽ What a weekend of football we’ve had! Barcelona cruised to a 5-0 victory over Montpellier, with Ewa Pajor proving her worth by netting twice. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo also dazzled ✨ with a brace, thanks to stellar setups from Kim Little and the exciting new signing, Rosa Kafaji. Kafaji’s cheeky passes turned the game into a highlight reel!

Get ready for more action-packed friendlies this week—dates are below. Today’s newsletter is bursting with the latest: the 🇺🇸 USWNT’s climb up the rankings, USL’s opening weekend, and Mwanalima Adam Jereko’s big move to Kansas City Current.

UPCOMING GAMES

AUGUST 19th 7PM

GOTHAM VS CHELSEA

AUGUST 20TH 12PM

FC BAYERN VS JUVENTUS

AUGUST 20TH 10PM

SANTA FE VS SAN DIEGO WAVE

MORE CONCACAF W CHAMPIONS CUP GAMES HERE

AUGUST 23 2PM

BARCELONA VS MILAN

AUGUST 25TH 4PM

CHELSEA VS ARSENAL

ALL TIMES ARE EST

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

📉 Guess who’s back? Back again!?

That’s right, the USWNT 🇺🇸 is back… on top that is! After beating Brazil in the gold medal 🥇 match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the team has reclaimed its throne, leaping from a dismal fifth place to numero uno.

The USWNT’s triumphant return was orchestrated by new head coach Emma Hayes, who’s only been at the helm for 12 weeks. Hayes led the squad to a tight 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Olympic final, marking the team's first gold since 2012.

Meanwhile, England inched up from third to second. They bumped Spain down to third, as the defending World Cup champs took a hit after their semifinal exit in Paris. The Lionesses and USWNT are set for a high-stakes friendly at Wembley in November – a clash of titans with Hayes returning to her old stomping grounds in England.

France, on the other hand, has seen a major drop, plummeting from second to a shocking tenth place. After a quarterfinal knockout by Brazil and a managerial shake-up, France’s Olympic dreams didn’t quite match their lofty pre-tournament expectations.

The USWNT prepares to face England and others in friendlies, all while basking in their Olympic glory and new top-ranking status.

USL W NEWS

🚀 USL Debut Delivers

The inaugural weekend of the USL Super League was a roaring success, with Charlotte and Spokane setting the stage for a new chapter in women’s soccer. In Charlotte, Vicky Bruce made history by scoring the league’s first-ever goal in the 27th minute, leading Carolina Ascent FC to a 1-0 win over DC Power FC. The crowd of 10,553 🏟️ went wild, and goalkeeper Meagan McClelland played the hero with a dramatic stoppage-time save. The scene was electric, with fans soaking up every glorious second.

Meanwhile, Spokane Zephyr FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC served up their own slice of excitement at ONE Spokane Stadium. Emina Ekic’s early penalty 🧤 put Spokane ahead, but Addie McCain leveled the score for Fort Lauderdale in the 72nd minute. Despite Spokane’s superior shots, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, showing both teams' grit and determination.

Back in Tampa Bay, the Sun FC’s debut was a party to remember. With Sheryl Crow’s "Soak Up the Sun" 😎 blasting, they drew 1-1 against Dallas Trinity before a buzzing crowd of over 5,200. Brooke Hendrix delivered a clutch late equalizer off a perfect corner kick, proving that the Sun’s debut was as much about the celebration as the soccer. Coach Denise Schilte-Brown and her team made it clear: they’re not just here to play but to inspire.

NWSL NEWS

🏆 Cup-tivating Win

Kansas City Current celebrated a historic win, clinching their first-ever trophy with a 1-0 victory over Atletico de Madrid in The Women’s Cup on August 17, 2024 🏆. Debinha scored the lone goal of the match in the 12th minute, showcasing the team's sharp attacking play. The Current's defense was tested in the final moments, but they held firm despite a flurry of late corner kicks from Atletico 💪.

Kansas City’s victory was a mix of thrilling offense and solid defense, with goalkeeper AD Franch making a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet. The win on their home turf was a sweet reward for their hard work and creativity throughout the tournament 🎉.

Looking ahead, the Current will shift focus to the upcoming NWSL matches and further cup opportunities. For now, they’ll bask in the glory of their first major triumph and aim to build on this success as the season progresses.

CONCACAF W CHAMPIONS CUP NEWS

🏆 W Cup Group Stages Begin

The 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup is kicking off its group stage with a bang! ⚽️ The inaugural edition has already seen Vancouver Whitecaps snag a spot with a narrow win over Alianza Women FC. This week, Group A and B matches are set to deliver thrilling action.

In Group A, Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense, with their legendary keeper Noelia Bermudez, faces Jamaica’s Frazsiers Whip, who are led by the talented Destiny Powell. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Clásico Regio will see Tigres UANL Femenil battle it out against CF Monterrey Femenil, featuring stars like Jaqueline Ovalle and Jennifer Hermoso.

Over in Group B, Santa Fe FC, fresh from their Apertura 2024 win, hosts San Diego Wave 🌊 FC, spearheaded by Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw. The action continues as Club América Femenil takes on Vancouver Whitecaps, with the latter looking to build on their recent Preliminary Round victory.

NWSL NEWS

🌊  Wave Hello to Coach Donovan

Landon Donovan, American soccer royalty, is stepping into the spotlight as the interim coach for San Diego Wave FC. The legend will kick off his new role with a bang—his first match will be against Santa Fe FC in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Talk about jumping straight into the deep end!

Donovan, who’s as familiar with lifting trophies as he is with his signature goal celebrations, is set to guide the Wave FC through the rest of the season. His mission: to propel 🛥️ the team from their current 10th-place spot to a playoff position. No pressure, right?

He’s taking over from Paul Buckle, who’s bowing out due to "personal commitments" after a summer stint. Donovan's arrival is expected to spark some serious excitement, especially with the likes of Olympic gold medalists Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma on the roster. 🥇

With Donovan’s extensive MLS and international credentials, including six MLS Cups and a tie for most international goals by an American, the Wave FC are hoping his experience and passion will light up their season. Buckle up, San Diego!

NWSL NEWS

🧊 Aurora’s Bid On Ice

Minnesota Aurora FC, the pre-professional darlings of the USL W League, have hit a snag on their path to NWSL stardom 🚧. Despite dazzling performances on the field—never losing a regular season game and making it to the championship in their debut year—the team has decided to put their pro ambitions on ice. Yes, their dream of becoming the NWSL’s 16th franchise will have to wait.

The Aurora's bid to join the big leagues in 2026 has been put on hold, and the reason? It’s the old "circumstances out of our control" chestnut 💸. While they boasted a "strong investment group" and a legion of over 3,000 community owners, financial hurdles proved too steep for this round. The team had previously announced intentions to go pro but failed to secure the necessary funds, leading to this second postponement.

In their statement, the Aurora assured their fans they remain committed to building a robust and sustainable organization. Translation: they’re sticking around in the USL W League and keeping their eyes on future opportunities 🌟.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

🌍 If You Build It….

In the ever-evolving world of women’s soccer, African players are making waves 🌊, but their achievements often get overshadowed by the challenges they face. Enter Fervora, the brainchild of Nigerian journalist Emmanuel Faith and his team, who are on a mission to shift the narrative 🎯.

Launched in June 2023, Fervora started on Medium and now operates on Substack, aiming to fill the yawning gap in coverage of African women soccer players. With a focus on celebrating achievements and spotlighting players, the platform dives deep into the stories and stats of African athletes, showcasing their global impact 🌍.

Fervora has already made a splash 🌟, reporting on the historic success of African teams in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and delving into individual stars like Malawian forward Tabitha Chawinga. The site doesn’t just report; it visualizes data and tells compelling stories 📊, hoping to become the go-to source for accurate, detailed information about African women’s soccer.

Their future plans include leveraging data to tell richer stories and attracting global media giants to expand their reach 📈. By highlighting the incredible talent and perseverance of African women soccer players, Fervora is not just bridging a gap; they’re building a new bridge entirely.

📚 Football Lexicon

What a Culer?

Ever wondered what a “Culer” means? It’s a term for devoted FC Barcelona fans, rooted in a playful nod to the early 1900s when spectators’ backsides were visible from the stands of the old Les Corts stadium. Originally from the Catalan word "cul" meaning "bottom," it’s now a badge of pride for Barcelona supporters worldwide.

FRAUEN BUNDESLIGA NEWS

 ⚽️  Damnjanović Extends

Bayern Munich has locked in striker Jovana Damnjanović for another three years, extending her contract through 2026/27 ⚽️🏆. The 29-year-old Serbian star, who’s already snagged three titles since joining Bayern in 2017, is aiming for more silverware—and maybe even a treble—while she continues to shine with her impressive goal-scoring and assist stats 🎯. Damnjanović’s commitment to Munich is as strong as her on-field performance.

NWSL TRADE NEWS

🇦🇺 Aussie Addition

Tottenham Hotspur’s roster is getting a fresh Aussie twist as Matildas defender Clare Hunt joins the squad on a three-year deal ⚽️🇦🇺. After a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, where she snagged a Coupe de France and played in the UEFA Women's Champions League, Hunt is set to boost Spurs' defense alongside fellow Aussie Charli Grant. With her sights set on future international glory, including the 2026 Asian Cup and the 2027 Women's World Cup, Hunt’s new chapter at Spurs promises to be a fun

ride for both her and the team.

NWSL TRADE NEWS

🌟 Pickett’s Pride

Defender Carson Pickett is heading back to her roots as she joins the Orlando Pride from Racing Louisville, trading the bluegrass for the Sunshine State 🌞⚽️. The Florida native, who’s previously wowed fans in Orlando and the NWSL, is thrilled to return home and play in front of familiar faces after a solid stint with Racing Louisville. With Pickett’s impressive track record, including two Best XI nods and a knack for community outreach, she’s set to strengthen the Pride’s defense and potentially add another chapter to her already storied career 🏆🔝.

NWSL TRADE NEWS

🗝️ Jereko Joins

Kansas City Current has struck gold by signing Mwanalima Adam Jereko, Kenya’s national team captain, from Turkey’s Hakkarigücü Spor. Jereko, known for her scoring spree with Thika Queens and a stellar season in Turkey, is set to join the Current through 2025 with a 2026 option 🎉⚽. This move comes as the team shakes up their roster, welcoming Jereko while parting ways with Claire Lavogez and a few others.

With Jereko’s arrival, the Current is not just resting on their Women’s Cup win; they’re gearing up for more success. Coach Vlatko Andonovski is excited about Jereko’s skill and enthusiasm, which he believes will be key as the team heads back into the regular season .

RISING STAR

⭐️ Croix Bethune

Croix Bethune is making waves as the USWNT’s brightest star, with an Olympic alternate spot that barely scratches the surface of her potential. This rookie sensation for the Washington Spirit is on the verge of tying Tobin Heath’s NWSL assist record after just 16 games and is a top contender for the league MVP. Despite Rose Lavelle’s injuries raising eyebrows about her gold medal game status, Bethune’s on-field brilliance and impressive form suggest it’s only a matter of time before she fully steps into the limelight with the USWNT. Read our Rising Star piece on Croix Bethune!

🥇You Are….

Alphabet Handwriting Workbook is the perfect alphabet book for young children learning to write. Each page features tracing exercises for upper and lowercase letters, accompanied by positive affirmations to boost self-esteem and confidence. From "A is for Amazing" ❤️ to "Z is for Zestful," this book is a fun and inspiring way to learn the alphabet and build a positive mindset.