Good Morning, Footies! 🌞⚽ The 2024 Olympics might be over, but fear not—the football frenzy is far from finished! Feeling a little lost now that the Games are done? Don’t worry; the action is heating up with more Barcelona friendlies, including an exciting clash with Montpellier on the 17th of August and the NWSL teams are back in action on the 23rd. Dive in to catch the latest on new NWSL women investors, crowded fixture schedules, and ACC season predictions!

🏆 Champions of Change

What an extraordinary tournament it has been! The women’s Olympic soccer finals have concluded with unforgettable moments. Close to 9 million people watched Mallory Swanson’s goal clinched the gold medal for the USWNT, while Alyssa Naeher’s jaw-dropping save 🧤 kept them ahead when it mattered most. Brazil soared to silver, sending Marta into international retirement with some new silverware, and Germany proudly took bronze. Congratulations to these phenomenal teams for their stellar achievements!

But let’s not forget, making it to the Olympics and competing on such a grand stage is an extraordinary accomplishment in itself. Every team that participated in this tournament has contributed to the growth and visibility of women’s football, proving just how far the sport has come. The dedication, skill, and passion displayed by all the athletes is a testament to their hard work and unwavering commitment.

To all the players who graced the field 🏟️, your efforts are deeply inspiring. Each of you has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s soccer, and you should be immensely proud of your contributions. Team Footy thanks you!! ❤️

POST OF THE WEEK 📱

❤️ Syd Knows Best

Representation matters deeply as it allows a little girl to see herself in the heroes she admires, transforming dreams into tangible possibilities. When she witnesses someone who looks like her facing and overcoming challenges, it fills her with hope and the belief that she too can rise to greatness, no matter how tough the journey.

📚 Football Lexicon

What a weighted pass?

A weighted pass ⚽️ in football involves kicking the ball with just the right amount of power and pace to reach a teammate perfectly, avoiding too strong or too weak passes. It's crucial for accuracy, control, and timing, helping to set up plays and evade defenders. Practicing weighted passes can be done through drills with varying power and observing professionals to improve technique.

OLYMPIC NEWS

🇺🇸 Made In America 🇺🇸

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) struck gold once again, securing their fifth Olympic title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final at the Paris Olympics! This win marks a stunning comeback for the team, led by new head coach Emma Hayes, who has infused the squad with a fresh sense of purpose and joy. 🥳

The hero of the match was none other than Mallory Swanson, who scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute. It's pure poetic justice for Swanson, who missed the World Cup due to injury. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was nothing short of phenomenal, earning a perfect rating for her critical saves, including a jaw-dropping stop in stoppage time to deny Brazil’s Adriana. Naeher’s performance under pressure was a key factor in keeping the scoreline intact and clinching the gold. 🧤✨

Defensively, the squad was rock-solid. Naomi Girma (aka The Department of Defense) and Emily Fox provided exceptional coverage, while Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnet, and Tierna Davidson made crucial clearances. Trinity Rodman’s relentless energy and Sophia Smith’s strategic playmaking helped set the stage for Swanson’s winning goal.

Emma Hayes, with her tactical acumen and infectious enthusiasm, made bold decisions throughout the tournament. Her gamble to keep the starting lineup intact despite early struggles paid off, proving that her belief in the team’s potential was spot on. Hayes steered the team to their first Olympic gold since 2012 and couldn’t hold back her emotions, declaring, “I love America. It made me.” With Triple Espresso ☕️☕️☕️ , the rest of this formidable squad and a visionary coach, the future looks incredibly bright. 🌟

Félicitations, USWNT!

NWSL NEWS

👋🏼 Oh, Hi, Oh!

In a game-changing move for Cleveland, a group of 15 influential local women has thrown their support behind the city's bid to land a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. This impressive lineup, featuring top business leaders like Tricia Griffith from Progressive Insurance and Kimberly Bigelow of McRann Bigelow Acquisitions, is making waves 🌊 with their backing. While the exact investment amount remains under wraps, their commitment is making headlines and spotlighting the rising impact of women in sports.

The Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) ⚽️ is at the heart of this effort, aiming to secure Ohio’s first professional women’s soccer team and build a new $150 million stadium 🏟️. With the NWSL set to announce its expansion plans later this year, CSG’s bid is bolstered by the strategic and financial support from these powerhouse investors. As Tricia Griffith aptly notes, “Women have been a driving force in a watershed couple of years for sports,” and this initiative represents a bold step forward.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Fixtures & Fatigue

Emma Hayes is championing player welfare as she navigates the chaos of the Paris Olympics. Despite facing criticism for not rotating her USWNT squad enough, Hayes remains steadfast, arguing that a bit of hardship fosters resilience. Nonetheless, she's advocating for a more player-friendly approach in future Olympic schedules.

Before the gold medal match, Hayes and USWNT captain Lindsey Horan discussed how they juggle intense competition with team bonding. Hayes has called on the Olympic Committee to avoid a tightly packed schedule for the 2028 LA Games, stressing the need for players to have ample time to relax and enjoy their experience. “Player welfare should always come first,” Hayes emphasized, pushing for a less chaotic setup in Los Angeles.

In Paris, the women’s teams grappled not only with tough matches but also with the strain of extensive travel, as games were spread across various French cities. This grueling schedule mirrors the challenges faced by players in their club commitments. For instance, Chelsea's Sam Kerr and Arsenal's Australian internationals have experienced the toll of a congested calendar, with frequent travel and multiple competitions exacerbating the risk of injury. According to a FIFPRO report, the increased workload, including overlapping domestic and international fixtures, has led to a rise in injuries and a general sense of unsustainability in the women's game. This mirrors the experience of players like Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, who has had minimal downtime amid an intense schedule.

Hayes’ call for a more considerate schedule reflects growing concerns in women’s football about the balancing act between competition and player health. As the sport continues to grow, addressing these issues will be crucial in ensuring the well-being and performance of players on both the international and club stages.

NWSL NEWS

📝 CBA Upgrade

Hold onto your soccer balls, folks! ⚽️ The National Women’s Soccer League and the NWSL Players Association have just kicked off a new collective bargaining agreement that’s set to shake up the league until 2030. This shiny new deal builds on the 2022 CBA, which was a game-changer in itself, bringing in higher minimum salaries, free agency, and better player amenities. But wait, there’s more: the new agreement promises even more perks, with some benefits rolling out as soon as next season.

As the league scores big with international signings and a $60 million 💵 media rights deal, team values are soaring like a well-placed free kick. The San Diego Wave sold for a record $120 million, and Angel City FC is now the most valuable women’s sports team globally at a staggering $250 million.

With more than 50 NWSL players competing in the Paris Olympics, this new CBA marks a significant step forward for the league and its players, promising an even more dynamic future.

COLLEGIATE NEWS

💥 ACC Clash

Florida State is back at the top of the ACC Women's Soccer preseason polls, and they're not just kicking off the new season; they're kicking it off with a bang. After snagging their fourth national title last season and sweeping the ACC awards, the Seminoles have been dubbed the preseason favorites once again. With 15 first-place votes and 255 points, they’re the team to beat, bolstered by star players like Jordynn Dudley, who’s scoring goals like they’re going out of style.

But wait—there's a new player in town! 🌟 Stanford, fresh off an impressive 20-win season and a national championship appearance, is making waves as the ACC’s latest powerhouse. They’re not just here to fill seats; they’re here to challenge FSU’s throne, grabbing two first-place votes and landing second in the poll with 235 points. Midfielder Jasmine Aikey and defender Elise Evans are set to turn heads, proving that new kids on the block can really shake things up.

As for the rest of the conference, Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Clemson are rounding out the top five, each bringing their A-game from last year’s NCAA Tournament performances. Clemson is particularly noteworthy, making its first-ever College Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Duke, Pitt, and Virginia are not far behind, with standout players like Kat Rader and Sarah Schupansky getting the preseason nod.

In the rankings, the ACC is flaunting its prowess with seven teams in the Top 25 of the United Soccer Coaches Poll, five of which are in the Top 10. It’s clear: the ACC is a powerhouse, and this season promises to be a thrilling ride! 🚀🏆

UWCL NEWS

🎮 PlayStation’s Support

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is doubling down on its support for women’s football by renewing its partnership with UEFA for the Women’s Champions League 🏆. For the next three years, SIE, the powerhouse behind PlayStation, will continue to be a key supporter of this prestigious competition, ensuring that women's football gets the spotlight it deserves.

Since 1997, SIE has been a dedicated partner of UEFA, and this renewed commitment reflects their ongoing passion for elevating the women’s game. Beyond just sponsoring the UEFA Women’s Champions League, SIE will also back the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, the Women’s Under-19 and Under-17 Championships, and the Women’s Futsal EURO. Plus, their support extends to UEFA’s Together #WePlayStrong initiative, which aims to boost participation in women’s football at all levels.

Jill Erb from SIE highlights the company’s enthusiasm for combining football with gaming, promising even more engaging experiences and exclusive content for fans. 🎮 UEFA’s marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein, celebrates this continued partnership, noting how it contributes to growing the women’s game and inspiring future generations of female footballers.

WSL TRADE NEWS

Goalie Galore

Manchester City has made a splash in the transfer market by signing Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita from INAC Kobe Leonessa on a three-year deal. Yamashita, known for her impressive performances with Japan in the World Cup and the Olympics, is stepping out of her comfort zone and into England's Women's Super League. Describing herself as "very hungry" for this new challenge, she’s eager to bring her trophy-winning experience to City, and her arrival boosts the team's Japanese contingent to four players.

Yamashita’s move fills the void left by Ellie Roebuck’s departure to Barcelona and Sandy MacIver’s ACL injury. Despite her successful career in Asia, including 17 major honors, Yamashita is excited about the chance to play alongside familiar faces like Yui Hasegawa and to share the pitch with Manchester City’s men’s star Ederson. Her addition comes as City gears up for a new season, aiming to build on last year’s runner-up finish.

LIGA F TRADE NEWS

🇪🇸 Spanish Dreams

Seattle Reign FC has bid adieu to Brazilian midfielder Luany, who is off to Atlético Madrid in Spain’s Liga F, marking her transfer from a temporary gig to a permanent move. 🇧🇷✈️ Despite being contracted with Seattle until 2025, Luany’s impressive stint with Madrid CFF last season, where she racked up six goals and five assists, convinced the Reign to let her pursue her dreams in Spain.

Seattle’s GM, Lesle Gallimore, has given Luany a heartfelt send-off, saying she’s “found an environment that suits her personal and professional goals” and expressing support for her decision. 💖 The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined the Reign from Grêmio FBPA in early 2023, never hit the NWSL field but was a regular presence in the lineup during her loan.

WSL TRADE NEWS

✈️ Emirates Bound

Arsenal are about to add a splash of Swedish flair with Rosa Kafaji set to join from BK Hacken! The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who topped Hacken's scoring charts and dazzled in the Champions League, is all set to bring her magic to the Emirates. Not only did Kafaji help Hacken defeat Real Madrid and Paris FC, but she also excels at creating chances as a No 10—something Arsenal has been craving since Miedema and Russo left. Expect this dynamic playmaker to light up the midfield and help solidify her place on the national team! ⚽

🥇 Perfect Gift For Your Little Champion

Dive into vibrant scenes of young athletes owning the field, the waves, and more. It’s a fun way to celebrate sports, break stereotypes, and color your way to empowerment! Grab one for the young champion in your life and watch their confidence soar!