Top of the morning to you, Footies! We are jumping right in because, IT’S HERE!!! ⚽️ Women’s Super League season starts today!!! The new season is here with 12 teams, 22 matchday weekends, 132 games, and they stacked with fresh faces, new managers, and some serious title contenders. Chelsea is the team to beat as they chase their sixth title in a row (yes, sixth!), but with Man City and Arsenal beefing up their squads, this season promises fireworks. 💥

Manchester City has signed a host of stars, but can they put the pieces together in time? Arsenal is looking stronger with their summer signings, but consistency will be key if they want to dethrone Chelsea. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, under the guidance of new management, will aim to shake things up when they kick off against the reigning champs. Each team has been cooking up something special during the offseason. 🍽️

Get your popcorn ready, this season’s going to be a rollercoaster! 🎢

POST OF WEEK

Brazilian Geyse of Man United showing off her skills in training. 😲

@manutdwomen

This finish is too cold 🥶 #MUWomen #MUFC #ManUtd #Geyse #GraceClinton #WSL

U20 WWC NEWS

🏟️ The Stage is Set

In the semifinals at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2024, Japan surged into the final with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands. Despite battling fatigue and a resilient Dutch team, Japan’s Manaka Matsukubo delivered her third player of the match performance, scoring both goals and showcasing why she’s one of the tournament’s standout stars. With only one shot on goal allowed, Japan's defense was rock solid, though coach Michihisa Kano admitted that tired legs made their dominant display a tad less dazzling. Nevertheless, Matsukubo and her teammates are determined to finish strong, with their eyes firmly set on the title against Korea DPR.

On the other side, Korea DPR edged past the U.S. 1-0 in the semifinals. Despite a brave effort from the American squad, it was Choe Il Son’s 22nd-minute goal that proved decisive. The U.S., despite their resilience and dramatic victories earlier in the tournament, couldn’t overcome the North Korean defense and now face a bronze medal match. The U.S. will need to regroup quickly to secure at least a third-place finish, while Korea DPR gears up for a clash with Japan, reminiscent of their tight AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 final.

ACL NEWS

🤬 WTH, ACL?

🚨 ACL injuries have become all too common in women's football, and the latest names to join the unfortunate list are Manchester City's Risa Shimizu and Chelsea's Sophie Ingle. Shimizu, fresh off a move to the Cityzens, faces a long road to recovery after injuring her ACL while representing Japan at the Olympics. She'll be cheering from the sidelines as her team faces Arsenal in their season opener. Meanwhile, Welsh icon Sophie Ingle is also sidelined after suffering a knee injury during a Chelsea preseason match. Missing both the WSL opener and Wales’ crucial Euro qualifiers, Ingle’s absence will be felt both on the club and international stage. 💔

But this isn’t just bad luck. The rise of ACL injuries highlights a systemic issue of gender inequality in sports. From ill-fitting boots to lack of research on female physiology, the Women and Equalities Committee in the UK is calling for more action. It’s time to get serious about addressing the health needs of women in sports and stop these preventable injuries. 🙌

PLAYER NEWS

📝 Signed, Sealed, Forged

Pomigliano CF has become infamous for all the wrong reasons, evolving from a club that aspired to compete in Italy’s top-flight to one that’s left a trail of devastation. The inside story reveals fake contracts, forged signatures, and severe mistreatment of players, including assault, harassment, and medical negligence. Players were left unpaid, forced to pay for their own medical treatments, and harassed by club officials. Several players, aided by Italy’s player union AIC, are now taking legal action. One player even discovered her contract was terminated through her lawyer, not the club. If you thought things couldn’t get worse, players were also subjected to uninvited visits from club personnel in their homes. Pomigliano CF is now defunct, but the scars it left on players’ lives are still very real. 💔⚽

UWCL NEWS

🦵🏻UWCL LEG ONE

😮 Jess Park came in clutch for Manchester City, getting on the scoresheet twice in their massive 5-0 hammering of Paris FC. Park walked away with a brace and an assist, helping to secure City’s dominant win, making next week's second leg look like a mere formality. Vivianne Miedema also dazzled on her Man City debut with a stunning volley. Notably absent? Khadija Shaw, last season’s WSL top scorer, sidelined by visa issues. Oops, someone didn’t file those papers in time!

Meanwhile, Arsenal had a nightmare in Sweden, as Hacken shocked them with a 1-0 win. Tabitha Tindell’s late strike caught the Gunners off guard, and now they have to fight back in London. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord couldn't save the day, despite dominating much of the play. Arsenal will need to up their game in the second leg or face an early exit from the competition. 🚨

Juventus, Wolfsburg, and Benfica also put in strong performances, with Wolfsburg’s Alexandra Popp casually securing a hat-trick in a 7-0 dismantling of Fiorentina. 🦁 Juventus took control over PSG with a 3-1 victory, and Benfica edged Hammarby 2-1 in a record-setting crowd of 12,062 fans. The next leg with be Sept 25th and 26th.

NWSL NEWS

🦇Bats Go TO The White House

Gotham FC is making history as the first NWSL team to be honored at the White House! After their worst-to-first turnaround in 2023, Gotham's crew, including the retired Ali Krieger, will be shaking hands with President Biden in a celebration that’s bigger than just a victory lap. This moment symbolizes the rise of women's sports to a place of prominence—right alongside the big leagues like the NFL and MLB. Gotham investor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett says this is just the beginning, setting a new standard for how women's champions are recognized. Balancing this honor with their packed schedule, Gotham is not only eyeing the FIFA Club World Cup but also pushing for playoff success. Krieger, no stranger to the White House from her USWNT days, is ready to soak it all in while using the platform to highlight the ongoing fight for more coverage and equality in women’s sports. The real win? Setting the tone for the future of NWSL recognition. 🏆✨

UWCL NEWS

🎟️ Draw Day

The UEFA Women's Champions League group stage draw is just around the corner! On Friday, September 27, the stage will be set as the top 16 teams in Europe find out who they'll face in the battle for glory. 🏆 Powerhouses like Barcelona (defending champs), Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are already locked in, waiting to be joined by 12 eager contenders from the second-round ties (happening on September 25 and 26).

The group stage kicks off on October 8, and we’re in for some seriously spicy matchups that will run until December 18. You can already feel the tension rising! Can Barcelona continue their reign of dominance, or will Lyon and Bayern throw a wrench in their plans? Don’t count out Chelsea either, who are more determined than ever to get their hands on the big prize.

All eyes will then turn to the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon next May, where the final showdown will take place. Will it be a showdown of champions or a new name etched in the history books? 👀 We’re about to find out!

NCAA NEWS

🚫 No Draft, No Problem!

The elimination of the college draft is shaking things up in women’s soccer as players gain more control over their careers. With the draft no longer deciding their fates, NCAA stars can now choose the team that suits them best, making power plays of their own. 💪

Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, and Naiomi Girma are just a few of the names that dominated the draft in previous years, but future stars will have a new path to the NWSL. While this change shifts the balance from clubs to players, the league’s salary cap increase to $5.1M by 2030 means teams still need to attract top talent. And with minimum salaries rising to $82.5K by then, there’s serious money on the table. 💸

As for college soccer, Florida State, Duke, Stanford, and UNC are all set to make big waves in the College Cup. With some epic performances already this season (we’re looking at you, FSU 💥), the race for the championship is heating up. Keep an eye on Duke—they just broke their home losing streak against UNC and are looking hungry for more. 👀

USWNT NEWS

🧠 Hayes Embraces Wellness

Emma Hayes, the coaching powerhouse who steered Chelsea F.C. Women to five consecutive WSL titles, has traded her London base for a new role with the USWNT. But why did she leave a club she helped to dominate? According to Hayes, the constant pressure and focus on success left her feeling like a cog in a relentless machine, despite her impressive track record. 🏆

In a candid interview on The Sports Agents podcast, Hayes voiced her frustration with how club soccer often overlooks players' mental health. She’s passionate about understanding players' mental battles, pointing out that the relentless focus on physical metrics like “jump tests” often ignores the crucial psychological aspects. Her move to the USWNT is as much about advocating for these changes as it is about a fresh start. 🌟

Hayes admits she was close to walking away from coaching altogether, feeling worn out by the spotlight and pressure. Now, she’s on a mission to make player well-being a priority, showing that even top coaches need a breather from the relentless chase for trophies. 🏅

USL W NEWS

💪🏼 Rosie The Riveter

Pittsburgh’s soccer scene is about to get a serious upgrade with the introduction of the Riveters, the city’s latest USL W League team. Unveiling a logo that pays homage to Rosie the Riveter, the team combines Pittsburgh’s signature black and yellow with the iconic wartime symbol of strength and resilience. This powerhouse name and emblem reflect the city’s industrial grit and the team’s drive to inspire future generations. The Riveters are set to make their debut in the 2025 season at Highmark Stadium, promising a thrilling new chapter in Pittsburgh sports! 💪🏟️

🎼 Georgia, Georgia!! 🎵

Georgia Stanway, the England and Bayern Munich midfielder who’s not just a scoring machine on the pitch but also a budding tattoo artist off it. When she's not dazzling with her footwork, she’s flexing her inking skills—yes, you heard that right! 🎨

In a recent chat, Stanway revealed that she picked up the tattoo gun about a year ago, and her ink game is as impressive as her football. With 80 to 100 tattoos under her belt (or rather, on her skin), she’s embraced a patchwork style full of quirky doodles and personal symbols. Her most memorable piece? A tattoo of the time her team clinched the 2022 Euros—proof that her creativity knows no bounds. 🕰️

Her new passion, which started with a casual challenge in a Munich studio, has become a vital escape from the pressures of professional football. While tattooing her friends might be nerve-wracking, the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment make it all worthwhile. Plus, it’s a great way to focus and unwind from the constant demands of the sport. 🎉

On the pitch, Bayern Munich continues to dominate, having just demolished RB Leipzig 6-2 in a thrilling Frauen-Bundesliga match. Despite an early scare, Bayern’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing secured a comfortable victory, keeping them perfect for the season. Klara Bühl and Lea Schüller were stars, with Schüller adding a brace to seal the deal. ⚽💥

WORLDIE OF THE WEEK

Gotta love a comeback!  Vivianne Miedema scored her first goal with Man City with some help from Jess Park and it was a beauty. Click here to check it out!

UPCOMING GAMES

UWCL QUALIFIERS

SEPTEMBER 25TH

Wolfsburg v Fiorentina 12:30pm

Benifica v Hammarby 3pm

SEPTEMBER 26TH

PSG v Juventus 12:45pm

Real Madrid v Sporting CP 2pm

Man City W v Paris FC 2pm

Arsenal v Häcken 2:30pm

Check out the rest of the UWCL matches here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

WSL

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Chelsea v Aston Villa 2pm

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Man Utd v West Ham 7am

Brighton v Everton 7:30am

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Arsenal v Man City 7:30am

Tottenham v Crystal Palace 9am

Liverpool v Leicester City 9am

Check out more WSL matches here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

SEPTEMBER 21ST

USA v Netherlands 5pm

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Korea DPR v Japan 5pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

NWSL

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Current v Spirit 8pm

Bay FC v Pride 10:30pm

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Racing v Courage 7:30pm

Dash v Reign 8:30pm

Red Stars v Wave FC 9:30pm

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Gotham v Royals 1pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

USL

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Lexington SC v Ft. Lauderdale 4pm

Spokane v DC Power FC 9pm

SEPTEMBER 25TH

Brooklyn FC v Dallas Trinity FC 7pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Liga F

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Levante v Sociedad 6am

Granada v Eibar 6am

Sevilla v Barcelona 1pm

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Valencia v Atl. Madrid 6am

Real Madrid v Atl. Club 1pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Serie A

SEPTEMBER 20TH

Napoli W v Sassuolo W 8:30am

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Lazio W v Juventus 9am

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Como W v AC AS Roma W 6:30am

Inter W v AC Milan W 9:45am

Fiorentina W v Sampdoria W 12pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Bundesliga

SEPTEMBER 20TH

RB Leipzig v Werder Bremen 12:30pm

SEPTEMBER 21ST

Freiburg v Jena 6am

SEPTEMBER 22ND

Wolfsburg v Koln 12:30pm

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Bayern Munich v Hoffenheim 12pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

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