Good day, Footies! We have been blessed with more club friendlies this week! Barcelona FC made the trip to the U.S. and drowned Bay FC 5-2. Vivianne Miedema made her Man City debut in Perth against Leicester FC. Mac City took the win in PK’s. And that’s just the start — this issue is brimming with the latest news on the U20 Women’s World Cup, the NWSL’s upcoming free agency, Nike’s new inspirational logo, and much much more.

UPCOMING GAMES

CLUB FRIENDLIES

AUGUST 30TH 8:30 PM

Dallas Trinity v Barcelona

AUGUST 31st 6 AM

Lyon v Madrid C.

September 1st

Perth International Football Cup

Leicester v West Ham 2:10AM

Man City v PSG 5:10AM

Check out more club friendlies this week here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

NWSL

AUGUST 30TH

Portland Thorns v Bay FC 10pm

AUGUST 31ST

Racing Louisville v Seattle Reign 7:30pm

Houston Dash v Utah Royal 9:30pm

SEPTEMBER 1ST

N.C. Courage v K.C. Current 2pm

Angel City v Chicago Red Stars 4pm

Orlando Pride v N.Y. Gotham 6pm

San Diego Wave v Washington Spirit 8pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

USL

AUGUST 31ST

Brooklyn FC v Carolina Ascent 7:30pm

Check out more USL games coming up here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

AUGUST 31ST

France v Canada 4pm

Columbia v Australia 5pm

SEPTEMBER 1ST

Spain v USA 4pm

Nigeria v Korea Republic 5pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

📚 Football Lexicon

What is a worldie?

A "worldie" is an extraordinary football goal that leaves everyone in awe, often involving incredible skill or unexpected brilliance. The term comes from "world-class," used by English fans to describe goals so amazing they feel worthy of global recognition. We love worldies because they capture the thrilling essence of football, delivering unforgettable moments of pure excitement.

POST OF THE WEEK 📱

👩🏻‍✈️ Mapi is Capi

Mapi León is back and better than ever! After months of recovering from a meniscus injury that had Barça fans holding their breath, Mapi returned to the field as captain, showing her leadership and skill in a friendly match against Bay FC. In true comeback fashion, she turned the game around by scoring directly from a corner kick, putting Barcelona ahead 3-2. Mapi's journey from crutches to captain is nothing short of inspiring—she's working on both legs, but clearly, her game is already on point! 💪⚽

NWSL NEWS

🕺🏼 Do The Roster Shuffle

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is shaking up the soccer world with its historic move to eliminate the draft and introduce unrestricted free agency. This game-changing shift not only sets a new standard for player empowerment but also aligns the league with global practices. The abolition of the draft is a bold step towards leveling the playing field, allowing players to negotiate their futures and choose their own paths, rather than being subject to draft-based whims. As a federal judge once pointed out, the draft system often prevents talented players from flocking to the most attractive teams and cities. 🌍

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlights that this progressive decision removes barriers for international players and helps attract top talent by removing self-imposed restrictions. With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), we’re seeing a rise in minimum salaries and an expanded salary cap—big wins for players as the league continues to grow. This move is a reflection of a broader trend towards increasing player autonomy and aligning with global standards. 🏆

Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman has been a vocal advocate for these changes, applauding the new trade policies under the CBA. After experiencing the emotional toll of unexpected trades herself, Rodman values the emphasis on player choice and stability. Meanwhile, veteran Megan Rapinoe celebrates the advancements in player rights and equality, viewing the new CBA as a continuation of her fight for fair pay and autonomy. The CBA’s improvements not only enhance pay and benefits but also reflect a commitment to long-term player welfare and league growth. 🙌

As we approach September 1, the free agency window opens, and with it, the potential for major roster shakeups. The NWSL Players Association has released a preliminary list of 88 potential free agents, including big names like Alyssa Naeher, Christen Press, Marta, and MVP Kerolin. This announcement, timed perfectly with Women's Equality Day, underscores the significance of player rights. Expect teams to hustle in these final days to secure their stars or bring in new talent, setting the stage for an exhilarating new season. The advent of free agency marks a thrilling new chapter for the NWSL, reflecting the broader movement towards equity and empowerment in women’s sports.

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP NEWS

🥅 The Battle of Youth

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is set to light up Colombia from August 31 to September 22, featuring a dazzling 24 teams for the first time ever. With 504 players ready to show off their skills, this tournament is a playground for the world’s future soccer stars. 🏆

The USA will kick off against reigning champions Spain on September 1 in Cali, then face Morocco and Paraguay in their group stage matches. This year's tournament is a major step up, expanding from 12 to 24 teams, and includes a new Round of 16 to amp up the excitement. The U.S. squad, including future stars like Claire Hutton, Gisele Thompson, and Ally Sentnor are eager to prove their mettle on this global stage. 🌟

Colombia’s squad is packed with talent, including the sensational Linda Caicedo, who’s already made waves at the senior level. With matches taking place in Bogota, Cali, and Medellin, fans can expect electrifying games across historic venues. This World Cup isn't just about football—it's about highlighting the fierce competition and incredible talent shaping the future of women's soccer. 🚀

FRAUEN-BUNDESLIGA NEWS

🏆 Bayern’s Supercup

FC Bayern Women have kicked off their 2024/25 season with a bang, claiming their first trophy by clinching the Google Pixel Supercup with a 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg. Klara Bühl’s spectacular ninth-minute goal was the highlight, securing the win for Bayern in Dresden. 🎯

Bayern's strategy was on point, with coach Alexander Straus making two key changes to the lineup from their recent friendly. Bühl stepped in for Samantha Kerr, while Giulia Gwinn returned to the squad. Bühl’s early strike was complemented by a solid performance from the team, although they had another goal by Pernille Harder disallowed for offside and a Magdalena Eriksson header cleared off the line.

In the second half, Wolfsburg ramped up their efforts, but Bayern's goalkeeper Mala Grohs was a brick wall, pulling off stunning saves to keep their clean sheet intact. Despite Wolfsburg's set-piece threats, Bayern held firm to secure the win and their first piece of silverware for the season. Now, with the Supercup in hand, Bayern shifts focus to defending their Bundesliga title, starting with a match against Turbine Potsdam. 📅

OUTSIDE THE LINES

🖼️ From The Pitch To The Wall

🎨 Street art is having a blast celebrating women’s soccer, turning city walls into lively tributes to amazing female athletes! From Minnesota to Milan, these murals are not just decorating streets—they’re telling the incredible stories of soccer’s top players.

In St. Paul, Megan Rapinoe’s iconic World Cup pose dazzles on a soccer bar, thanks to artist Cyfi. Chicago features a fun, interactive mural with Crystal Dunn, Naomi Girma, and Lynn Williams that’s a total game-changer for young soccer fans. Manchester showcases Georgia Stanway’s rise to stardom, while another Chicago mural highlights the teamwork of Alyssa Naeher and Julie Ertz with flair. Milan’s mural by SteReal makes a powerful statement about equality in sports, and Manchester’s tribute to Lucy Bronze encourages everyone to dream big.

L.A. adds a burst of girl power with a mural of Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, and Crystal Dunn, celebrating their World Cup triumphs. In Barcelona, TVBoy’s evolving murals of Alexia Putellas show her as a superhero, despite some vandalism hurdles. These vibrant artworks remind us that the fight for women’s recognition and equality is thriving, both on the field and in the art world. 🌍⚽

WSL NEWS

↕️ Get Vertical

Nike’s new football kits are sporting a fresh look with a vertical Swoosh, turning the classic diagonal tick on its head. This design change is part of the “Together We Rise” collection, celebrating the surge in popularity and visibility of women’s football. The vertical tick, often paired with a smaller colored Swoosh, symbolizes unity and progress, representing both men’s and women’s teams working together to advance the sport. 🏆

Chelsea’s punk-inspired third kit and Liverpool’s vibrant design highlight this bold shift, although fan reactions have been mixed. While some debate the design’s impact, others appreciate the kits' empowering message and the nod to football’s evolving landscape. Nike’s updated Swoosh isn’t just a style statement; it’s a tribute to the growing prominence of women’s football and a call for continued support and celebration.

NWSL NEWS

🌊 Wave Goodbye, Bay Hello

Bay FC just made a major power move by acquiring Abby Dahlkemper from San Diego Wave FC for a cool $50,000 in Allocation Money. Dahlkemper, a Bay Area native and three-time NWSL Champion, is thrilled to return home, signing a contract that keeps her in the Bay until 2026, with an option for 2027. With 155 NWSL appearances, a 2019 World Cup win, and a history of dominating the field, Dahlkemper is set to be the backbone of Bay FC’s defense. Coach Albertin Montoya couldn’t be happier, praising her leadership and fit with the team’s playing style. ⚽️✨

Dahlkemper’s journey has been nothing short of epic—she’s battled back from injuries and surgery to reclaim her spot as one of the league’s top defenders. Having been part of the USWNT’s World Cup-winning squad and earning accolades like NWSL Defender of the Year, her resume speaks for itself. Now, she’s bringing that championship pedigree back to her hometown, eager to lead Bay FC in their playoff push. Fans can’t wait to see her in action, donning the No. 13 jersey, as she gears up to make a big impact on and off the field. 🌟🏆

SERIE A NEWS

🥅 Goalie on the Go

Juventus Women have just bolstered their squad with the signing of Canadian goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx! 🧤 Born in Longueil, Quebec, Proulx's journey has taken her from Syracuse University in New York to the pitches of Europe and Australia. After stints at FC Laval, Portugal’s Torreense, Melbourne City in Australia, and most recently Bay FC in California, she's now ready to shine in the black and white stripes of Juventus. Known for her shot-stopping skills and fearless presence in goal, Proulx is set to add serious depth and experience to Juve’s lineup. Welcome to Turin, Lysianne! 🇨🇦⚽

Proulx’s globetrotting career shows she's not afraid of a challenge, and her next chapter with Juventus promises to be an exciting one. With her wealth of international experience and a college career that saw her dominate in the NCAA, she’s ready to make her mark in Serie A. Fans are already buzzing about what she’ll bring to the table—err, goalpost.

LIBERTY A-LEAGUE NEWS

⚽️ Victory’s Line-Up

Melbourne Victory is on a roll, bringing back 15 players from last season’s Liberty A-League Women’s squad for the 2024/25 season. Goalkeepers Lydia Williams and Courtney Newbon, along with a solid lineup of defenders and midfielders, are set to return, keeping the Victory’s core intact. The squad’s star power includes Matildas Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik, with Chidiac’s contract being one of the most significant in league history. The team is ready to kick off the new season with a strong lineup, aiming to improve upon last year’s performance and challenge for top honors. ⚽️🔥

While the Victory’s squad is looking solid, there are a few departures, with Jess Nash, Kurea Okino, and others not returning. Despite these changes, Head Coach Jeff Hopkins is optimistic, believing the team’s core strength and new additions will propel them to success. With pre-season training starting soon, Melbourne Victory is gearing up for an exciting season and is confident that their well-rounded squad will make a strong push in the A-League Women’s competition. 🚀👊

WSL NEWS

🔨 Hammer Time

West Ham United has secured the electrifying Colombian forward Manuela Paví from Deportivo Cali, marking their sixth summer signing! 🇨🇴⚒️ Paví, who’s earned her place with a three-year contract (pending a work permit), is ready to bring her firepower to East London. She’s thrilled to don the famous claret and blue, resonating with the working-class roots that mirror her own background in Colombia. Paví, who shone brightly in all four of Colombia’s Olympic fixtures, promises to be a force on the pitch, declaring herself as an “extension” of the passionate Hammers fans.

Paví’s journey from Deportivo Cali, where she won league titles in 2021 and 2024, to Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, and now to West Ham, shows her determination and skill. Manager Rehanne Skinner is buzzing about her new star, highlighting Paví’s knack for unlocking defenses and her high-energy play. With Paví wearing the No. 11 shirt, Hammers fans can expect nothing less than relentless commitment and thrilling football. Get ready, because Paví is about to light up London Stadium! 🔥⚽

PLAYER NEWS

Kansas ↔️ Columbia

Claire Hutton is rapidly emerging as one of the brightest young stars in the NWSL 🌟. At just 18, this Kansas City Current midfielder skipped college to go pro, and it’s paying off big time. In her rookie season, she's been a standout, reading the game like a seasoned vet, winning tackles, and creating chances—even from a less flashy defensive role. Her rise is reminiscent of other young phenoms like Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw, but Claire’s blend of technical skill, sharp soccer IQ, and undeniable flair make her truly special.

From playing varsity soccer with boys in high school to netting her first pro goal this August ⚽, Claire has consistently outshined expectations. Kansas City’s head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, believes she’s ready to rep the USWNT 🇺🇸, praising her ability to elevate the team and her potential to be a key player on the national stage. While she’s been compared to Julie Ertz, Claire’s inspirations lean more creative, drawing from legends like Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, and even Ronaldinho.

Now, Claire’s focused on her next big challenge—the U20 World Cup 🌍. If she keeps up this trajectory, it won’t be long before she’s rocking the USWNT jersey, with dreams of World Cups and Olympic glory on the horizon.

🏆 For Your Little Athlete

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!