🏅OLYMPIC NEWS

🇧🇷 The Stage Is Set 🇺🇸

Salut, Footies! The stage 🏟️ is set for a nail-biting showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The USWNT has clinched their spot in the gold medal match, thanks to a dramatic 1-0 win over Germany. Sophia Smith's extra-time goal was the headline grabber, but Naomi Girma’s and Alyssa Nahaer’s ⭐️ defensive magic was the real game-changer. Their performances had social media buzzing and coaches like Emma Hayes declaring Girma the "best defender ever"—and trust us, Hayes has seen her share of defensive legends.

Meanwhile, Brazil pulled a surprise upset over Spain with a 4-2 victory to secure their place in the final. With Gabi Portilho and Adriana lighting up the scoreboard, and an own goal by Spain’s Irene Paredes adding to the drama, Brazil is now gearing up to face the USWNT for gold 🥇.

Bronze Medal Match August 9TH

9 AM 🇪🇸  Spain v 🇩🇪  Germany

Gold Medal Match August 10TH

11 AM 🇧🇷  Brazil v 🇺🇸  United States

All kick-off times are EST

NWSL NEWS

🏆 Summer Cup Runneth Over

The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup semifinals have set the stage for an exciting final showdown. Here’s a look at how the top teams made it through:

Kansas City Current 🌊 showcased their prowess with a decisive 2-0 victory over North Carolina Courage. Goals from Temwa Chawinga and Debinha were enough to secure their spot in the championship. Chawinga, back from injury, wasted no time making her mark, scoring just minutes into the game. Debinha added another with a slick finish to seal the deal. The Current’s defense, featuring standout performances from Alana Cook and Ellie Wheeler, kept the Courage at bay, while goalkeeper AD Franch made a crucial save 🧤 to preserve the clean sheet. Kansas City will face Gotham FC in the final on October 25 in San Antonio.

Gotham FC🦇 edged out Angel City FC 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from Delanie Sheehan. Gotham’s defense, led by a stellar performance from goalkeeper Cassie Miller, held strong, despite Angel City’s best efforts and 14 corner kicks. Sheehan’s goal came just after halftime, proving to be the game-winner. Gotham FC’s resilience was impressive, especially with several key players missing due to international duties. They now look forward to facing Kansas City in the championship 🏆, determined to make their mark.

Catch the action on October 25th kickoff is at 8 PM!

MEDIA NEWS

📺 Out With The Old

Midge Purce is not just a goal-scoring dynamo; she's now tackling the media world with a brand new show and a big idea. Fresh off an ACL injury that kept her from the Paris Olympics, Purce is turning her attention to rebranding the NWSL. Her gripe? The league’s marketing strategy is a cookie-cutter copy of men’s sports—think MLS imitators and Euro football “kits” that miss the mark.

Purce’s solution? Her show, The Offseason, which promises to shake up the way women’s sports are marketed. Imagine a reality show where 11 athletes live together in Miami, mixing on-field drama with off-field antics. If you’re picturing a cross between sports docuseries and reality TV, you’re on the right track. The goal is to give women’s sports their own unique identity, not just a regurgitation of what’s worked for men.

The show aims to attract a new audience and revitalize interest in the NWSL, similar to how Drive to Survive redefined Formula One and Full Swing gave golf a fresh spin. As sports and entertainment intersect more deeply, Purce’s The Offseason is positioning itself as the next big thing in sports media. And with sports and entertainment being described as nearly “bulletproof” by experts, Purce's venture could be a game-changer.

NWSL NEWS

🏟️ Aurora's Pro Pursuit

The Minnesota Aurora are making a strong push to become the 16th team in the NWSL by 2026. With a solid fan base and substantial investor backing, they’re in the running for a league expansion slot. The Aurora’s home matches at TCO Stadium have consistently drawn impressive crowds, even in adverse weather, highlighting their strong community support. 🌟

After being outbid in the last expansion round, the Aurora have come prepared with new investors and a well-established track record. They’ve also secured a four-year, $240 million media deal with the NWSL, underscoring their financial commitment. 💰 The NWSL’s expansion process, however, is competitive, with recent team valuations soaring—San Diego Wave was sold for $120 million, a significant increase from its initial price.

Andrea Yoch, Aurora’s co-founder, pointed to their impressive attendance figures and local engagement as key strengths in their bid. They’re also emphasizing their need for a dedicated practice facility, a criterion the league values, although specific details about their proposed facilities remain under wraps.

If their bid for the NWSL isn’t successful, the Aurora are exploring other ⚽ professional leagues, such as the USL Super League. Regardless of the outcome, the Aurora plan to stay active with their current league and community initiatives, ensuring their growth and relevance in the soccer landscape.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

🌏 World Cup Bound

The Lionesses amputee squad is about to make history, heading to their first-ever World Cup in Colombia this November! 🎉 This team, representing the England Amputee Football Association, is breaking barriers and proving that football isn’t just for those with two fully functional legs.

From grassroots games to international glory, the squad has shown incredible determination and skill. But they need a bit of a boost to get there. The women’s football community is rallying to support them with fundraising efforts. 💪

So, dig deep and lend a hand—or a foot! Donate to their cause and leave a message of support to cheer them on as they prepare to make their World Cup debut. Let's help them shine on the global stage! 🌟 DONATE.

LIGA F NEWS

🙅🏻‍♀️ “Never Say Never”

Aitana Bonmati, Barcelona midfielder and 2023 Ballon d'Or winner, might be one of Barcelona's favorite midfielder, but she's not closing any doors—literally. Despite her deep roots at the Catalan club, Bonmati is keeping her options open for a potential move to the Women’s Super League (WSL) or the NWSL.

With her contract expiring next summer ☀️ and Chelsea reportedly eyeing her as they plot life after Emma Hayes, the 26-year-old is playing her cards close to her chest. Bonmati, who’s currently focused on playing with her international team, Spain, at the Olympics, has made it clear: “Never say never.” So, while Barcelona might offer her a hefty deal to stay and top the pay scale, don’t be surprised if this midfielder decides to dance across the Atlantic for a new adventure. Bonmati will be battling for an Olympic bronze 🥉 medal with Spain set to face with Germany today, August 9th at 9AM.

COLLEGIATE NEWS

📆 Big West Unveils 2024 Schedule

The Big West has just dropped its 2024 women’s soccer schedule 📆, and it’s more packed than a crowded stadium on game day! The season kicks off on August 15 with non-conference games before diving into the heart of league play on September 19. Teams will battle through a 10-game round-robin, wrapping up with the championship extravaganza on November 3, 7, and 10.

Get ready for some high-stakes matchups:

• Sept. 22: CSUN's new head coach, Gina Brewer, will face defending champs Cal State Fullerton. It’s a welcome-to-the-league moment for Brewer!

• Oct. 3: A rematch of last year’s Big West Championship as UC Irvine squares off against Cal Poly. Spoiler: The ‘Eaters took the trophy last time!

• Oct. 17: The Titans vs. the Anteaters—Fullerton vs. Irvine—a clash of the titans (and champions)!

• Oct. 27: Long Beach State’s chance for revenge against UC Irvine, after last year’s dramatic penalty shootout.

Amidst the action, the Big West says goodbye to Cal Poly's legendary head coach, Alex Crozier, who’s retiring after a stellar career. With a record 10 conference titles and three Big West Tournament victories, Crozier’s departure is like the end of an epic saga.

UC Irvine, last year’s champions, continues to ride high. Their path to glory includes thrilling victories over top teams and a solid run in the NCAA Championship🏆. Can they make it four in a row?

🏆 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!

WSL NEWS

🏃‍♀️ Awujo Alert 🚨

Manchester United is close to finalizing a three-year deal for Canadian midfielder Simi Awujo, pending visa approval. The 20-year-old star, who impressed at the Paris Olympics, is set to bolster the Red Devils' midfield following the departures of Katie Zelem and Irene Guerrero.

Awujo, formerly with USC Trojans and now a Canadian international, is the fifth summer signing for United. Meanwhile, Manchester City has secured England youth keeper Eve Annets from Reading, who’s excited to return to her Manchester roots.

With the WSL season kicking off on September 21-22, expect a dynamic start to the new season at Old Trafford! 🌟🏆

FRAUEN-BUNDESLIGA NEWS

Australia To Germany 🛫

Melbourne Victory have scored big by selling their young 🇦🇺 Aussie gem, Jamilla Rankin, to Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 21-year-old full-back, who’s been dazzling for Victory since joining last season, is off to Europe’s top tier. After just a season with Melbourne and a solid stint at Brisbane Roar, Rankin’s on the move for an undisclosed fee, signaling a major step up in her career.

John Didulica, Victory’s football director, is thrilled to see Rankin take on this new challenge and believes it’s a crucial milestone for Australian women’s football ⚽️, expanding their international footprint. Meanwhile, Victory will keep cheering from afar, hoping Rankin lights up the Bundesliga and sets a new standard for Aussie talent abroad.

SERIE A NEWS

🇮🇹 Italian Job

Ugandan forward Nambi Ssebunya is set to make waves in Italian football after signing a two-year contract with Napoli Femminile. After shining in Sweden and Austria, and representing Uganda’s national team, Ssebunya is ready to bring her flair to Serie A. She’s thrilled about joining Napoli and is eager to help the team snag some silverware 🏆.

Her move is a big win not just for her, but also for Ugandan football as a whole. Coach Ayubu Khalifah is excited about the extra spotlight it brings to Ssebunya and hopes it opens doors for more Ugandan players in Europe. With other Ugandan talents already making their mark across the continent, Ssebunya’s transfer is another step forward for the country’s growing football scene 🌍.

FRAUEN-BUNDESLIGA NEWS

🇸🇪 Swede Dreams and Defensive Schemes

FC Bayern Munich Frauen have just snagged Julia Zigiotti Olme from Brighton & Hove Albion, giving them a much-needed midfield boost. With their star signing Lena Oberdorf sidelined due to a knee injury from the Paris Olympics, Bayern needed someone to step up and fill the gap. Enter Zigiotti Olme, the Swedish dynamo with a knack for defensive heroics.

At 26, Zigiotti Olme is set to bring her versatile game to Bayern for the next two years 📆. Known for her defensive chops—think tackles, interceptions, and blocks galore—she’s the perfect fit to shore up Bayern’s midfield while Oberdorf recovers. Bayern's technical director, Francisco De Sá Fardilha, is buzzing about her arrival, calling her a flexible, ambitious player ready to make her mark.

Zigiotti Olme herself is over the moon 🌖, calling the move a "dream come true." She’s eager to help Bayern continue its legacy of success and is ready to dive into the Champions League with all her might. Her track record includes 32 appearances for Sweden and a reputation for giving 100% on the pitch

📚 Football Lexicon

What is a volley?

A volley in soccer is when a player kicks the ball mid-air, showcasing precision and skill. The term originates from military artillery, where a "volley" was a coordinated strike—a fitting name for this powerful move in the game. Check out a mind blowing Sam Kerr volley here.