#ThankYouAlexMorgan

00:14 September 6th

Hola Footies! The UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers brought the heat with Paris FC and Arsenal lighting up the scoreboard with a goal fest! 🔥 Meanwhile, get ready for more action as the U-20 Women’s World Cup and NWSL keep rolling this weekend, and Liga F kicks off their 24/25 season. Oh, and did we mention that Alex Morgan retired and the Ballon d’Or nominees are out? A few surprises there 👀. Plus, the NWSL Golden Boot race is getting spicy, and the transfer buzz keeps on coming with trades and contract extensions flying around!

UPCOMING GAMES

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Atletico Madrid v Rangers 7am

Eintracht Frankfurt v Minsk FK 8am

Ajax v Florentina 10:30am

Paris FC v Sparta Prague 12pm

Arsenal v Rosenborg 2:30pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

CLUB FRIENDLIES

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Chelsea v Feyenoord 7am

Lyon v Juventus 11am

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Spain v New Morocco 7pm

USA v Paraguay 7pm

SEPTEMBER 8TH

Austria v Japan 7pm

New Zealand v Ghana 7pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

NWSL

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Angel City v Seattle Reign 10pm

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Spirit v Thorns 12:30pm

Current v Royals 7:30pm

Bay FC v Racing 10pm

SEPTEMBER 8TH

Gotham v Dash 1pm

Red Stars v Pride 6pm

Wave FC v Courage 8pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

USL

SEPTEMBER 6TH

Carolina Ascent v Ft. Lauderdale 7:30pm

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Dallas Trinity v DC Power 8pm

SEPTEMBER 8TH

Lexington SC v Tampa Bay 7:30pm

Spokane v Brooklyn 9pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Liga F

SEPTEMBER 6TH

RCD Espanyol v Real Madrid 2pm

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Seville FC v Sociedad 2:30pm

SEPTEMBER 8TH

Deportivo v Barcelona 12pm

Atl. Madrid v Granada 2pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

🇫🇷 Back to Paris

Ballon d’Or Twitter

The 2024 Women’s Ballon d'Or shortlist has dropped, and it’s already causing a buzz! With 30 players nominated, five from the USWNT made the cut after their gold medal run at the Olympics: Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, and Alyssa Naeher. 💪🇺🇸 They’re joined by five players from Spain’s World Cup-winning squad: Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Patri Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo, and the two-time winner Alexia Putellas, back after recovering from an ACL injury.

Aitana Bonmati stands out as the favorite to take home the award this year, with her remarkable Champions League performance for FC Barcelona. Speaking of Barca, Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen also made the list after a stellar year for both club and country! 🇳🇴 However, fans are stunned by the omission of Naomi Girma, a defensive rock for the USWNT and San Diego Wave. 😲 Many expected her to be included after her consistent top-tier performances.

Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga and Zambia’s Barbra Banda represent Africa on the shortlist. Banda, in particular, made Olympic history by becoming the first player to score three hat tricks in the games. 🎯

As for the Coach of the Year award, big names like Emma Hayes (now managing the USWNT), Sarina Wiegman (England), and Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit) have earned nominations. With the ceremony taking place on October 28, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll take home the big honors! 🌟

#ThankYouAlex

USWNT Twitter

After 15 glorious years with the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), Alex Morgan has officially announced her retirement – and no, it’s not because she's tired of scoring goals (though she did manage to rack up a casual 123). It turns out she’s stepping away to focus on a new kind of "goal"—her growing family! That’s right, in addition to hanging up her cleats, Morgan shared the exciting news that she’s expecting baby number two. 🍼

Her last dance on the field will be this Sunday, September 8, as San Diego Wave FC takes on North Carolina Courage. Talk about going out with a bang! Morgan, who’s been an absolute force since making her debut in 2010, has done it all—two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a legacy that has paved the way for the next generation of soccer stars. 🌟

Reflecting on her journey, Morgan said it best: "Soccer’s been a part of me for 30 years." From teaming up with Abby Wambach to dominate on the world stage, to leading the U.S. charge at multiple World Cups, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes—one of whom is her very own daughter, Charlie. The 4-year-old already dreams of becoming a soccer player, proving that Morgan’s impact goes far beyond the field. 👧

With her iconic pink headband and unstoppable drive, Morgan hasn’t just played the game; she’s changed it. From her fierce play on the pitch to her fight for equal pay, she’s been at the forefront of pushing women’s soccer into the global spotlight. And now, as she trades the locker room for playdates, her legacy will keep kicking. 🏅

So here’s to Alex Morgan—legend, trailblazer, and soon-to-be mom of two. Thanks for all the goals, the memories, and the inspiration. We’ll miss seeing you on the field, but something tells us you're just getting started. 👑

NWSL NEWS

🧳 Free Agents on the Loose

Marta Idk GIF by Orlando Pride

NWSL’s free agency window is heating up, and it’s all eyes on the top talents. Reigning MVP Kerolin and GOAT Marta lead the pack, while fresh names like Midge Purce and Sophie Schmidt have been added to the free agent roster. But don’t panic, fans! Just because they’re on the list doesn’t guarantee they’re packing their bags—clubs may still lock them in with better contracts. Veterans like Alyssa Naeher and Christine Sinclair might not be flying off the shelves, though, given those hefty salaries. 🤑

On the Orlando Pride front, they are simply unstoppable this season. With a perfect record and Adriana playing like she’s from another planet, this team is setting records left and right. The rest of the league? Scrambling to keep up. 😅 Speaking of making a difference, trades like Abby Dahlkemper’s move to Bay FC are already proving their worth—she scored on her debut and helped her team win! Jaelin Howell’s trade to Seattle has her showing love to former teammates, but her new squad is all about winning.

TRADE NEWS

💸 Dollar Dollar Bills

money GIF

The women’s soccer transfer market just went boom! Spending reached a record-smashing $6.8 million in 2024’s mid-year window, more than double last year’s $3.02 million. 📈 Over 1,100 transfers were recorded, a 30% rise from 2023, and WSL clubs led the charge with £1.78 million splashed on new talent. Liverpool made headlines by snapping up Canadian teen Olivia Smith for £210k 💸, marking their highest-ever spend. Meanwhile, free agents were on the move in droves—939 to be exact—while only 109 permanent deals involved fees.

As women's football continues to capitalize on post-World Cup momentum, the US led with 128 new players, powered by the launch of the United Soccer League. England and Spain also flexed their financial muscles, with Spain spending $1.35 million to sign 84 players, second only to the US. Despite the growth, the numbers are still a drop in the ocean compared to men’s soccer, where billions are flying around. ⚽💰

U20 WWC NEWS

🏆 U20 Action

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia has kicked off, and the excitement is building with each match! The tournament has already seen some standout performances, and as the group stage progresses, the pressure is mounting for teams aiming to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

Germany, Nigeria, Paraguay, and Spain have all started strong, each securing victories in their opening games. Spain's narrow 1-0 win over the USA showcased their tactical edge, while Paraguay’s solid 2-0 triumph over Morocco displayed their defensive discipline. Germany's commanding 5-2 win against Venezuela put them in a strong position as they chase more points in the group stages. Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to impress with a four-match winning streak, underlining their status as a team to watch. 🇩🇪🇳🇬

On the flip side, the USA, Korea Republic, and Morocco face a tough battle to keep their tournament dreams alive after opening losses. These teams will need to bring their A-game as they fight to avoid an early exit and turn the tide in their upcoming fixtures.

Keep your eyes on key matchups like Spain vs. Paraguay and USA vs. Morocco, as each game is crucial in determining which teams will advance! 🌟

UWCL NEWS

🧤 Champions League Ambitions

🚀 The Women's Champions League drama continues this weekend, but the first round of qualifiers filled the nets! Atlético Madrid Femenino is out after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Rosenborg. Talk about a high-stakes game of “guess the right spot”! 🤯 Meanwhile, Arsenal breezed past Rangers 6-0, with Caitlin Foord scoring a haul (that’s 4 goals) and showing that she’s not just about scoring goals—she’s about scoring ALL the goals. Arsenal's impressive win means they’re on to face Rosenborg next for a shot at the group stage. 💪

On a different note, Demise Zenaf Senaf Wakuma is ready to lead the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) WFC to glory in the CAF Women’s Champions League 2024. After a top scorer performance in the CECAFA qualifiers, Wakuma is determined to make history and put CBE on the continental map. 🏆🌍

NWSL NEWS

🏅Putellas Props

The NWSL is kicking it up a notch, and Alexia Putellas has noticed! With 13 years of action-packed soccer under its belt, the NWSL isn't just making headlines for thrilling games. The league's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to transform player welfare, abolishing the draft system and ensuring direct negotiations, improved pay, and top-notch facilities. 🏟️💰

Putellas, the two time Ballon d'Or Feminin winner, is giving major props to the NWSL's player-first approach and hoping Spain's Liga F takes note. She’s calling out her home country to step up their game, suggesting that Spain should not just bask in its World Cup glory but also emulate the NWSL’s forward-thinking policies. 🇪🇸🏆

With the NWSL’s increased media deals and rising stadium attendance, it’s clear the league is setting a new standard for women’s soccer. Meanwhile, Spain’s recent moves towards equal pay and professionalization are good steps, but according to Putellas, they need to go even further. Watch out, world—Spain might just take a page from the NWSL’s playbook! 📈✨

WSL NEWS

🥅 Bizet Joins United

Premier League Football GIF by Curtains Cool

Gif by equipedefrance on Giphy

Manchester United have snapped up Norway’s Celin Bizet from Tottenham, marking their sixth signing of the summer. 🌟 The 22-year-old forward, who netted four goals in the WSL last season, is set to bring her scoring prowess to Old Trafford after a successful medical and pre-season training in Marbella. With her excitement as palpable as the club’s hunger for fresh talent, Bizet aims to ignite the Red Devils’ attack and create those memorable moments in front of the famous United fans. 🔥

  • 🔥 The Houston Dash have sealed the deal with their local hero, Bárbara Olivieri, extending her contract for two more years starting January 2025. 🎉 The Katy, Texas native, who’s been making waves since her debut in 2023, will continue to light up the field with her hometown club. Olivieri, who’s already notched two goals this season and dazzled with her performances in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, is excited to keep the good times rolling in Houston. 🌟

  • Crystal Palace have swooped in to sign Sweden’s rising star, My Cato, on a three-year deal from IFK Norrköping. 🦅 The 22-year-old midfielder, who captained her former team and recently made her senior Sweden debut, is ready to tackle the Women’s Super League with her new squad. Palace’s head of women’s football, Grace Williams, is buzzing about Cato’s arrival, calling her a “really exciting talent”—and given Palace's 10 new signings this summer, they’re clearly gearing up for a thrilling WSL debut! 🌟

  • 🔥 Temwa Chawinga is turning heads in the NWSL with her record-breaking form, becoming the first player in league history to score in seven consecutive games. The Malawian striker’s dazzling performance has her leading the Golden Boot race and propelling Kansas City Current toward a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Zambia’s Barbra Banda and other African stars continue to shine, but they’ve got their work cut out if they want to catch up to Chawinga’s blistering pace. ⚽️

  • 🏆✨ The NWSL is shining a spotlight on off-field heroes with the 2024 Lauren Holiday Impact Award nominees! This year’s list features 14 players who are not just kicking goals but also making waves in their communities—from Rocky Rodríguez's work with Las Fotos Project to Shae Holmes' efforts with MS I’m Possible. Each nominee will be celebrated at their club’s Appreciation Night, and the fan-favorite will snag extra funds for their cause. 👏

  • 🇵🇹⚽️ Portugal is dribbling towards a new goal: hosting the 2029 Women’s Euro! The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is gunning to follow up their men’s Euro 2004 success with a grand showcase for women's football, hoping to beat out joint bids from Denmark and Sweden.

  • 🌟⚽️ Lauren James is kicking off the LJ10 Scholarship, a game-changing initiative to boost diversity in women’s football! With her scholarship, James is not just dribbling past defenders but also breaking barriers, offering young girls from minority backgrounds the chance to shine. This month marks the start of this inspiring program, which promises to give these future stars the support they need to score big in their careers. 🙌🏽

  • 🚑⚽️ Bad news for the Washington Spirit: Croix Bethune is sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season with a torn meniscus, putting a pause on her dazzling debut year. After setting the NWSL record for most assists in a single season and making a splash with the USWNT, Bethune’s knee injury is a tough break for both her and the team. She’ll be missed, but here’s hoping her recovery is speedy and she’ll be back to dazzling on the field soon!

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