Women's Soccer

The Best American Soccer Players On The Planet At This Exact Moment In Time

When compiling a list of the best American soccer players right now, it’s paramount to consider the sporting impact of COVID-19. For example, Megan Rapinoe received the 2019 Ballon d’Or as the best female footballer on the planet, but she’s played a total of 366 minutes in 2020 and probably won't add to that. 

With this list, we’ll celebrate the players that obviously stayed physically and mentally strong throughout quarantine before channeling that professionalism into a strong return to the pitch — whether that’s in the Bundesliga, Premier League or NWSL Challenge Cup.

NWSL Challenge Cup Injury Report Grows At An Alarming Rate

The NWSL Challenge Cup has taken the place of the season that was cancelled due to COVID-19. As the preliminary matches are coming to an end before the knockout rounds begin, many players are being tested to their limit. Even though this was the risk all players and coaches had to come to terms with to just get back to playing, the fatigue these players are experiencing is leaving many injured.

Mexican Defender Kenti Robles Part Of Real Madrid’s First Women’s Team

It’s been a long time coming but the Real Madrid Femenino team has finally arrived, and there’s some North American representation in the form of Mexican defender Kenti Robles.

Previously known as Club Deportivo Tacón, Real Madrid officially announced the absorption of the team back in June of 2019 following its promotion to the Primera División. The club spent the 2019-20 season as Tacón, finishing in 10th with a record of six wins, five draws and 10 defeats in a season that was brought to a premature end by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

NWSL Celebrates Pride Month By Highlighting Transformative Work Of Clubs And Players

On July 11, 2020, the National Women’s Soccer League announced that teams would use the matchdays of July 12 and 13 to show support for Pride Month.

The league itself wrote and released the press release, which is a new and groundbreaking move.

18-Pass Team Goal Lifts Washington Spirit Over Houston Dash In Challenge Cup

The Washington Spirt defeated the Houston Dash 1-0 in the final match of the preliminary round for both teams with Bayley Feist’s 16th-minute strike proving the difference.

Even without Rose Lavelle in the squad, the Spirit controlled the match while completing a Challenge Cup-best total of 507 passes. 18 of those came in one passage of play that included nine different Spirit players and ended with Feist providing the finish from the edge of the area.

The Most Beautiful Goals From The NWSL Challenge Cup So Far

The NWSLChallenge Cup is chock-full of talent and heart-racing moments. Since its restart back on June 27, the goals have been flying in — and boy are they beautiful.

Let’s take a look at some of them…

Best NWSL Challenge Cup Goals

In the opening match of the tournament starring the North Carolina Courage vs. the Portland Thorns, Lynn Williams took the cake. 

The No. 1 Request Inside The NWSL Athlete Village? Precious Caffeine

The National Women’s Soccer League athletes have taken many risks and sacrifices going into the Challenge Cup. While they are isolated in Salt Lake City, Utah, the players have spent the past few weeks strictly going to and from practice or matches and to get food from the cafeteria. With limited exposure and interaction from the outside world, these players need to follow precautionary measures to stay safe. While they can’t really go anywhere or see anyone, one thing these players requested as a top priority is good coffee.

Louisville’s NWSL Team Just Got An Amazing Rebrand

The Louisville NWSL team finally has an official name, and thankfully it’s not Proof Louisville FC as originally planned. Introducing Racing Louisville FC, which will become the 10th NWSL team in 2021. 

Kateryna Monzul Makes History As First Woman To Ref Ukrainian Cup Final

Kateryna Monzul will become the first female to take charge of the Ukrainian Cup final when Dynamo Kiev face Vorskla Poltava on Wednesday, the Ukrainian Football Association said on Monday.

Monzul, 39, was the first woman to referee a Ukrainian Premier League match when she took charge of Chornomorets Odesa against Volyn Lutsk in 2016.

She refereed the opening match of the 2015 Women's World Cup and the final between the United States and Japan as well as matches at the 2019 tournament including the quarterfinal.

Julie Ertz Shines, But NC Courage Get Last Laugh In Championship Rematch

A rematch of the 2019 NWSL Championship again finished in favor of the North Carolina Courage on Sunday thanks to an 81st minute header from captain Abby Erceg. The final scoreline was kinder to the Chicago Red Stars this time thanks to some inspirational play from Julie Ertz at the back, but the club is still stuck on one point from its opening three matches at the Challenge Cup. 

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