As part of the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend festivities, the Phoenix Mercury officially opened the doors to their new state-of-the-art practice facility on Thursday.

Along with a host of player-driven amenities, the 58,000-square-foot, $100 million property showcases two full-sized basketball courts named after veteran Mercury star Diana Taurasi, complete with a one-of-a-kind Taurasi-inspired logo.

Phoenix mercury players celebrating at the new team training center's diana taurasi courts during wnba all-star weekend
The Mercury hosted a grand opening for their new practice facility during WNBA All-Star Weekend. (Phoenix Mercury)

The Diana Taurasi courts pay tribute to the three-time WNBA champion, six-time Olympian, 11-time WNBA All-Star, and the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer.

"Phoenix is the best basketball city in the world and continues to elevate the standard in women’s professional sports," said Mercury owner Mat Ishbia in a team release. "This practice facility is about hard work, passion, and greatness, all attributes that Diana Taurasi exemplifies, and we are honored to name our basketball courts after the greatest women’s basketball player of all time."

phoenix mercury weight room
From training to recovery, each aspect of the Mercury's new facility is geared toward player conditioning. (Phoenix Mercury)

With 24-hour access for players and staff, the practice courts feature built-in technologies capable of providing real-time performance analytics. The facility also includes a strength and cardio training area, indoor and outdoor turf training areas, a functional movement area, and a team meeting room with theater-style seating.

Amenities specific to athlete recovery are also on hand, including a dedicated physician and testing room, recovery room, hydrotherapy room with hot and cold plunge pools, freestanding underwater treadmill, and two massage rooms. The locker room is home to vanity stations, a sauna, a steam room, and a wellness room.

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In addition to recovery and training areas, the facility also showcases a stocked player lounge. (Phoenix Mercury)

An area for players to relax and refuel, the onsite player lounge and kitchen is stocked with private chef, snack bar, pantry, and smoothie bar.

"This practice facility sets the standard for what it means to invest in women’s sports," said Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein. "From performance to recovery to team culture, we are providing our players with the space and amenities they need to be and feel their best."

phoenix mercury training facility
The new training center is a part the Player 15 Group's downtown Phoenix campus. (Phoenix Mercury)

The Mercury's practice facility is located inside the Player 15 Group's team member campus, headquarters to owner Mat Ishbia’s sports, entertainment, real estate, and investment company. the Player 15 Group's team member campus. Debuting this past April, the grounds also house business facilities for the Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Suns, Valley Suns, and arena operations.

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Editor’s note: Matt J. Wood, a photographer based in Chicago, was on hand for the Chicago Red Stars’ quarterfinal win over Gotham FC on Sunday. What follows are his thoughts and images from the game.

Sunshine and smiles reigned in Chicago for the NWSL quarterfinals.

Mallory Pugh’s decisive second-half strike earned the Red Stars a spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 win over Gotham FC.

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After a tense first half, Pugh sent SeatGeek Stadium into elation — and relief — in the 60th minute when she ran onto a pass from Sarah Woldmoe and curled the ball toward the far post and past Gotham goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

Before the game, Red Stars forward Kealia Watt was asked, “How nice is it to be playing this game at home?”

“It’s huge,” Watt said, and the fans did not disappoint, with 7,027 showing up to watch Chicago advance in the NWSL playoffs.

I was lucky enough to catch the action with my camera from the sidelines. Below are my favorite shots from a beautiful day.

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When Carli Lloyd removed her cleats and walked off the field for the final time as a member of the United States women’s national team, one of the greatest chapters in soccer history came to an end.

After 17 years with the national team, two World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, two FIFA Player of the Year awards and the third-most goals on the USWNT’s all-time list, Lloyd is leaving the game as a legend and entering the next phase of her life.

On Tuesday night, in front of 18,115 fans at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minn., Lloyd gave us one more show. Taking the field against Korea Republic with a lineup full of younger players, the 39-year-old forward created several scoring opportunities in front of net before subbing off in the 66th minute and officially passing the torch.

Bri Lewerke was on the scene Tuesday for Just Women’s Sports to capture Lloyd’s sendoff during the USWNT’s 6-0 win.

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Lloyd, one of the most clutch scorers in national team history, celebrated two first-half goals with her teammates. The first came in the ninth minute from Lindsey Horan, who will wear Lloyd’s No. 10 into the next chapter for the USWNT.

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Before she left the field to make way for Alex Morgan, Lloyd peeled off her jersey to reveal one underneath. On the back of the second No. 10 jersey was her married name, Hollins.

Lloyd’s husband, Brian Hollins, was in the stands Tuesday along with her mother, father and a large group of family and friends.

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At the end of the game, USWNT players and staff gathered around Lloyd at midfield for a video tribute and final remarks.

Addressing the crowd in Minnesota, Lloyd thanked everyone who has played a role in her long and storied career, bid farewell to the sport and delivered a parting message.

“You will not see me on the field, but you best believe that I will be around helping this game grow,” she said.

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One. Last. Ride.

Last Wednesday, the Carli Lloyd Farewell Tour made its most important stop … right back to where it all began.

In front of 10,000 fans on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Delran, N.J.’s very own took the field at Subaru Park for one final homecoming game. Before Lloyd officially calls it quits on her legendary soccer career, the 39-year-old did not disappoint.

Just Women’s Sports‘s Jesse Louie was on hand to capture the historic moment in Gotham FC’s 0-0 draw with the Washington Spirit.

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Playoff energy was in the air as Gotham and Washington battled it out with seeding on the line. The back-and-forth match went the full 90 minutes without a score, sending both clubs home with a point. The Spirit currently lead Gotham by one point in the NWSL standings.

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After the final whistle blew, Lloyd gave a passionate speech, thanking everyone who’s had a hand in her soccer journey, and received a celebratory Body Armor bath courtesy of her Gotham teammates.

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“I’m going to miss the big moments, the World Cup, the Olympics,” Lloyd said. “I’m going to miss this, the grind every single day.”

We’ll miss it, too.

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My entrance into sports photography began years ago on the sidelines of Yurcak Field to see Lloyd at work. As a fellow New Jersey native and Rutgers alum, I’ve cherished each and every time I’ve been able to capture her on the pitch. To be on the ground for her final stop on the East coast is something I will never forget.

Jesse Louie is the Senior Social Producer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow him on Instagram @jesselouie.

See them, be them.

For every home game, the players of Gotham FC are bringing the heat to Red Bull Arena and giving you the inside scoop on what outfits they’re rocking.

The fourth edition of The Net Gala is no exception.

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Midge Purce

The subtle flex of pairing FOG sweats with 11s is something only the queen of cozy could pull off. Add in the monochromatic top, and this look is a completed masterpiece.

Top: Nike Yoga Top

Shoes: Jordan 11 (similar) 

Set: Fear of God by Jerry Lorenzo (top)  + Fear of God by Jerry Lorenzo (bottom)

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Mandy Freeman

Seeing the high-low combo of Burberry, Louis, and vintage pickups is like watching Alain Ducasse cook up an A5 Wagyu burger and topping it with a slice of Kraft Singles. By that, I mean that Mandy is out here reimagining conventional norms and serving us some of the most unique fits in the league.

Top: Burberry (secondhand here)

Leather vest: Vintage from goodwill 

Blazer: Vintage

Bag: Louis Vuitton (similar)

Boots: Tommy Hilfiger (similar)

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Paige Monaghan

Argyle is having a moment, and Paige is living her best life in it. Add in the tennis skirt (shoutout to the US Open, being played just 20 miles away from Red Bull Arena) and I, like the crowd behind her, am feelin’ it!

Sunglasses: Nordstrom

Top: Garage (sold out but similar)

Bottom: Garage

Shoes: Nike

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Domi Richardson

Domi really said, “Summer isn’t over until I say so” with this sherbet-inspired look. And you know what? She’s right.

Top and Pants: Zara (pants) Zara (top)

Blazer: Mandy Freeman’s Closet

Shoes: Nike Pixel AF1

Bag: Urban Outfitters

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Caprice Dydasco

Double denim with the Beatle boots??? JEANius, Caprice. Pure JEANius.

Jacket: Aritzia

Shirt: Reformation

Jeans: Ksubi

Boots: Schutz

Bag: Louis Vuitton

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Brianna Pinto

Bag secured, literally.

Backpack Brianna™️ is all about that three stripe life.

Top: Find Your Football 

Pants: Adicolor Trefoil 3D Track Pants

Shoes: NMD_R1

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Nicole Baxter

“Mom, it’s not a phase. It’s a lifestyle!!!” — Nicole Baxter on always using her platform for good and spreading awareness with her fits.

T-shirt: Meg Reyes x Gotham FC

Shoes: Nike (similar)

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Imani Dorsey

Easy, breezy. Imani’s pregame vibe is vacation mode, but don’t get it twisted. Once the shades are off and the uniform is on, she’s all business.

Overshirt: ASOS 

Tank: ASOS

Shorts: Levi’s 

Shoes: Vagabond

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Estelle Johnson

When I grow up, I want to be as cool as Estelle. The forces, the paisley shorts, the Gucci crossbody. *chef’s kiss*

Top: Lululemon 

Shorts: Ryoko Rain (sold out but similar)

Shoes: Nike 

Fanny: Gucci

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Ify Onumonu

Rumor has it that NBA teams rock all-black fits in rivalry games to honor the “funeral” of their opponents. I’d like to think that Gotham leading goal-scorer Ify rocked this fit as an homage to all of the ankles she’s snatched this season. 😉

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Pants: Motel Rocks

Shirt: Nordstrom (similar)

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)
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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

McCall Zerboni

🎶 ‘Cause she never goes out of style, she never goes out of style 🎶

McCall 🤝  Taylor

Shirt: poshmark vintage 1989 Taylor Swift (similar)

Jeans: Jamie Skinny Crop Cut

Shoes: Adidas Nizza High top

Purse: Gucci

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(Ashley Intile/Gotham FC)

Bonus round: Kailen Sheridan & Evelyne Viens

Saving the best for last, because when you win gold, you just gotta show it off.

Also, here’s to sneakily hoping this trend continues during the last few weeks of this NWSL season. 🤞

Yukatas: Toyko

Gold Medals: Tokyo

The stars were shining bright as the Phoenix Mercury came into Brooklyn for a Friday night showdown against the New York Liberty.

Queens native and Tennis Icon Naomi Osaka was in the building to cheer on her new bff, Sabrina Ionescu, and take in her first WNBA game, but Skylar Diggins and Diana Taurasi had plans of their own.

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Sitting baseline for the first time during this pandemic, I had the best view at Barclays to witness the Mercury snatch their 6th-straight win.

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🎶 Gotta hit them angles 🎶

Fits so nice, Gotham FC had to shoot ’em twice. Two photographers were a must for this week’s issue of The Net Gala, which highlights the players’ top pregame outfits before every Gotham home game.

This past weekend, Gotham players showed out before their game with Racing Louisville.

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Kailen Sheridan and Erica Skroski

Blessed by Canadian Royalty! Decked out in maple leafs, gold medalist Kailen Sheridan makes her Net Gala debut with BFF Erica Skroski by her side.

Gold Medal: Tokyo

Hoodie: Canada Women’s National Team

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@lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Caprice Dydasco

Cap never misses, figuratively and literally. Caprice rocks the leopard-print bucket and overlapped denim jeans all while celebrating a birthday this week. Twenty-eight is off to a great start!

Hat: Lack of Color

Sunglasses: Illesteva

Top: Zara

Pants: Agolde

Shoes: Adidas

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Domi Richardson

When you have to turn heads at 8 a.m. and break ankles at 9 — Domi lives by the mantra, “Ball is life.”

Dress: Zara

Bag: Zara

Shoes: Kyrie 7s – Brooklyn Beats

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Estelle Johnson

Some people say overalls are back. Estelle says they never left.

Hat: Amazon Fashion

Top: Forever 21

Overalls: Nordstrom Rack (similar cut) (similar color)

Shoes: Superga 

Bag: Louis Vuitton

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@lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Ify Onumonu

The most casual flex of the week goes to Ify. Wearing open-toed Birks before the game, she flashed the very feet that would smash the equalizer hours later. This is chess, not checkers.

Sunglasses: Ray Bans

Top: Motel Rocks 

Shorts: &other stories

Shoes: Birkenstocks

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Imani Dorsey

Rockstar vibes ⚡️⚡️⚡️. Imani is levels deep with this fit, including the vest, the flare and the Ministry of Women tee.

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar)

T-shirt: Republica Humana

Vest: L Train Vintage

Jeans: Mango (similar)

Shoes: Steve Madden

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Jen Cudjoe

Jen’s fit is icy at first glance. But as you dive deeper, you realize the textures, patterns and complementary colors. This is art.

Top: Shein (now Amazon)

Jeans: Fashion Nova

Sneakers: Abo Sneakers

Bag: Adidas

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@thelookalive - Gotham FC

Mandy Freeman

Mandy pulls up to Red Bull Arena every week with something new and innovative, and we have no choice but to bow down. She is the main character.

Jacket: Vintage from MyUnique thrift 

Top: Vintage from 2nd Ave Value Thrift Store

Pants: Vintage

Shoes: Fenty Puma

Bag: Brahmin 

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Mandy McGlynn

“Checks over stripes. That’s what I like – Drake” – Mandy McGlynn during her Net Gala Debut. ✔

Dress: Nike (similar)

Shoes: Nike

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@lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Midge Purce

The sprinklers in the back must have gone off because of all the heat Midge brought to Harrison, N.J. White Oreo 4s, quilted crop, bandana and rose-colored glasses — Midge is different. 😤

Pants: Nike

Top: Nike

Shoes: Air Jordan 4 Retro White Oreo

Bag: Amazon

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@thelookalive / @lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Paige Monaghan

Paige came through drippin’ in Garage, and we can’t blame her. 🔥

Shirt: Garage

Bottoms: Garage

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@lilllmoose - Gotham FC

Nicole Baxter

Rocking docs in the summer and flashing one of the new tops from her Chnge hookup, Nicole is fully committed to the game. Nothing but respect for everything Nicole Baxter does.

Sunglasses: Ray Bans

Shirt: Chnge 

Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Shoes: Doc Martens (similar)

The sideline is the new runway in the NWSL.

Players throughout the league aren’t messing around with pregame fashion this season. While the idea of gameday fits isn’t necessarily new, the range of the players’ styles has reached new levels this year.

Gotham FC has been at the forefront of the movement. To give you a better understanding of what goes into each player’s fashion choices, we’ll be highlighting the fits from every Gotham home game for the rest of the 2021 season.

Welcome to the very first issue of The Net Gala.

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Mandy Freeman

Sustain a knee injury, but make it ✨ fashion ✨. Freeman has been bringing it each and every week, so it’s only fitting that she was able to turn her mobility cane into the hottest in-season accessory.

Top: Vintage — JNCO Jeans 

Pants: Thrifted 

Boots: Ganni

Cane: Hackensack University Medical

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@thelookalive/Gotham FC

Midge Purce

The shades and tank are mandatory in New Jersey’s summer heat, but the purse lets everyone know Purce is all business.

Bag: Dagne Dover

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Paige Monaghan

Stripes over checks and a little black dress. Balllllller.

Sunglasses: Quay

Earrings: Mejuri

Necklace: “P initial” David Von

Necklace (Herringbone): Madewell

Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch

Shoes: Adidas

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Imani Dorsey

All about those neutrals. Dorsey’s monochromatic game is unmatched — just look at the matching bucket and high-waisted cropped jean combo. 🔥

Hat: Adidas

Shoes: Adidas

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Tank: Zara

Pants: Zara

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC
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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Estelle Johnson

“They act like two legends cannot coexist.” — Estelle Johnson while rocking the throwback Crystal Dunn jersey.

Boots: Doc Martens

Jeans: Pistola

Kit: Game-worn Crystal Dunn Jersey

Sunglasses: Amazon

Bucket Hat: Burberry

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC
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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Caprice Dydasco

The floral top with a flowy silhouette is a whole vibe.

Top: Scotch and Soda 

Pants: Zara

Shoes: Golden Goose

Bag: Marc Jacobs

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC
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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Ify Onumonu

Knit fits>>>>

Pants: & other stories 

Top: & other stories

Shoes: Clark’s

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC
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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Domi Richardson

Richardson hails from California, so it’s only right she brought a taste of the West Coast to the Garden State.

Crop top and Button down: H&M

Shorts: Zara

Bag: Zara

Shoes: Steve Madden

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Ashley Intile/Gotham FC

Nicole Baxter

A message to the h8rs and a shoutout from the 🐐 — Baxter wins the week, month and year.

Top: Chnge – Women Don’t Owe you Shit

HARRISON, N.J — This past weekend at Red Bull Arena was a good reminder that the NWSL is still as competitive as ever.

Two of the league’s top squads, Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars, kicked off Sunday afternoon in a game that ended up as a tale of two halves.

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Gotham FC closed out the first half with a 1-0 lead after midfielder Allie Long flicked in a perfectly placed cross.

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Chicago’s Makenzy Doniak nearly played spoiler with a stoppage time finish that ruined a clean sheet for Gotham.

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Gotham FC held on for the win and moved into second place in the NWSL’s standings.

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Women’s basketball’s brightest stars descended on Las Vegas this week for the WNBA All-Star Game.

The event was one for the record books. Typically, the WNBA would forgo All-Star festivities in an Olympic year. But in a year that has felt anything but normal, the league kickstarted the Olympic break with a primetime exhibition pitting Team USA against Team WNBA.

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The day started with an All-Star breakfast, courtesy of Just Women’s Sports and the WNBA Players Association. The players ate eggs, shared laughs and discussed the possibility of forming a union for Team USA.

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After spirited player introductions, the game tipped off at Michelob Ultra Arena. In a tight contest that went down to the wire, Team WNBA, led by All-Star Game MVP Arike Ogunbowale, handed Team USA a 93-85 loss. The game proved to be a good test for the national team players, as they prepare to chase their seventh consecutive gold medal in Tokyo later this month.

At halftime, Allie Quigley made WNBA history when she secured her third 3-point shooting title. The Chicago Sky guard fended off the Connecticut Sun’s Jonquel Jones by hitting 9 of her last 10 shots in the championships round for a final total of 28.

Enjoy the rest of the imagery from a memorable night in Las Vegas.

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