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Three Things We Learned From Fawsl’s Women’s Football Weekend

Naomi Baker – Getty – Alex Morgan

As the FA Women’s Super League wrapped up a busy weekend full of action, we witnessed Chelsea battle into the top three in WSL standings in the highly-anticipated London derby, Tobin Heath give yet another taste of what she brings to the table for Manchester United, Alex Morgan make her starting debut for Tottenham — the list goes on.

So what did we learn from this latest Women’s Football Weekend, and what does it mean for the rest of the 2020/2021 season?

1) Tobin Heath is positioning herself for instant stardom in Manchester.

Heath joined U.S. women’s national teammate Christen Press in a move to the United Kingdom, signing with Manchester United in September. A sensational offensive player, Heath has recorded 33 goals and 40 assists in 168 appearances for the United States, winning two World Cups and two Olympic goal medals with the team. Just as impressive are her stats with the Portland Thorns, with whom she played six seasons — in 70 appearances with the Thorns, Heath logged 13 goals and 21 assists, with 10 of those assists taking place in a single season.

It is obvious that Heath is not only excellent at scoring goals but at creating offense, a skill she has certainly carried over to Manchester United. On everyone’s radar following the weekend was Heath’s laser of a goal to put United on the board during the Manchester derby. A defensive error by Lucy Bronze was quickly intercepted by Heath, who bent a shot over the hands of City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck.

Twitter reacted accordingly:

Heath’s presence up top has certainly been felt within the Women’s Super League, with the American already contributing two goals and an assist in United’s seven matches played. It seems that leaving an early impression was Heath’s goal upon her entrance to the league, as she disclosed in an introductory interview with Mark Froggatt:

“I know it is an ambition for this club to compete against the teams that have historically been around for longer and have a stronger history in the WSL. Coming in as a younger team and wanting to make my mark immediately in this league is important, and to build the team in the best way, and to be committed to the players, and the organization, is critical.”

Should Heath continue the trajectory she is on, it is safe to say that she is propelling herself to instant stardom for Manchester United. The rest of the WSL should be on alert.

2) Given time, Alex Morgan can become Tottenham’s saving grace.

Also making headlines this weekend was Alex Morgan, who made her starting debut with Tottenham in Saturday’s match against Bristol City, playing for 45 minutes. Earlier in the season, Morgan came off the bench to make her first appearance for her new club, playing 21 minutes against Reading FC and helping to snap Tottenham’s four-game losing streak with a much-needed draw.

Though Morgan has had to ease into her return to soccer following the birth of her daughter, Charlie, only six months ago, the addition of the striker to the Spurs’ starting lineup is promising — and given time, Morgan can become a sure-fire difference maker for the squad.

One brief look at Morgan’s career can tell you everything you need to know. She is a monster on offense — in 169 appearances with the United States, Morgan has netted 107 goals and assisted another 43, picking up two World Cup wins and an Olympic gold medal along the way. During her tenure in the National Women’s Soccer League, Morgan spent time with the Western New York Flash, the Portland Thorns, and the Orlando Pride, for which she scored a combined 37 goals in 102 games with the three clubs. Undoubtedly, Morgan fills a major void for Tottenham simply given her ability to create offense and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

In seven matches played, the Spurs have only scored six goals and have yet to win a single game during the 2020/2021 season, currently holding a 0-3-4 record. For lack of a better word, Tottenham’s start to the season has been an atrocity, landing them one spot above the relegation zone, superior only to Bristol City, whom the Spurs tied this weekend. [Editor’s note: Tottenham fired their co-head coaches Karen Hills and Juan Amoros Thursday morning. They shortly after named Rehanne Skinner to the position.]

If Morgan is utilized correctly, she can be the remedy that Tottenham needs to meet their full potential. Though she has yet to make an impact, it’s only a matter of time before she will erupt. As the USWNT star is gradually allotted more playing time, there’s no doubt she will find her groove — and open her scoring account along the way. As far as the Spurs are concerned, the sooner Morgan becomes a permanent member of the starting lineup, the better.

3) Put some respect on Chelsea’s name they’ve earned it

Finally, Chelsea and Arsenal faced off in the much-anticipated London derby — and for Chelsea, a break into the top three was well within their grasp with a win or a draw during the match. Though Arsenal drew first blood when Beth Mead scored what seemed to be a late game-winner, Chelsea fought back to equalize as Pernille Harder played in a cross that resulted in an own goal.

With the result, Chelsea remains undefeated, drawing two and winning four of their six contests this season. In fact, only one other undefeated team remains: Manchester United.

Chelsea is considered a “Big Three” in the league and has had no problem handling fellow “Big Three” talents Arsenal and Manchester City, having yet to lose to either opponent this year. Earlier this season, Chelsea swiftly handed Manchester City a 3-1 loss. More recently, the squad held Arsenal to one goal in the aforementioned London derby. This is no small feat, as Arsenal’s roster holds three of the league’s top scorers in Caitlin Foord, Vivianne Miedema, and Jill Roord.

After this weekend’s performance, it is no question that Chelsea is a talented squad and could very well finish in first place in the WSL standings this season, but they have not received nearly the amount of credit that they deserve. From their goalkeeping to their midfielder core to their strikers, there is no weak link — a facet that is very difficult to come by in the fight for talent among Women’s Super League teams. Chelsea currently sits at third place in the table, though only two points separate them from the first place slot.

Stay tuned as Chelsea looks to continue their undefeated streak in a match against West Ham United on December 6th.

Up next in the Women’s Super League: 
December 5th 

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United @ 7:30 a.m. EST

December 6th

Everton vs. Manchester City @ 8:00 a.m. EST

Arsenal vs. Birmingham City @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Chelsea vs. West Ham @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Tottenham vs. Brighton & Hove Albion @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Reading FC vs. Bristol City @ 9:00 a.m. EST

Sophia Smith re-signs with Portland on record deal

(Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

Sophia Smith is now the NWSL’s highest-paid player. 

The Portland Thorns announced on Wednesday that they have signed Smith to a new contract through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the team did reveal that Smith is now the highest-paid player in the league on an annual basis.

It’s the latest in what has been a series of record-breaking contracts in the NWSL offseason. 

Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Swanson, Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji, and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda all signed multi-year deals worth between $2 million and $2.5 million in total. While Smith’s contract is shorter and not worth as much over the long-term, the annual worth is higher. 

“We are over the moon to have Soph commit again to the Thorns. She is a proven, world-class talent and one that we are excited to have contribute to the team’s continued success,” said head coach Mike Norris in a statement. “We look forward to working with her in a Thorns jersey as she continues to shine as one of the top strikers in the world.”

In just four seasons in the NWSL, Smith has led the Thorns to five trophies – including the 2022 NWSL championship – while winning league and championship MVP in 2022. In 61 appearances with Portland, she has 34 goals – including a brace to start this season against Kansas City. 

She’s also a member of the USWNT, having scored 16 goals in 44 international appearances.  Set to become a free agent at the end of this season, she told ESPN she “thought of all the options” but ultimately Portland felt like the right decision.

"There is no place like Portland," Smith said in a small roundtable interview that included ESPN. "I don't believe there's an environment like Portland to play in and it's a city that's so special to me and a city that I feel like I've grown up in almost and become who I am."

She also told ESPN that the team’s new ownership “changes everything.” The club is now led by the Bhathal family, who bought the club after Merritt Paulson was forced to sell it following his part in the NWSL’s abuse scandal. 

"Since I've been here there has been a lot of things going on with this club -- a lot of not-great things going on with this club -- and I have just been waiting for some stability and some reassurance that this club is headed in the right direction, and the Bhathal family coming in is doing exactly that, if not more,” Smith said. 

"Their vision for this club is so exciting, and you can just tell how passionate they are about making this what it should be and continuing to push the standard in women's soccer globally.”

Caitlin Clark offered $5 million to compete in Ice Cube’s league

IOWA CITY, IOWA- MARCH 25: Guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates as time runs out in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during their second round match-up in the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball Championship at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 25, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Caitlin Clark has been offered $5 million to play in Ice Cube's Big3 league, he confirmed on social media Wednesday after the offer leaked.

"We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship," Ice Cube wrote on social media. "But I won't deny what's now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn't we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3."

While there has yet to be a women's player in the league, both Nancy Lieberman and Lisa Leslie have been part of the league as coaches and won championships.

"The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men's pro team, and she won the championship in her first year," Ice Cube continued. "Then Lisa Leslie won it all in year two. With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes."

Ice Cube, whose name is O’Shea Jackson, says that the offer was made with the intention that Clark be able to compete in the WNBA “offseason.” Clark is largely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft in April. But it’s unclear how the scheduling of the two leagues would work. 

The 2024 Big3 season is set to tip off on June 15, with 10 games spanning through mid-August. The WNBA regular season, meanwhile, begins on May 14 and ends on Sept. 19.

On “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday, Jackson said that the league has yet to hear back from Clark. 

“We just need an answer, as soon as they are ready to give it to us,” he said. “It’s always 50-50 till we get a no. At the end of the day, it’s a generous offer.”

The offer – as well as the confusion on Jackson’s part about the timing of the WNBA season – caused some current WNBA players to react. 

"It's funny cause I be seeing his son at W games.. they don't talk?" wrote former No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard

"So no other women's basketball player has came to mind in the last 7 years?" wrote Lexie Brown, adding that she'd support if Ice Cube wanted to build a women's iteration of the league. She later discussed it on the Gils Arena Show, noting that his reasoning of wanting to “uplift and support WNBA players and women athletes” is a “cop out.”

Kalani Brown, meanwhile, told Clark to "take that money" and start a women's Big3.

WNBA salaries has been a talking point in recent months as more collegiate stars declare for the league. WNBA stars have often made more money playing abroad than they have in the WNBA. Clark is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 15, with a rookie salary of $76,535 for lottery draft picks (Nos. 1-4) that rises to $97,582 by her fourth season. But she also has an NIL valuation of almost $3.5 million.

Diana Taurasi famously skipped the 2015 WNBA season at the request of her Russian club, who paid her more to sit out than she would have made in the W. Her contract with the club was reportedly near $1.5 million per year.

Jackson also seemed to suggest that his league could be an alternative to going abroad

“America’s women athletes should not be forced to spend their off seasons playing in often dismal and dubious foreign countries just to make ends meet,” he wrote. Although it’s unclear whether or not the rapper intends to make offers to additional WNBA players. 

While the league does hold prioritization rules in its CBA, those typically apply only to players playing in overseas leagues. It’s unclear whether or not that would prevent Clark’s participation in the Big3 league. WNBA players that don’t want to go overseas currently have the option of playing in Athletes Unlimited, which competes in the WNBA offseason.

USC’s Aaliyah Gayles Opens Up About Her Journey Back to Basketball

USC Basketball - Aaliyah Gayles

As part of our 1-v-1 video series, USC’s India Otto sat down to interview her teammate Aaliyah Gayles. Here are five things to know from our conversation with the redshirt freshman guard from Las Vegas.

#1 Aaliyah suffered from a near-death act of violence in 2022.

The incident taught her a lot about herself and the support around her. “[USC] Coach Lindsay [Gottlieb] was one of the first people to fly out there and come see me. That means a lot to me off the court.” 

#2 Her favorite USC memory is when she surprised her teammates after getting out of the hospital.

She left her walker at the door to show she was on the road to returning to the court. “That was my favorite memory because it was family. It was my first time being able to walk to you guys and see you practice.”

#3 There's a reason she wears #3.

#3 was her grandpa’s favorite number and a golden number in her life. Plus, AG3 has a nice ring to it. 

#4 She has a list of basketball GOAT’s:

Candace Parker, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Cason Wallace.

#5 There have been many celebrity appearances at USC’s games over the years, especially this season.

Aaliyah’s favorites include Will Ferrell, Kehlani, and Saweetie. And she hopes Lil Durk will come to watch a game soon.

Watch the full conversation on the Just Women’s Sports YouTube channel.

Gotham, USWNT forward Midge Purce out with ACL tear

(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Midge Purce announced on Wednesday that she has torn her ACL. 

The Gotham FC and USWNT forward went down with the injury on Sunday during Gotham’s 1-0 win after tweaking it earlier in the game. Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós did not have any immediate updates following the match, with further evaluation revealing the tear. 

“It’s a reality I’m still struggling with and has left me with not too much to say,” Purce wrote in a statement on social media. “I’m heartbroken to no longer be available for my season with Gotham FC or for Olympic selection with the USWNT – know I’m rooting for you both all year long. 

“Though you may not see it, I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field.”

Purce is just the latest women's soccer star to tear her ACL, and joins USWNT teammate Mia Fishel in having torn her ACL in the last couple of months. Other notable players include Catarina Macario and Christen Press, with Macario only just returning to the USWNT lineup after tearing hers in 2022. 

International stars such as Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson have also suffered ACL tears. 

Purce’s injury caused Amorós to call out the international schedule, which has been a growing point of concern as more players fall victim to injuries and the playing schedule becomes more packed. Kansas City’s Debinha suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s opening game, while both Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle have yet to play for Gotham due to injuries picked up during the W Gold Cup. 

“We lost Midge during the game which for me is a bittersweet flavor,” Amorós told reporters after Sunday’s game. “By the way, it’s another player that came from the Gold Cup. Last week, it was Debinha. We are paying the consequences of a tournament that shouldn’t have happened.”

“We’re talking about protecting the players, [who shouldn’t] go to play an international competition after one week of preseason,” Amorós continued. “We’ve seen the consequences now. We’ve got Rose, Lynn, last week it was Debinha in Kansas [City] and now we have Midge. From my experience, the clubs are going to keep paying for that competition."

In her statement, Purce said that “so many friends, teammates and even players I’ve only ever competed against” reached out to offer support. 

“I am so blessed,” she wrote. “Your messages have meant so much to me throughout this process, you have consoled what, for a moment, felt inconsolable. Thank you for reminding me that our football world is not only full with incredibly talent but also, incredible kindness.”

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