All articles tagged with #womens soccer
The NWSL has introduced a 'Beckham rule'-like mechanism allowing teams to pay up to $1 million outside the salary cap for high-impact players, despite opposition from the players union, aiming to retain top talent and grow the league.
The NWSL announced a new High Impact Player Rule allowing clubs to exceed salary caps by up to $1 million for top players, aiming to attract and retain elite talent amid increased league investment, starting July 1, 2026.
Sophia Wilson, a key player for the Portland Thorns and USWNT star, has exercised her 2026 player option to return to Portland, bringing her extensive accolades and leadership back to the team after maternity leave, aiming to help the Thorns contend for another championship in 2026.
The NCAA announced the field of 64 teams for the 2025 Division I Women's Soccer Championship, with first-round matches starting November 14-16 and the final at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on December 8, broadcast on ESPNU. The tournament features automatic bids from 30 conferences and 34 at-large selections, with first-time qualifiers UIC and Wagner. North Carolina is the defending champion.
Portugal achieved a surprising 2-1 victory over the USA women's national team in a friendly match, marking Portugal's first win against the USWNT in 12 encounters, with key moments including an early US goal, Portugal's equalizer and winning goal, and a notable upset for Emma Hayes' team.
Angel City winger Alyssa Thompson is in negotiations to transfer to Chelsea, with a potential record-breaking fee exceeding $1 million, but the deal is close to the WSL transfer window deadline, and her departure could impact Angel City's playoff chances.
Orlando Pride has set a world record by signing Mexican forward Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres UANL for a record-breaking fee, making her the club's and the league's most expensive transfer, as part of their strategy to build a top-tier team and elevate women's soccer globally.
The University of North Carolina women's soccer team lost their season opener 2-0 to Tennessee in Knoxville, with both teams scoreless at halftime. Despite early chances and 14 shots, UNC couldn't score, and Tennessee scored twice in the second half. The Tar Heels will next face Siena at home.
The Chicago Stars of the NWSL have appointed former Norway women's national team coach Martin Sjögren as their new head coach starting in 2026, aiming to build a high-performance team despite currently sitting near the bottom of the league standings. Sjögren, who is currently coaching Hammarby in Sweden, will replace interim coach Ella Masar, with Anders Jacobson serving as interim in the meantime. The club emphasizes a data-driven, values-based approach to their coaching selection.
The US Women's National Team will play its first match at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on October 29, marking a historic moment for women's sports, with tickets available through various presales and the match broadcast on multiple platforms.
A sequel to the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham is planned for 2027, coinciding with its 25th anniversary and the FIFA Women's World Cup, with original cast members potentially returning and inspired by the rise of women's soccer.
Denver's new NWSL women's soccer team has been officially named Denver Summit FC after a fan vote, with plans to build a new stadium in Denver by 2028. The team aims to foster community pride and identity, and has unveiled its logos and branding, with merchandise available and a launch event scheduled.
Aitana Bonmatí, a celebrated Spanish footballer and World Cup winner, rose from playing with boys in her small hometown to becoming a global icon and the face of women's soccer, inspiring a new generation and aiming to lead Spain to its first UEFA Women's Euro title.
Boston Legacy FC, an upcoming NWSL team set to debut in 2026, signed its first player, Annie Karich, a 21-year-old midfielder from SC Freiburg, with a contract through 2027 and an option for 2028. Karich, who has extensive youth national team experience and played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara, joins the team from Europe and will participate in preseason in January. The team is led by coach Filipa Patão, who has a successful European coaching background.
U.S. Women's National Team head coach Emma Hayes announced a 25-player training camp roster for upcoming matches against Ireland and Canada, featuring mostly NWSL players, with Rose Lavelle returning after injury and four players earning their first call-ups, emphasizing player development and team readiness.