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Hello friends, I hope you’ve had a good week and can safely do something you enjoy this weekend. It’s been a while since we’ve done a link roundup, so let’s get caught up on what’s happening around the world of women’s soccer.
Around SB Nation
Maya Hayes on climbing the coaching ladder | Stephanie Yang, All For XI
The former Sky Blue FC winger just landed an assistant coaching job at Minnesota after a stint as a graduate assistant at Auburn. She talked to Steph about what it’s like to get into coaching through the college system, rather than by getting badges and working for clubs.
Returning to your former level of play after a serious knee injury is extremely tough, and Bria gives you a comprehensive look at what that process is like.
NWSL fans sent banners to Utah to show support from afar | Sydney Kuntz, SB Nation
Fans can’t attend games at the Challenge Cup, but they’re still finding ways to get involved.
The Royals have been a roller coaster team so far, and RJ looks at how they’re developing.
NWSL expansion team Racing Louisville FC unveils branding | All For XI
Lavender as a primary color, dark violet as a secondary color, and mint green as an accent make a winning combo.
News from everywhere
Behind the creation of Racing Louisville’s new identity | Meg Linehan, The Athletic
If you like the Louisville crest and colors, learn a little bit more about the people behind them.
I love how the Red Stars scout and nurture local talent.
Word is spreading about Villa Women and what we are trying to achieve | Eni Aluko, The Guardian
This is essentially advertising but it’s still cool to hear from Villa’s sporting director about the direction she’s trying to take the club in.
The Issues Facing the FA WSL Transfer Window | Rich Lavery, Our Game Magazine
If you’re wondering why WSL teams have been slow to sign new players, this is a good explanation of what’s happening.
Defend the Indefensible: Midge Purce at Fullback | Charles Olney, Backline Soccer
Charles wrote this before Purce had a superb game against Houston, so perhaps he’s on to something.
Just the Beginning for Bella Bixby | Katelyn Best, Rose City Review
Bixby has been one of the Challenge Cup’s breakout stars, and the legendary Nadine Angerer offers some great insight into her development here.
Some good insight here into the business and broadcasting implications of the Challenge Cup’s success so far.
Sandra really put Chicago at No. 8, my jaw is on the floor friends.
This weekend’s Challenge Cup games
There are no Saturday matches. We’ve got two on Sunday, then two on Monday to finish off the group stage of the tournament. Your Sunday schedule:
Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash — 12:30 p.m.
I’m expecting almost full B-teams from both of these sides. If Rose Lavelle and Rachel Daly’s respective coaches want to ensure their stars are able to go 90 in multiple knockout matches, they’ll need to rest those players on Sunday.
Chicago Red Stars vs. Utah Royals — 10 p.m.
Chicago coach Rory Dames has openly stated that he’s running two separate units for load management purposes. But he’s currently in last place, staring down a potential quarterfinal rematch with North Carolina. Does he bust out some big guns here to get on the other side of the bracket?