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Hey friends, I know Friday doesn’t mean anything to most of y’all anymore, but I hope you have a great weekend if those are indeed a thing for you. It’s a good time to do a news roundup!
Around SB Nation
My colleague Stephanie Yang had a couple of essential reads this week.
Crystal Dunn and Brianna Pinto talk about being Black soccer players | Stars And Stripes FC
You’re gonna learn a lot.
Parent life in the NWSL Challenge Cup bubble | All For XI
I’m so happy that NWSL took this aspect of setting up the Challenge Cup seriously
Transfer news
There’s been more transfer activity in Europe than I can fit in this space, but I’ll get you caught up with some of the big ones from this week.
Rikke Sevecke: Everton Women sign Denmark defender | BBC
Katerina Svitkova: West Ham Women sign Czech Republic forward | BBC
Brighton Women: AC Milan midfielder Nora Heroum signs for WSL side | BBC
Manchester United Women: Ivana Fuso becomes latest signing for Casey Stoney’s side | BBC
Manchester United Women sign Spain international Ona Batlle | Guardian
Emma Mitchell makes move from Gunners to Reading Women | Reading FC
Diana Silva signs for Villa Women | Aston Villa
Atlético Madrid sign German international striker Turid Knaak | WNewsBreak
Deanna Cooper joins Reading Women | SheKicks
Emily Gielnik heads back to Europe with Vittsjö | Westfield Matildas
News from everywhere
Two of the biggest stars not playing in the Challenge Cup have been busy during lockdown.
I wish we could have seen the likes of Jess Fishlock and Merritt Mathias have a better chance to get back to their best over the course of a real season.
Fifpro demand ‘systemic review’ of existing sexual harassment and abuse protocols | Telegraph
FIFA got its decision right with the former president of Afghanistan’s FA, but it can do more to prevent a similar situation from happening again.
The Oof Meter is turned up to 11 for this one.
Chelsea’s Beth England and Emma Hayes win major awards | Guardian
Firmly believe that Chelsea is the best run women’s club in Europe and we’ll see them rise to the top eventually.
This weekend’s Challenge Cup games
Quarterfinals! Games that matter! No more planned rotation! I’m excited. All times below are ET.
Friday:
North Carolina Courage vs. Portland Thorns — 12:30 p.m.
Houston Dash vs. Utah Royals — 10 p.m.
Saturday:
Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC — 12:30 p.m.
OL Reign vs. Chicago Red Stars — 10 p.m.