UCLA rallies past UNC 3-2 for second women’s soccer title
December 6, 2022 GMTCARY, N.C. (AP) — Maricarmen Reyes scored a go-ahead goal off a rebound in the 107th minute and top-seeded UCLA rallied past North Carolina 3-2 on Monday night to win its second women’s soccer championship in program history.
Thorns to be sold amid fallout from women’s soccer scandals
December 1, 2022 GMTThe owner of the Portland Thorns announced Thursday he is putting the club up for sale, the latest fallout from an investigation into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Merritt Paulson’s decision comes nearly two months after a pair of team executives were dismissed for their roles in systemic abuse and misconduct within the NWSL.
Australia beats Sweden 4-0 in women’s soccer friendly
November 12, 2022 GMTMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord scored two goals Saturday to lead Australia to a 4-0 win over Sweden in an international women’s soccer friendly.
Foord has five goals in her past three internationals.
Ex-Yale coach gets 5 months in admissions bribery scandal
November 9, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The former Yale University women's soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme's mastermind was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison.
Oshoala and Caicedo win 2022 Women’s ICC awards
November 7, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala and Deportivo Cali forward Linda Caicedo were among those honored by the Women's International Champions Cup for advancing women's soccer.
Others who were named to the third annual WICC Best XI on Monday were England national team coach Sarina Wiegman, journalists Jeff Kassouf and Anna Kessel, U.S.
Women’s soccer makes gains in Mideast despite conservatives
November 2, 2022 GMTAMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Sarah Asimrin still hears it from her uncles sometimes: “You’re a girl, it’s not right.” But on a recent evening, the 13-year-old Jordanian was on her club’s soccer field practicing alongside other girls and boys.
Former player Mana Shim heads US Soccer task force on abuse
November 1, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Mana Shim, a former player for the National Women's Soccer League and the U.S. under-23 national team, will chair the U.S. Soccer Federation's taskforce to prevent the abuse and harassment of women that was found to be systemic in the sport.
US women’s coach names roster for 2 games against Germany
October 31, 2022 GMTAlex Morgan has been included on the United States women's roster for a pair of exhibition matches against Germany after missing the team's recent games in Europe with a knee injury.
Mallory Pugh and Taylor Kornieck, who also missed the Americans' losses earlier this month to England and Spain, were also named to the 24-player roster.
MVP Sophia Smith scores, Thorns top KC 2-0 for NWSL title
October 30, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns overcame challenges off the field this season with a championship on it.
Smith, the season's Most Valuable Player, scored early and the Thorns won their third National Women's Soccer League title Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current.
FIFA report shows growth in women’s soccer
October 28, 2022 GMTWomen's soccer is seeing growing revenues globally from sponsorships, broadcast deals and merchandising, while also seeing greater interest from fans, according to a new survey by the game's governing body.
Sophia Smith named National Women’s Soccer League MVP
October 27, 2022 GMTPortland Thorns forward Sophia Smith has been named the 2022 National Women's Soccer League Most Valuable Player.
Smith had 14 goals in 18 matches for the Thorns, setting a team single-season record.
Thorns edge Wave 2-1, face Current for NWSL championship
October 24, 2022 GMTThe Portland Thorns will play the Kansas City Current for the National Women's Soccer League championship next weekend in Washington, closing out a turbulent and emotionally taxing 10th season.
Crystal Dunn came off the bench and scored in stoppage time to give the Thorns a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Wave at Portland's Providence Park in the first of two semifinal matches on Sunday.
US to face Vietnam, Netherlands at women’s soccer World Cup
October 22, 2022 GMTAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The defending champion United States will face the Netherlands in the group stage of the women’s soccer World Cup next summer, setting up an early repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.
US Soccer moves quickly to ensure safety following report
October 21, 2022 GMTU.S. Soccer has taken steps to implement the recommendations of an investigation into allegations of abuse, harassment and misconduct in women's soccer.
Paulson steps away as CEO of Timbers, Thorns amid scandal
October 11, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Merritt Paulson removed himself Tuesday as the chief operating officer of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer and the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League.
NWSL players call for owner to sell Chicago franchise
October 10, 2022 GMTPlayers for the Chicago Red Stars have called on owner Arnim Whisler to sell his stake in the team following a disturbing report into misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League.
The players issued a joint statement Monday, a move that comes after the Red Stars' board of directors voted last week to remove Whisler as chairman and forbid him from participation in team operations.
US soccer president tells CNN more misconduct cases reported
October 8, 2022 GMTThe U.S. Soccer Federation received three new reports of misconduct in the sport this week after details of systemic emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League were revealed in an independent investigation, U.S.
Thorns fire execs, Louisville apologizes following report
October 5, 2022 GMTThe Portland Thorns have dismissed a pair of team executives in the wake of an investigation into misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League.
The Thorns' move Wednesday came a day after owner Merritt Paulson removed himself from a decision-making role with the team.
US players ‘horrified’ by report of abuse in women’s soccer
October 4, 2022 GMTAs the United States was preparing for its game Friday against England at Wembley Stadium, players were trying to process an investigation that found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct are systemic in women's soccer.
Abuse in women’s pro soccer league was systemic, report says
October 3, 2022 GMTAn independent investigation into the scandals that erupted in the National Women's Soccer League last season found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the sport, impacting multiple teams, coaches and players, according to a report released Monday.
Women’s soccer hits club record attendance in South America
September 24, 2022 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — The second leg of the Brazilian women's soccer final set a new South American record attendance for clubs of the region, in another sign of the growth of the sport.
Corinthians 4-1 win against Internacional in Sao Paulo brought 41,070 fans to the NeoQuimica Arena on Saturday.
Spanish women’s soccer in turmoil after player revolt
September 23, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — More than half of the Spain women’s team no longer want to play in protest at their coach, though they don’t want him removed.
Fifteen players have told the Spanish federation that being on the team has “significantly” affected their "emotional state” and health.
Zambia investigates sexual abuse claims in women’s soccer
September 23, 2022 GMTThe Zambian soccer federation opened an investigation Friday into claims of sexual abuse in the women's game and said it was taking accusations made on social media serious enough to ask police for help with the inquiry.
US Soccer investigation into NWSL misconduct nearing end
September 12, 2022 GMTU.S. Soccer says an investigation into alleged abuse and misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League is expected to be completed by early next month.
Sophia Smith scores twice, US women defeat Nigeria 4-0
September 3, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sophia Smith scored a pair of first-half goals and the U.S. women's national team defeated Nigeria 4-0 Saturday as both teams prepare for next summer's World Cup.
The United States has a 70-game unbeaten streak on American soil — 63 wins and seven draws.
Olympic champion Canada beats Australia in women’s soccer
September 3, 2022 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Manchester United wing Adriana Leon scored an early first-half goal and it stood up through a number of good Australian scoring chances as Tokyo Olympic champion Canada beat the Matildas 1-0 in a women's soccer friendly on Saturday.
NWSL’s 1st free agency period opens with controversy
August 26, 2022 GMTThe National Women's Soccer League opened its first free agency period Friday amid a dispute over which players are qualified.
Players with expiring contracts and at least six years of service and are eligible for free agency for the first time under the collective bargaining agreement.
Andries Jonker hired as Netherlands women’s soccer coach
August 24, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Andries Jonker was appointed coach of the Netherlands women's soccer team on Wednesday, succeeding Mark Parsons who left the post after a disappointing Euro 2022 which saw the defending champions knocked out in the quarterfinals.
NWSL final to be televised nationally during prime time
August 23, 2022 GMTThe National Women's Soccer League title game will be aired nationally in prime time for the first time in the 10-year-old league’s history.
The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Oct.
Equal pay deal for US women’s soccer approved by judge
August 12, 2022 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The proposed $24 million settlement between U.S. women soccer players and the sport’s American governing body was given preliminary approval Thursday by a federal judge, who scheduled a Dec.
Dutch women’s soccer coach leaves after disappointing Euros
August 10, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Mark Parsons, the coach who took the defending champion Netherlands to the quarterfinals of the women's European Championships, has left the job by mutual agreement with the Dutch soccer federation.
Olivia Moultrie proud of stand she took to play in NWSL
August 8, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It's been a little more than a year since Olivia Moultrie signed with the Portland Thorns after suing to join the National Women's Soccer League at just 15 years old.
For Moultrie, the lasting lesson of her legal odyssey is that women should have the same opportunities to reach the top tier of U.S.
US national team star Mewis out for season with knee injury
August 5, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — U.S. national team midfielder Sam Mewis will miss the remainder of her season with the Kansas City Current because of what the club called “a long-standing progressive injury to her right leg” that occurred before she joined the team.
England-US women’s game at Wembley sells out in one day
August 3, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England's women's soccer team is continuing to generate unprecedented fan interest following its European Championship victory, with its planned game against the United States at Wembley Stadium in October selling out in less than a day.
England beats Germany in extra time to win Euro 2022
July 31, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Just when it seemed England might again be weighed down by expectations and history, Chloe Kelly made the breakthrough.
Kelly's goal in the second half of extra time — the first time she had ever scored in a competitive international game — propelled England to its first major women's soccer title on Sunday, beating Germany 2-1.
British PM wishes England good luck in women’s soccer final
July 30, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a good luck message to England ahead of its Women’s European Championship final against Germany, saying on Saturday the team has shown that soccer “is not just for boys.”
Jaelene Daniels refuses gay pride jersey, sits out NWSL game
July 30, 2022 GMTCARY, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Courage defender Jaelene Daniels refused to play Friday night when the team celebrated Pride Night and wore jerseys to support the LGBTQ community.
The Courage played to a 3-3 draw with the Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League.
Women’s soccer energizes England in a league of their own
July 29, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — Izzy Short, 13, struggles to pick her favorite England player as she anticipates the team’s appearance in Sunday’s final of the European soccer championships.
England and Germany set for historic Euro 2022 final
July 28, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — England against Germany at Wembley Stadium. A final that underlines the growing stature of women's soccer in Europe and echoes decades of history.
When host nation England takes on Germany in the European Championship final Sunday, it will have a tournament-record crowd of nearly 90,000.
How England’s national team became a power in women’s soccer
July 27, 2022 GMTThere have been messages of support and praise from the royal family and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
NWSL will consider reproductive rights in expansion
July 14, 2022 GMTNational Women's Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman said reproductive rights will be considered when the league looks at locations for possible expansion teams.
The league, which currently has 12 teams, is looking to add two more in 2024.
Mead gives England winning start in European Championship
July 6, 2022 GMTMANCHESTER, England (AP) — Beth Mead scored the only goal of the game as host England beat Austria 1-0 in front of a tournament-record crowd of 68,871 at Old Trafford in the women's European Championship opener on Wednesday.
Grosso scores 2 and Canada downs Trinidad and Tobago 6-0
July 6, 2022 GMTMONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Julie Grosso scored a pair of goals and Canada went on to rout Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 Tuesday night in a group stage match at the CONCACF W Championship.
The W Championship serves as qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Spain’s Putellas to miss Women’s Euro because of knee injury
July 5, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — Spain's chances of finally breaking through at a major women's tournament took a hit Tuesday when Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas injured her knee in training and was ruled out of the European Championship.
6 months’ home confinement for ex-USC coach in college scam
June 29, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — A former University of Southern California soccer coach who took bribes in exchange for helping unqualified kids into the school was sentenced Wednesday to six months in home confinement after cooperating with authorities investigating the college admissions scandal.
Smith scores twice, US women beat Colombia 3-0 in Colorado
June 26, 2022 GMTCOMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) — Sophia Smith scored twice in the second half and the U.S. women's national team beat Colombia 3-0 on Saturday night to extend its home unbeaten streak to 68 games.
Taylor Kornieck added a late goal in her national team debut.
Tobin Heath acquired by Reign, expected to report next week
June 16, 2022 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — OL Reign have acquired the rights to forward Tobin Heath from Racing Louisville.
The Reign signed Heath for the rest of the National Women's Soccer League season, with an option for 2023.
Angel City’s Christen Press has torn ACL in right knee
June 13, 2022 GMTAngel City forward Christen Press has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
Press was injured during Saturday's game against Racing Louisville and was helped off the field by a trainer and a teammate.
Kenya women’s soccer team loses Cup of Nations appeal case
June 10, 2022 GMTLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The Kenya women’s soccer team failed Friday in a bid to be reinstated in the African Cup of Nations that kicks off next month with a legal technicality cited.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport verdict also ensured Kenya cannot advance to the 2023 Women’s World Cup because the African championship is a qualifying event to the FIFA tournament.
Chelsea, Lyon, Monterrey and Thorns to play in Women’s ICC
June 8, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Women’s International Champions Cup will feature European teams Chelsea and Lyon, as well as Mexico’s Monterrey and the host Portland Thorns.
Pride coach, assistant on leave amid retaliation probe
June 8, 2022 GMTOrlando Pride coach Amanda Cromwell and assistant Sam Greene have been placed on administrative leave while the National Women's Soccer League and its players' association investigate allegations of retaliation, which violates league policy.
US women’s soccer equal pay victory decades in the making
May 21, 2022 GMTThe U.S. women's national team has not only been wildly successful on the field, the players have also been unabashedly outspoken, using their platform to advocate for equal rights for themselves and others.
A look at agreements for US men’s and women’s soccer teams
May 18, 2022 GMTThe U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to landmark collective bargaining agreements with its men's and women's teams, equalizing compensation for the first time.
English soccer player Jake Daniels says he is gay
May 17, 2022 GMTLONDON (AP) — English soccer player Jake Daniels said he is gay on Monday in a trailblazing moment for the European men's game.
The 17-year-old forward made the announcement at the end of his first season as a professional player with second division club Blackpool.
Fotopolous’ push helps get Bohon to Florida as soccer coach
May 16, 2022 GMTGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — One of Samantha Bohon's best friends started nudging her toward the Florida women's soccer job a year ago. The friend happened to be the greatest scorer in NCAA history.
Danielle Fotopolous first suggested Bohon for the Gators' head coaching position when program architect Becky Burleigh retired in 2021.
NWSL commissioner: Suspension a sign new protections working
April 27, 2022 GMTNew National Women's Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman said Wednesday that while it's disappointing another league coach has been accused of misconduct, programs that were implemented in the wake of last season's league scandals have helped make sure players' concerns are addressed.
Florida fires women’s soccer coach Tony Amato after 1 season
April 27, 2022 GMTGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato on Wednesday, parting ways less than a year after giving him a six-year contract to replace beloved program architect Becky Burleigh.
Houston NWSL team suspends coach, GM after investigation
April 27, 2022 GMTHOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Dash suspended general manager and head coach James Clarkson on Tuesday after the team received a report on a joint investigation by the National Women's Soccer League and its players' association into alleged discrimination, harassment and abuse.
Timbers, Thorns come together for charity game
April 13, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers and the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League are joining forces for a charity match to benefit relief efforts in Ukraine.
Barcelona expects another sold-out stadium for women’s game
April 5, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — There could be another world-record crowd on hand to watch Barcelona's semifinal in the women's Champions League as the club announced Tuesday that all tickets for the match against Wolfsburg at the Camp Nou Stadium were picked up in just over 24 hours.
Women’s soccer celebrates record crowd of 91,533 at Camp Nou
March 31, 2022 GMTMADRID (AP) — The ovation when the world-record crowd was announced at the Camp Nou Stadium was just as loud as when Barcelona had scored its goals.
Everyone in attendance knew they were part of something special: Never before had so many people watched a women’s soccer match.
Washington Spirit sale closes, Kang is controlling owner
March 31, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Spirit announced that the sale of the National Women's Soccer League team to Michele Kang has closed and she is officially the controlling owner.
The completion of the sale, which was announced in February, formally closes a lengthy battle over the team.
Record attendance: 91,553 watch women’s game in Barcelona
March 30, 2022 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Women's soccer celebrated a milestone Wednesday when a world-record crowd of more than 91,000 people watched Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Champions League at the Camp Nou Stadium.
Ukrainian women’s soccer club adjusts to life in Germany
March 24, 2022 GMTCOLOGNE, Germany (AP) — On the day Russian troops surged into Ukraine a month ago, the players of women's soccer club FC Kryvbas were heading to the airport on their way to a training camp and games in Turkey.
Jessica Berman appointed new NWSL commissioner
March 9, 2022 GMTJessica Berman looks to rebuild trust with National Women's Soccer League players and fans after a series of scandals rocked the league last year.
Berman, a former executive for the NHL and the National Lacrosse League, was named the NWSL's new commissioner Wednesday.
Forward Dom Dwyer signs 2-year deal with Atlanta of MLS
February 22, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Dom Dwyer agreed to a two-year contract with Atlanta of Major League Soccer on Tuesday, a deal that includes team options for 2024 and '25.
The 31-year-old forward spent last year with Toronto following four seasons with Orlando's MLS team.
Rodman debuts, US women tie 0-0 with Czech Republic
February 18, 2022 GMTCARSON, Calif. (AP) — Trinity Rodman made her debut for the U.S.
US women’s soccer coach earned 28% of Berhalter’s pay
February 16, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Vlatko Andonovski earned $357,597 over his first full year as U.S.
Report: Former NWSL coach accused of misconduct decades ago
February 9, 2022 GMTFormer Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames has been accused of misconduct stretching back decades when he was a youth team coach, well before he joined the National Women's Soccer League team, according to a published report.
Kang takes over as the Washington Spirit’s controlling owner
February 9, 2022 GMTMichele Kang is the new controlling owner of the Washington Spirit, ending a lengthy battle over the team.
Afghan women’s soccer team returns to the pitch in Australia
February 5, 2022 GMTMELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Afghanistan’s women’s soccer team has returned to the field after its evacuation from the Taliban-led country last year, helped by A-League team the Melbourne Victory.
Spirit’s Trinity Rodman signs richest NWSL contract
February 2, 2022 GMTThe Washington Spirit have signed Trinity Rodman to the richest contract in the history of the National Women's Soccer League.
The extension with the 19-year-old daughter of NBA great Dennis Rodman is worth at least $1.1 million over four years, according to the Washington Post.
NWSL players to get higher salaries, insurance under 1st CBA
February 1, 2022 GMTThe National Women's Soccer League Players Association said Monday night it has agreed to its first-ever collective bargaining agreement.
The CBA must still be approved by the NWSL's Board of Governors, but it comes as players are expected to report to team training camps Tuesday.
Christine Sinclair re-signs with Portland Thorns
January 27, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Olympic gold medalist Christine Sinclair has signed a one-year contract extension with the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League.
Sinclair is embarking on her 10th season with the Thorns this year.
Rapinoe, Lavelle re-sign with OL Reign
January 26, 2022 GMTMegan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle are back with OL Reign.
The National Women's Soccer League club re-signed Rapinoe to a one-year deal while Lavelle's new deal is for two. Terms were not released.
Young players highlight first US women’s camp of 2022
January 21, 2022 GMTThe new year has brought new faces to the U.S. women's national team.
The back-to-back World Cup champions opened their January camp in Austin, Texas, with 14 players who have fewer than 12 appearances for the United States.
Weaver, Gautrat added to US women’s training camp roster
January 13, 2022 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — Forward Morgan Weaver and midfielder Morgan Gautrat were added Thursday to the roster for the U.S. women's national team training camp starting next week in Austin, Texas.
Defender Imani Dorsey was originally named to the roster announced Wednesday by coach Vlatko Andonovski but she had to withdraw because of injury.
Alex Morgan heads home to California with NWSL’s Wave
December 13, 2021 GMTAfter nearly a decade of crisscrossing the country and the globe for her professional career, Alex Morgan is headed home to Southern California.
Morgan is joining the San Diego Wave, which will begin play in the National Women's Soccer League next season.
Women’s team players, US Soccer extend labor deal 3 months
December 13, 2021 GMTThe U.S. Soccer Federation and the union for its women's national team agreed to a three-month extension of their labor contract through March, a move announced on the same day players filed a brief asking a federal appeals court to reinstate their equal pay claim.
Corinthians complete dominance of SAmerican women’s soccer
December 9, 2021 GMTSAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil had just ended its prohibition on women's soccer when 36-year-old striker Gabriela Zanotti was born. She grew up playing mostly with boys and fully aware that she found very little chance of becoming a professional footballer in a country where top-flight clubs only cared about men.