FootyPop: Lauren Barnes Makes NWSL History

In this week’s women’s soccer news, Lauren Barnes made NWSL history; Kristen Hamilton announced her retirement at the end of the season; the Orlando Pride clinched a playoff spot; and more!

High of the Week

This week, several impressive player milestones were achieved throughout the league. With her appearance for the Seattle Reign against Bay FC, Lauren Barnes became the first player to reach 250 regular-season appearances. Barnes is an original for the league, and all of her appearances have come with the Reign, having been with them since their inaugural season.

During the North Carolina Courage’s match against the Washington Spirit, Kaleigh Kurtz hit 10,000 consecutive minutes played. Kurtz has become the leader for the Courage on defense, and she’s a consistent player who rarely misses any time. She currently holds the NWSL records for consecutive minutes, games, and starts.

Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena set an NWSL record for clean sheets in a season with 14 so far.

Low of the Week

Kansas City Current forward Kristen Hamilton announced that she would be retiring from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 season. Hamilton joined the league when she was selected by the Western New York Flash in the 2014 NWSL College Draft out of the University of Denver. She then stayed with the Flash when they underwent the move and name change to the North Carolina Courage. She joined the Current via trade in 2021.

In her career, she’s won three NWSL Championships and four Shields, and in 2019, she was an NWSL MVP finalist.

Hamilton is also known for helping to create Pitchside Coffee with some of her Current teammates. Hamilton’s teammate and business partner Mallory Weber was recently recognized in a retirement ceremony of her own. Weber will now serve as the Manager of Soccer Development and assistant coach for the Kansas City Current II.

News of the Week​

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams became the newest investor in the NWSL this week. Williams joins an investor list for the Boston Legacy FC that includes WNBA star Aliyah Boston and Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman. The Legacy will play its inaugural season in 2026.

Williams joins a list of former and current NFL players who have invested in the NWSL, which includes Peyton and Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford, and more.

Win of the Week​

The Orlando Pride have struggled at times this season, but they got a much-needed 1-0 win over the Portland Thorns thanks to an own goal that Marta created. It was just their second win since the league resumed play after the summer break. With the win and an Angel City win this weekend, the Pride have officially clinched a spot in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs. Orlando will be looking to defend their championship from last year, but they will have to figure out how to score goals without their star, Barbra Banda. Getting the win against the Thorns is big as the Pride look to lock in the 3 seed.

Game of the Week​

We had to wait an extra hour for the Utah Royals to host the San Diego Wave, as the game was in a weather delay, but once it did get started, it was quite the game. The Royals got on the board first, thanks to Janni Thomsen in just the ninth minute, but then the Wave were able to find the equalizer through Dudinha. Just before halftime, San Diego took the lead off the Royals’ own goal.

Utah wasn’t giving up, though, and they found the equalizer with Mina Tanaka finding the back of the net. The Wave got the last laugh, though, when Kenza Dali scored the game-winner in the 72nd minute.

It was San Diego’s first win since August 16. They desperately needed the three points as they’re fighting for a playoff spot. As of right now, they’re in sixth place with two games left to go in the regular season.

Player of the Week

Alyssa Naeher came up huge for the Chicago Stars in their match against Racing Louisville. She kept Chicago in the game with nine saves and had only conceded one goal. With her saves in the match, she hit 500 career saves with the Stars. Naeher has been a bright spot for a Chicago team that has struggled this season. She’s a veteran presence, and she had probably her best game of the season last weekend.

Goal of the Week

Jasmine Aikey’s goal for Stanford was one that everybody should watch. She perfectly executed the bicycle kick off of a cross. The Cardinals got a massive 2-1 win over Virginia to move to 11-1-1 on the season.

Assist of the Week

Jun Endo had the assist of the year in Angel City’s match against the Houston Dash this week. She was able to do a backheel flick with her first touch into the path of Maiara, who buried it around the goalkeeper.