FootyPop: Kansas City Current Clinch The NWSL Shield

In this week’s women’s soccer news, the Kansas City Current won the NWSL Shield; there were more season-ending injuries; the London City Lionesses earned their first win; and more!

High of the Week ​

The Kansas City Current have looked terrific this season, and their great form led them to securing the NWSL Shield this weekend with their 2-0 win over the Seattle Reign. Kansas City has been in control of the league all season, and they have a 16-point lead over the Washington Spirit, who are in second place. Their season has been impressive as they currently sit with a goal differential of +30 and have only conceded 10 goals through 21 games. They haven’t lost a game since May, which is an impressive feat, and have a 17-2-2 record. ​

By clinching the shield this weekend, they set a league record of earning it the fastest based on games played. It’s the first shield for the Current in club history. It also means that they’ll appear in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup against the club that wins the NWSL Championship.

Low of the Week

Unfortunately, this week, there was some more injury news out of the Houston Dash and NJ/NY Gotham FC. The Dash announced that rookie midfielder Maggie Graham will miss the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury. Graham has had a big impact on Houston this season, appearing in 20 games and playing over 1500 minutes. She finishes her rookie season with a case for Rookie of the Year after scoring three goals and tallying three assists this season.

Gotham got some bad news this week, too, with Taryn Torres being placed on the season-ending injury list after suffering an ACL tear. Torres had appeared in 15 games for Gotham. She has been with the club since 2022. We’re wishing both Torres and Graham a speedy recovery.

News of the Week

There was some really tragic news this week in the women’s soccer world with Matt Beard passing away. Beard was a special person and was dedicated to the women’s game. He was the former head coach of Liverpool for two stints, the first was from 2012-15 and then again from 21-25. During his coaching career, he also spent time as the head coach of Chelsea, the Boston Breakers, West Ham United, and, most recently, Burnley before he resigned in August. Beard was a great coach, and his former teams and players have been honoring him since the news of his passing. We’re sending thoughts and love to his family and friends.

Goal of the Week

Janine Sonis scored a beautifully placed free kick in Racing Louisville’s match against the Utah Royals. The ball was placed outside the box and closer to the corner, but Sonis was able to bend it perfectly into the far side of the net, right by an outstretched Mandy McGlynn.

Win of the Week

The London City Lionesses earned their first win in club history this weekend in the Barclays Women’s Super League. They defeated Everton 2-1 thanks to a brace from Izzy Goodwin. London City has made a name for themselves this offseason with its star signings, so it’s good to see them get into the win column.

Player of the Week

Elisabeth Terland scored an important hat-trick for Manchester United this week. A hat-trick in itself is impressive, but Terland scored what’s called the ‘perfect hat-trick’, scoring with her right foot, left foot, and head. Her performance led United to defeat SK Brann and secure their spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time.

Save of the Week

Natalie Jacobs made an incredible save late in the North Carolina Courage’s game against the Orlando Pride to keep the Courage in the lead. She was in the right place at the right time when Summer Yates blasted a ball at the net, but Jacobs was able to deflect it away. It was an important save because it led North Carolina to three points as they continue to fight for playoff positioning. It was Jacobs’ first game with the Courage after coming over to the club from the Houston Dash just a week ago.

Social Media Post of the Week

Savy King showed up to Angel City’s home match against the Washington Spirit, repping a Damar Hamlin Buffalo Bills jersey that he sent to her. Both Hamlin and King suffered cardiac emergencies during their respective games and have made their way back. Both of their stories are inspiring, and it’s cool to see King repping Hamlin.