Emily van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey's San Diego Wave secured a much-needed win on the weekend, defeating Utah Royals 2-1. Ellie Carpenter scored in Lyon's pre-season friendly. Meanwhile, Winonah Heatley's FC Nordsjælland remain top of the pile, and Kristianstads DFF kept in touch with European qualification places.
Read our review of all of the Matildas Abroad action below.
United States
North Carolina Courage overcame an early goal from Bay FC star Asisat Oshoala to finish with a 1-1 draw. A first-half Ashley Sanchez equaliser gained them a point that leaves them five points away from the Thorns in sixth, but five points behind Gotham FC in fourth. Cortnee Vine was unavailable for the Courage.
Mackenzie Arnold saved a penalty but it wasn’t enough to secure a result, as the Portland Thorns fell 1-0 to Chicago Red Stars. An early goal to Ally Schlegel proved to be the deciding factor, even as Arnold ensured Swanson did not make it a second from the penalty spot. The Thorns remain in sixth, one point ahead of the Chicago in seventh.
San Diego Wave secured their first NWSL victory in over four months as they defeated Utah Royals 2-1. Amirah Ali scored the fastest goal in club history – in the fourth fastest in the league – 27 seconds into the match. Their lead was doubled thanks to Delphine Cascarino in the 6th minute. Canadian Cloé Lacasse halved the deficit in the second half but it wasn’t enough for the Royals to get back into the game.
Emily van Egmond started the match and was involved in the build-up for both Wave goals. Kaitlyn Torpey remains unavailable with a lower leg injury.
Sweden
Kristianstads DFF continued AIK Fotboll’s relegation concerns with a 4-1 victory over the weekend. Carly Wickenheiser, Alice Nilsson, Hlín Eiríksdóttir and Katla Tryggvadóttir were among the goals for Kristianstads as they consolidated their position in fourth.
Remy Siemsen started for Kristianstads, while Clare Polkinghorne came off the bench. Amy Sayer remains unavailable with injury. Jada Whyman was unavailable for AIK.
BK Häcken defeated Norrköping 1-0 thanks to a 9th-minute Alva Selerud goal. It keeps them in second, with Rosengård within reach – but with Rosengård still sporting an astonishing record of 19 wins from 19 games, it would take something remarkable for them to be caught from here.
Denmark
FC Nordsjælland’s perfect start to the league season continued on the weekend, defeating Boldklubben af 1893 4-1. Alma Aagard scored a brace while Clara la Cour and Flora Hojer both contributed as well. Winonah Heatley started the match before being given a rest in the 55th minute.
England
Clare Hunt, Charli Grant and Hayley Raso all featured in Spurs' 1-0 win over Manchester United in their final pre-season game of the season. The side will next be in action when they kick off their 2024/25 WSL campaign against Crystal Palace on Sunday night (AEST).
France
Finishing off in France, Ellie Carpenter found the back of the net in Lyon's 8-0 win over KFF Vllaznia before the D1 Arkema kicks off this coming weekend.
Hands up if you scored a goal yesterday! ?? pic.twitter.com/DL7OpX3WDm
— OL Féminin (@OLfeminin) September 15, 2024
Carpenter started for Joe Montemurro's side and played the entire game as the reigning French Champions prepare for their upcoming game against Fleury 91 on Saturday (AEST).