Welcome to our first-ever Friday newsletter, courtesy of our incredible newsletter writer and editor, Laura Swanbeck, here at TWG. Now that we’re in full Women’s World Cup mode, there is just too much to fit into one newsletter, and I’m so happy that we have this opportunity to expand to twice a week. 🎉

Below you’ll find your weekend preview of must-watch games (and any midweek matches, so you can stay in the loop.) In “This Week Remembered,” we’ll highlight one amazing goal, save or moment worth reliving. We’ll also have fun, bite-sized news that we’re “snacking on” (IYKYK), plus a Mad Libs challenge with a prize for the response that makes me laugh the most (this week’s is on Emma Hayes’ unenviable job of narrowing down the USWNT roster). And lastly, we’ll wrap with “Moments of Joy” from off the pitch that made a real impact. ✨

Looking ahead to this weekend, I’m excited for both the football (Portland vs. Gotham tonight, anyone?) and some time to relax after a busy week. Pat and I are planning on going for a hike and enjoying some sunny Vermont weather. We’ve been playing whiffle ball in our backyard a lot this summer, and I am actually getting way better at hitting. Stay tuned for proof! 😎 

I hope you’ve enjoyed the podcasts we’ve launched this week. Recording the 100th episode of “Good Vibes” was such a joy, and I’m so honored to work with Becky and Lynn, who are always so insightful and make me laugh whenever we’re together. Don’t miss “Mewis Squared,” which drops today, in which Kristie and I dive into our recent visit in New Jersey. We’ll be back on the mic together for another episode soon, so I’d love for you to submit any questions you have for us to [email protected]. ✍️

See you all next week!

Love,
Sam

P.S. This may be the most iconic World Cup party ever! Megan Rapinoe rubbed shoulders with Serena Williams, Dua Lipa and other surprise guests. 🤩

By Laura Swanbeck

Heading into the weekend, the Spirit are on top thanks to TR Squared, KC Current holding San Diego to a draw last week and perhaps a little luck from Jose the Coyote. Here’s one player you should have your eye on and three games you won’t want to miss!

Portland Thorns🌹vs. Gotham FC 🦇 (Friday, 10 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

On Friday, Gotham, sitting in second, visit fourth-place Portland, to jockey for three points. Traveling to Providence Park to play the Thorns, who haven’t lost a single home game all season, may seem daunting. However, Gotham arrive on a three-game win streak, having just signed star striker Sam Kerr (whose first goal seems like only a matter of time), and with Rose Lavelle in red-hot form. The Thorns, meanwhile, will look to clip the Bats’ wings with a formidable attack led by USWNT star Sophia Wilson and young forward Pietra Tordin, who just committed her future to the club. Plus, attacker Morgan Weaver will be back in the squad after a knee injury and is set for her first appearance since Nov. 2024. Gotham will also have reinforcements of their own after signing Denise O’Sullivan, who incidentally won her first NWSL Championship in 2018 with Sam at where else, but Providence Park. 

Boston 💚 vs. KC Current 🩵 (Saturday, 5:00 p.m. ET, ION) 

Then, on Saturday, it’s over to the East Coast where Boston hosts Kansas City in Pawtucket. Can “Teal Rise” or will Boston have their revenge from a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Current back in May? While last weekend the Legacy fell to the Washington Spirit 2-1, with Hanson, Mass. native Sammy Smith scoring the lone goal, it was nearly a draw and showed some promising fight from the expansion side who struggled earlier in the season. However, it will be a tall task to beat Kansas City with midfield dynamo Croix Bethune in terrific form, smashing a volley past San Diego last weekend and assisting teammate Temwa Chawinga for the second goal of the game.

Both squads will be without key players who have joined up with their national teams for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Legacy will be missing Mali forward Aïssata Traoré (tied with Amanda Gutierres for the most club goals this season), while the Current will have massive shoes to fill upfront with striker Temwa Chawinga set to make her WAFCON debut for Malawi.

Washington Spirit 💛 vs. Denver Summit ⛰️ (Sunday, 7 p.m. ET, Victory+)

To cap off your NWSL weekend, head to Rowdy Audi where the Spirit will take on the Summit. Washington may sit atop the table but will no doubt remember the scoreless draw from when these two sides met back in March. Denver also now has USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps, who is already orchestrating attacks and nearly bagged a goal herself last weekend. We really thought this was in too!

On paper, the Spirit may be the favorites, yet Denver, led by co-captain Janine Sonis, have grown into the season. Plus, Washington’s ranks have been depleted more than any other NWSL team with five players on their way to WAFCON, including Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday. Can the Summit use that underdog mentality to win away from home, or will star Trinity Rodman, midfield maestro Leicy Santos, and the Italian contingent, including Sofia Cantore, carry the Spirit across the line?

More: Continuing the disturbing trend of rampant knee injuries in women’s football, both Chicago Stars striker Jordyn Huitema and San Diego center back Trinity Armstrong announced this week that they have torn their ACLs. They have been added to the season-ending injury list and will undergo further treatment. Back in April, the NWSL and NWSLPA teamed up with Project ACL on a multi‑year initiative to work toward curtailing these devastating injuries. Hopefully we start to see a reduction soon. ❤️‍🩹

This summer, Nigeria set their sights on back-to-back WAFCON trophies, chasing a record-extending 11th title as the tournament kicks off in Morocco. Among the Super Falcons’ ranks are a few familiar faces: Chicago Stars defender Michelle Alozie and Washington Spirit attacker Gift Monday. This is also a squad that nearly took down FIFA’s No. 4-ranked England in the 2023 World Cup over the course of 120 grueling minutes of play (only Chloe Kelly on penalties could stop them).

But Nigeria will have plenty of competition for WAFCON glory with the Atlas Lionesses—their Moroccan hosts and the 2025 runner-up—looking to block their path to the promised land. In last year’s epic final, the Super Falcons came back from two goals down with Jennifer Echegini breaking the stalemate and scoring in the 88th minute to secure the 3-2 victory. Alongside Nigeria, Zambia are also in Group C and looking to make a statement this summer. They’re captained by Orlando Pride star striker Barbra Banda, who currently leads the NWSL Golden Boot race. If the reigning title holders progress out of the group, they could also face South Africa—the only other nation to have ever won WAFCON. Or a wildcard team of outsiders could derail their title defense, like debutantes Malawi, whose team includes the fast-paced and clinical Chawinga sisters, or Cape Verde—the small island nation whose men’s side impressed at the 2026 World Cup, capturing hearts around the world. 

The opening-day matches kick off this Sunday in the Moroccan capital of Rabat:

Of the 16 teams, the top two in each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals before culminating in the final showdown on Aug. 16. This year’s prize money has also doubled to $2 million for the ultimate winner. 

Ten NWSL players will feature at this year’s tournament, but even more African talent will be on display. It’s an incredible opportunity to truly witness the best in African football, especially ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Learn how to watch.

Explore: Here are 11 standout players you should know in the tournament. 👀

More: At the 2026 WAFCON, only four of 16 head coaches are women. Discover how female managers are working to increase representation. 👩‍🏫

“Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me.” 🎶

Not just an Oasis lyric or a rallying cry for the Three Lions this summer, but the actual embodiment of British teenage football phenom Michelle Agyemang. Just over a year ago, she buried a stoppage-time strike in the Euros semifinal vs. Italy to keep England alive (click the video above to watch). The Lionesses would breathe a deep sigh of relief and go on to win their second straight Euros final.

This week’s phrase: Emma Hayes trying to narrow down the USWNT talent pool for the Women’s World Cup is like ________________________.

Email us your funniest ideas. Best answer that makes Sam laugh the hardest gets a coveted TWG Patch.

Tuesday’s trivia winner: Congratulations to Alexia Whitney, who was the first to correctly answer that Lindsey Heaps won an NWSL Championship, scoring the game winner and securing the MVP trophy in 2017. Alexia, send us an email and we’ll get your patch in the mail! 📬

The Summer of Soccer has been packed with so many unforgettable moments on the field. But we also love the quieter, off‑the‑pitch stories—players, coaches and others who are tirelessly working to contribute on their own terms and reshape the women’s game in their own ways. Here are a few gems that stood out this week:

Always Keep Learning: USWNT Coach Emma Hayes has been busy, covering the World Cup as an ITVS pundit and penning op-eds like this one on the deep-rooted culture within the Spanish national team who triumphed in the final. Is there anything she can’t do? She’ll also be using her tactical learnings and observations to inform her own prep for next summer’s World Cup.

Turning Pain Into Empowerment: When she’s not holding down the USWNT and Gotham backline, defender Tierna Davidson, who has suffered two torn ACLs in her career, has created The Power Lab to host injury‑prevention workshops for young athletes. Truly an inspiration for us all.

Ella Toone to the Rescue: Marrying the love of your life, receiving an MBE… and saving a historic women’s football club with a partnership through her ET7 Academy and creative agency Amicizia Studios—the Manchester United midfielder truly is having the most incredible summer.

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