Seattle Reign forward Emeri Adames celebrates after scoring a goal against North Carolina Courage during the second half of an NWSL soccer match, August 25, 2024, in Seattle
Toffees struggle to savour final games before heading to new stadium
Bournemouth merited their triumph over Mikel Arteta’s underwhelming Gunners who had one eye very much on their crucial Champions League clash v PSG
AS THE popularity of women’s soccer grows, so have the opportunities for players looking to make the sport a career.
The National Women’s Soccer League was once the lone professional women’s league in North America. But others have more recently jumped into the market, including the USL’s Super League and the Northern Super League in Canada.
And now it appears lower-tier leagues are forming, too. The NWSL has asked US Soccer to sanction a second-division league that would include at least six teams and possibly launch in 2026. The WPSL Pro also will launch next year as a second-tier league.
Great Britain have been drawn to face Japan in the quarter-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen, China. The finals, featuring eight nations competing in a knock-out format, commence on September 16. The winners of Great Britain’s tie will face either USA or Kazakhstan in the semi-finals. In the other quarter-finals, defending champions Italy face China and Spain take on Ukraine. Britain qualified for the finals by beating the Netherlands and Germany in The Hague last month, with national number one Katie Boulter linking up with Jodie Burrage in the doubles to send them through. Tournament director Conchita Martinez, the former Wimbledon champion from Spain, said: “Last year’s finals were a powerful reminder of just how much this competition means, not only to the players, but to fans around the world. “Returning as tournament director for a third year is an opportunity to build on that energy and continue shaping an event that celebrates the very best of team tennis. “The intensity, national pride, and level of play at the Billie Jean King Cup are exceptional, and I’m proud to help bring it to life again.”
Blues hoping to complete domestic treble when they face Man United in FA Cup final
