Now that 2024 is coming to a close, we can reflect on all of the gifts we were given and the big stories that made the women’s soccer year so special. Here’s 5 big things that happened this year, and why they matter.
USWNT win Olympic Gold and redemption for the World Cup
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
In the biggest women’s soccer news of the year, the USWNT won the Olympic gold medal under new coach Emma Hayes. After a difficult elimination in the Round of 16 during the 2023 World Cup, it was the redemption arc the team needed to prove they’re still the best in the world.
Players like Triple Espresso’s Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson, and Trinity Rodman, as well as Naomi Girma and Alyssa Naeher, all shined and showcased their extraordinary talent in the Olympic tournament. The team won in a hard-fought victory over Brazil to clinch their fifth Olympic gold, the most of any country.
Orlando complete the double and Marta gets her title
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Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images
The Orlando Pride had a stellar year for a franchise that has historically had little success. Their regular season record was nearly flawless—they went 23 games in a row undefeated, setting a league record. The Pride won the NWSL Shield with 18 wins, 2 losses, and 6 ties, beating the NWSL records for most wins in one season and most points in one season.
Then, in November, the Pride beat the Washington Spirit in the Championship game. Their victory confirmed what was evident all season: that they were the best team in the league. Star newcomer Barbra Banda scored the winning goal, and veteran legend Marta hoisted the league trophy for the first time.
Bay FC and Utah Royals finish their first NWSL seasons on a high note
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Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
This year, two expansion teams joined the NWSL, growing the league’s size to 14 teams for the first time.
Towards the end of the season, Bay FC came into form in a big way, making the playoffs and only barely losing to the Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals in extra time. Players like star forward Rachel Kundananji were a huge part of helping the club find success in their first year.
Although the Utah Royals struggled in comparison, mid-season acquisitions like Cloé Lacasse and Claudia Zornoza helped propel the team towards a rise in form late in the season.
Next year, both teams will aim to improve and show how expansion teams can find success.
New talent joins the NWSL
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Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This year, a host of talented new players came to play in the United States.
NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga was an exceptional standout with speed, technical skill, and finishing ability, and the Malawian goal scorer became an essential part of the Kansas City Current’s roster.
Zambian Barbra Banda was a similarly impactful player at the Pride, and led her team to win both the Shield and the Championship. She also had a strong Olympic tournament, and was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year among other accolades.
Other top new players came from college teams. Croix Bethune, midfielder for the Washington Spirit, cemented her place as one of the league’s top players in her first season. The 23-year-old tied the league assist record and won both Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year, a feat which is particularly impressive given she suffered a torn meniscus before the season ended.
It’s true—everyone watches women’s sports
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Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Women’s soccer is growing, and this year continued that trend.
The NWSL final was viewed by an average of 967,900 viewers, an 18% increase from 2023, and became the most-watched game in NWSL history.
The league’s historic media deal went into effect this year, and brought the NWSL to a variety of new platforms. Games were streamed on CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime, ION, and NWSL Plus.
Fans also came to games in person in historic numbers. For the first time, the NWSL passed two million attendees in regular season attendance.
Tell everyone—women’s soccer is bigger than ever before.
Source: https://www.allforxi.com/2024/12/24/24328442/woso-wrapped-5-womens-soccer-gifts-from-2024
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