Rise Higher

Before we get into the nitty gritty match results, we have some transfer news to celebrate! On the heels of Evelyne Viens’ move to AS Roma last week, Lysianne Proulx made a move of her own. Proulx has joined Melbourne City in the A-League on a two-year deal after spending the 2022-2023 season with Torreense in Portugal. We congratulate Proulx on the move, and wish her all the best down under!

Now, for this week’s results. Ella Ottey once again started for the U Wisconsin Badgers, playing 76 minutes in a 0-0 draw against the North Carolina Tar Heels. In their second match of the week against the Duke Blue Devils, U Wisconsin lost 2-1. Ottey started that match, as well, and played 72 minutes. In her freshman year, Ottey is proving to be an important part of her collegiate team. 

Simi Awujo and Zoe Burns started the match for USC in a 3-1 over the Duke Blue Devils. Awujo looked bright with the first shot on target of the match and did well to create space and earn the hockey assist on USC’s first goal. She played 67 minutes, whilst Burns played the full 90. In USC’s second match of the week, they fell 4-0 to North Carolina. Burns played 77 minutes and Awujo played 61. 

Jade Rose didn’t play in Harvard Crimson’s first match of the week against Fairfield University Stags—an impressive 3-0 win for Harvard. However, in good news for the Canadian, Rose played 28 minutes for the Crimson as they took on the Connecticut Huskies. Harvard also won that match by a score of 2-1. Hopefully, Rose’s return to the pitch signifies she will be ready if called upon for the Olympic qualifiers next month. 

In Friday’s match against the Orlando Pride, Kailen Sheridan reached 10,000 NWSL minutes. To cap off the occasion, San Diego won 2-1. Sheridan looked good in her first return to league play after serving her red card suspension: she had five saves, 9 accurate long balls, and 11 recoveries. Once again, Amanda Allen was not on the roster for the Pride—hopefully, we see her earning at least a roster spot soon. 

Houston Dash drew 1-1 with the Kansas City Current, dropping points as they do their best to climb the standings for a playoff spot. Allysha Chapman was not available as she had an excused absence. Sophie Schmidt started the match and played until 90+2 when she came off with an injury. Schmidt had a great game: 16 recoveries, 4 tackles won, 4 clearances, 10/13 duels won, and 69 touches. Nichelle Prince continued her return from injury and entered the match at the start of the second half. She looked great, and if it weren’t for a bad touch, she could have had the game-winner. With the Olympic qualifiers next month on the horizon, it is great to see Prince earn more game time. 

Bianca St-Georges had an impressive match for the Chicago Red Stars. She played 72 minutes for them in their 1-1 draw with the North Carolina Courage and won the foul that saw NCC down to ten players. She also created four chances—the most of any player in the match. Both Sydney Collins and Victoria Pickett were not on the match-day roster for NCC. 

There was another Canadian clash as Christine Sinclair’s Portland Thorns took on Gabrielle Carle’s Washington Spirit. Both Canadians started for their respective teams. Sinclair had a quiet match and was subbed off in the 61st minute. Carle played 75 minutes and had a solid match. She created one chance, had 91% pass accuracy, 3/3 tackles won, 9 passes into the final third, and 3 interceptions. 

In the last NWSL match of the week, Angel City defeated OL Reign 2-1. Quinn and Jordyn Huitema both started for the Reign. Huitema had one shot on target, but otherwise, the Canadians had a quiet match. They were subbed off together in the 63rd minute. 

Player of the Week: Gabrielle Carle

Stats:

Goals: 0
Assists: 0 
Yellow Cards: 0
Red Cards: 0