The Washington Spirit just sent a powerful message to the rest of the NWSL: they're not here to just compete—they're here to dominate. With a roster that's finally clicking on all cylinders, the Spirit are making it clear that this season is going to be different. Their recent performances have turned heads, and if you're a fan of attacking soccer, you'll want to keep an eye on this squad.
But while the NWSL is heating up stateside, American stars are still making waves across the pond. This weekend was a showcase of U.S. talent on the biggest stage in Europe, and the action didn't disappoint.
The headline event? The UEFA Women's Champions League semifinals. Lyon pulled off a dramatic comeback against Arsenal, winning 3-1 on the day and 4-3 on aggregate. It was a masterclass in resilience, and for USWNT fans, it was a treat to watch. U.S. captain Lindsey Horan played her final match for Lyon before her move to the Denver Summit, and she nearly scored in the first half (disallowed for offside). Fellow American Lily Yohannes put in a shift of 62 minutes, controlling the game in subtle ways before being replaced by Korbin Shrader. On the defensive end, Emily Fox held her own against Arsenal's Kadidiatou Diani, limiting her impact outside of an early goal.
Over in Manchester, it was a different story. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United were held to a draw against Brighton, and their Champions League hopes for next season are slipping away. Meanwhile, Barcelona held off Bayern Munich to set up a fourth Champions League final between the Spanish giants and Lyon—a clash that's becoming the stuff of legend.
And let's not forget: U.S. head coach Emma Hayes has been on a scouting tour across the NWSL, hitting Denver, Portland, and SoCal. She's got her eye on the next wave of talent, and the players abroad are making sure she sees them shine.
From the Spirit's rise to the Americans starring overseas, it's a great time to be a women's soccer fan. Stay tuned—the best is yet to come.