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WASHINGTON SPIRIT RE-SIGN FRANCISCA ORDEGA
The Washington Spirit re-signed Nigerian forward Francisca Ordega last week, a good sign for a club in the midst of a rough offseason. Ordega dealt with fitness issues and a concussion at the beginning of the 2016 season but grew to become an impactful super sub and also started seven games this season. Ordega’s biggest moment for the Spirit this season came in the playoffs, as she scored the overtime game-winner that propelled Washington into the NWSL’s championship game.
With the strong chance of the Spirit losing Crystal Dunn, Ordega’s return is important for next season’s prospects. She is the third player the Spirit re-signed this offseason. Previously, the Spirit re-signed defender Whitney Church and midfielder Tori Huster.
Ordega and the Nigerian women’s national team face Cameroon in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations final on December 3rd after defeating South Africa 1-0 earlier today.
GEORGETOWN ADVANCES TO COLLEGE CUP
Georgetown graduate student Crystal Thomas scored in the 76th minute to deliver a 1-0 win against Santa Clara to advance to the NCAA semifinals. Heavy wind and a stout Broncos defense limited the Hoyas’ chances throughout, but Thomas scored on a long-range shot to decide the game. Santa Clara had moments of dominance throughout the game and a flurry of chances in the final minutes, but the Hoyas held on to keep their five-game shutout streak (that includes all four NCAA tournament games thus far) going.
The Hoyas will face the University of Southern California at 7:30pm this Friday in San Jose, California. The University of North Carolina will play West Virginia University at 5pm that evening. The final will be held on Sunday at 4pm.
Junior midfielder Rachel Corboz was named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the award given to the top collegiate women’s soccer player. Her sister, Daphne Corboz, was also in attendance at the game. Daphne Corboz was recently released by Manchester City in England, and there seems to be a strong chance that she’ll play in the NWSL next season.
U20s FALL TO NORTH KOREA IN SEMIFINAL
A run of poor performances caught up to the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team this morning in Papua New Guinea when the team fell in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup semifinal 2-1 to North Korea. The U.S. were outplayed by North Korea and conceded a goal in the 51st minute. Despite the Koreans’ better tactics and technical ability, the U.S. scored an equalizer in the 89th minute via defender Natalie Jacobs, forcing extra time.
Poor coaching decisions from head coach Michelle French and an inability to play through the midfield doomed the U.S. this tournament but until today, the team had been able to scrape by despite poor performances.
Next, the U.S. will face Japan in the third-place match. Japan lost to France 2-1 in extra time after ending regulation 0-0. Japan’s only goal came from a penalty kick. The third-place match is Saturday at 1am Eastern and the final is Saturday at 4:30am.