Black On Both Sides

The NWSL is back, and so is Shea Butter FC. We, meaning I, took an unplanned break while the league took their planned one, and it was somewhat helpful. Since the last time we spoke, I have more writing to do, and we’ve all lived through the Summer of Soccer, for better or worse. PK shootouts and rising stars are awesome, but nothing can quite fill the void of our favorite chaos league, and we get all the fun that comes with it tonight! Since the games haven’t happened yet, this one will be pretty short and sweet, but there’s still plenty to cover from the last month so we’ll get into it.

We have merch!

We know at least one team this weekend will play out the back despite you screaming at them not to. There’s always a t-shirt for that, so click the link and be prepared. We’ve got some other classic merch as well, and our Pride kit in collaboration with Olive & York is still for sale. Mostly, keep your eyes on this section and our socials in the coming months for new merch.

Match Recaps and Notable Goal Scorers

*_{note, all names listed in italics are players that scored, the number beside their name indicates the minute they scored their goal. (P) = goal scored was a penalty kick}

It’s been a long time since we’ve had NWSL action, and the other international leagues are in their offseason for another month or more, so this section is a bit quiet this week. Nevertheless (one of my mom’s favorite words that has snuck into my lexicon lately, I’m sorry), I’m going to shoutout our Shea Butter Ballers that won in WAFCON and the Euros. Copa has yet to be determined, but those winners will get a shoutout next week.

Women’s African Cup of Nations - Nigeria 3, Morocco 2

The Nigeria Super Falcons won WAFCON, making them 10 time winners of the tournament. The Super Falcons came into this WAFCON on a mission to reclaim what they’ve called “their” crown, and they did it in almost flawless fashion. Nigeria only conceded three (3) goals the entire tournament, and conceded no goals in the run of play until the final. In said final, they went down 2-0 to host Morocco, but scored three goals after the 60th minute to secure the victory.

Nigeria did not lose a game in this tournament, and none of their matches went into extra time. As I mentioned above, they only conceded three goals, and none in the group stages. They only dropped two (2) points all tournament, and that was on Match Day 3, when they had already secured first place in the group. Their most impressive win came against Zambia, by a scoreline of 5-0. Nigeria is back on top of African football, and there is no reason to believe they won’t stay there for at least the next cycle.

Women’s European Championship aka The Euros - England 1 (3) - Spain 1 (1)

I have an affinity for domestic football, but I also have an English team, a Spanish team, etc. I have a deep love for the NWSL and it’s predecessor leagues, but I enjoy football played in Europe more than people assume I do. I looked forward to the Euros, and while it was not all I thought it would be, I was entertained, and one of the best teams in Europe ending up winning. England feels much more like a team who scammed their way to a back-to-back European trophy, but no one remembers the journey so much if you win. England lead for just over a minute in the entire knockout stages of the Euros, and for the second tournament in a row, they won it on a Chloe “The Lights Are Never Too Bright” Kelly penalty kick. But, the breakout star for England was her new (old) Arsenal teammate Michelle Ageymang. She scored two clutch goals to keep England alive in the tournament, and the threat of her made teams like Italy and Spain defend differently when she entered the pitch. She was the ultimate super sub in her first major tournament. For England, I think it is especially important to name the Shea Butter Ballers that one, knowing the amount of racial abuse Jess Carter, in particular, faced during the tournament. Jess Carter, Lauren “LJ” James, Michelle Ageymang, and Khiara Keating, are all European Champions, and that’s who I’m happiest for today.

Black In Action: Esther Okoronkwo

CAF Online article: https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/news/esther-okoronkwo-from-injury-heartbreak-to-wafcon-2024-heroine/ *check out this article for more on Esther’s injury and comeback as Woman of the Match

One a Nigeria squad that boast plenty of names that WOSO will know, such as Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie, Toni Payne of the WSL and Michelle Alozie of the NWSL, the breakout star of the final may be Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto of the Northern Super League in Canada. She she has scored four (4) goals in ten (10) matches for club, and she carried her attacking form into WAFCON, then raised it a level in the match that mattered the most. She was involved in all three of Nigeria’s goals, converting the penalty and assisting on both goals. She, along with Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo were active in attack, and always seemed to get Nigeria a goal when they needed it most. I’m sure Esther is still celebrating and taking a much needed rest, but check her and AFC Toronto out, along with Calagary Wild FC, Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapids FC, and Vancouver Rise FC, on ESPN in the United States. It is worth your time.

All Eyes On Them

With the NWSL back, viewers may wonder what matchups to watch, and who to watch. Never fear, I’m here to give you my not at all scientific (or maybe even good) preview of this weekend’s matches. Will this segment stick? Who’s to say, but it’s here for this week, so let’s have some fun.

Friday, August 01, 2025 - Match Day 14

Racing Louisville vs Kansas City Current - 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST 

Why you should watch: Kansas City is the best team in the league, but Racing Louisville may be the hottest. This is the first of their four matches against the top four teams in the league, and the only one at home. Taylor Flint has extended with the team, as has head coach Bev Yanez, but will they be able to slow the Kansas City attack that features Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper, and Bia Zaneratto? Racing needs points from this four game run, and upsetting the favorites would be a great way to kickoff their playoff push.

Chicago Stars FC vs Gotham FC - 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM PST

This is a matchup of 8th place and 13th place, a seemingly chalk matchup for the average viewer. Gotham is still missing a few pieces thanks to international duty, most notably, Golden Boot leader Esther. Chicago has yet another interim manager, and are still without their best young player in Jameese Joseph. But, they get Alyssa Naeher back tonight, and these two teams played to a draw the last time they met. Another point shared would be a win for Chicago, and a fate Gotham will look to avoid. Look to see if Midge Purce gets back to her goal scoring ways against a solid, but inconsistent, Chicago defense.

Seattle Reign FC vs Angel City FC - 10:30 PM EST/7:30 PM PST

The Shea Butter Derby is the NWSL After Dark matchup for this Friday, and probably the most loaded “who to watch” matchup of the weekend. This is because you have two very big signings, and shea butter ballers likely making their NWSL debuts. Mia Fishel signed the biggest transfer in NWSL history, that has her in Seattle through the 2029 season. The Reign struggled to score goals in the first half of their season, and now, with the addition of Mia to a front line of Lynn Biyendolo and Maddie Dahlien, the Reign should put more chances away, complimenting one of the best defenses in the league. Angel City signed Icelandic international Svéindis Jónsdóttir through 2027, adding her to an attack with Alyssa Thompson, rookie Riley Tiernan, and the likely return of Jun Endo. It may take a while to gel, but once it does, it can become one of the better attacks in football. If you like your games with a lot of goals and some prayerful defending, this is the match for you. Add the After Dark element to this, and something you won’t want to miss is bound to happen.

Saturday, August 02, 2025

North Carolina Courage vs San Diego Wave FC - 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PM PST

The North Carolina Courage are battling inconsistency this season, but ended their first half campaign on a bit of a winning streak. On paper, they have the pieces to beat any team on any given day, even at the death. They proved this early this season by coming back to defeat Kansas City. They are also prone to lapses that cost them points, a fate they cannot afford against top four side San Diego. MVP candidate (and my current pick) Delphine Cascarino may not be available for this match, depending on how much time she needs for recovery from tournament play, but her country mate Kenza Dali will be there, as San Diego looks to continue their winning ways. San Diego presses a lot, and have been accuses of being a flat track bully at times. A solid win against North Carolina, and former Wave superstar Jaedyn Shaw, may help them shed that label. Look for big games from Shaw and former Tarheel Trinity Armstrong.

Bay FC vs Houston Dash - 10:00 PM EST/7:00 PM PST

Our first and only matchup of the weekend that does not feature a current playoff team, this one may prove to be a bit scrappy. Both sides will be missing players from the Nigeria national team, with Asisat Oshoala for Bay and Michelle Alozie for Houston, likely still out resting and recovering. There’s still plenty of players to watch. Penelope Hocking has been on a goal scoring run ever since her former team’s GM spoke about her trade, and Yazmeen Ryan and Avery Patterson are a solid one two punch in attack for Houston, with Patterson starting deeper from the right back position. Both teams will want to get the 3 points from this match to try and climb in the standings Karlie Lema looks to be back for Bay after being out with injury, and she may be the difference maker from the California side, at home.

Sunday, August 03, 2025

Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns - 12:30 PM EST/9:30 AM PST

This may be the most intriguing matchup of the weekend, featuring two current playoff teams. The biggest news for the Spirit is they are getting healthy, and that includes getting super Trinity Rodman back into training. She may play sparingly in this match, though a home game is probably a good time to get her some limited minutes. DC played to a draw in San Diego in their last match before the break, and will want to snag the points from this game to keep a foothold in the top four of the table. Portland is looking to join that party, and the reigning Rookie of the Month, Pietra Tordin, will definitely cause problems for the Spirit defense with her great technical ability. Portland is still feeling the loss of their sensational rookie Caiya Hanks, but they have young talent that can run and annoy teams, and they have Sam Coffey, who is currently in the form of her life for club and country. Portland may be on a time limit in terms of their form, but the Spirit will need to put away their chances to snag points from this match. This match may call for Trinity Rodman, super sub, or a poached goal by Reilyn Turner, to settle the tie.

Orlando Pride vs Utah Royals FC - 3:00 PM EST/12:00 PM PST

Fun fact, as I began to write this, the trade announcement of Ally Sentnor to Kansas City happened. As you can guess, that changed how I wanted to talk about this match a bit. Orlando is coming off a convincing defeat away to Racing Louisville, and will look to get back on track against the last place team in the league. They are at home for this match, and next week’s rematch against Racing, and will look to get back the form that made them one of the best teams in NWSL history last season. Superstar Barbra Banda is back, along with her compatriots, after an early exit from WAFCON. She’s likely to be very hungry and a little angry, and she may take it out on Utah. One player that will be tasked with stopping Banda is Janni Thomsen, who had herself a very solid Euros with Denmark. The league has definitely grown her, especially with her stamina, and it showed in Switzerland, despite her country’s underwhelming performance. They will need her, and the backline, to lock in in order to have a shot at taking points from this match. And now, with the blow of losing Sentnor two days before their match, it’s a lot to ask the Royals to get up off the mat for this one.

Final Thoughts: Until Racism is a Deal Breaker

The Euros ended well for England, despite them playing a new level of “raise my rent” soccer that was rarely pleasant to watch. Their defense looked shaky at times, but only bent, but didn’t break when it mattered most. Outside of matches against a floundering Dutch side and an overmatched Wales side, England struggled to score goals despite their names in attack. Their midfield may have rung the last few drops of youth out of themselves, and Hannah Hampton was a huge unknown, until she wasn’t. But the biggest story besides their win, was the racist abuse Jess Carter received online. It got so bad she put out a statement and left social media, at least for a while, to protect her sanity. Conversely, Carter, who had had a tournament to forget, saved her best football for the final, laying her body on the line to block and clear every Spain pass or shot, sat on the pitch, soaking up the glory she paid so dearly for.

English football has a history of racist behavior towards its Black players. To paraphrase a famous saying “When you win, you’re English. When you lose, you’re Black.” The fact that I, a Black woman in America, know that saying, means that racism in English football has been around at least forty years, which is the span of my lifetime. It is common enough for it to be something lovers of the game from the other side of the world know…and understand. I did not cry when I read Jess Carter’s statement, but I wanted to. I have cried at statements just like hers before. It is something we’ve said in every space we’ve entered that was created with, by, or for us. It’s not new, but no less acceptable. But, it’s not new, and neither is the checkbox reaction to it. In the moment, her teammates, coaches, and many fans rallied around Carter. Her Player’s Association up out a message of support within hours of her post, and the Lionesses decided that they would no longer take a knee before matches because they felt it wasn’t addressing the issue. All of these sentiments are lovely, and support is always welcome, but what are your actions? Black people didn’t invent racism, and the victim cannot solve the problem. It is not their burden to do so, and yet, time and again Black and brown players are asked to do just that. To bang the drum in the name of their own justice. They are asked to be the perfect victims while doing so. I think of Vini Jr., as polarizing as he is talented, who is posited as someone deserving of the racial abuse her gets because his attitude is unbecoming for some. Critiques of football are fine, but racism is never, ever about a critique of football. Jess Carter didn’t play well at the beginning of the tournament, and none of the racial abuse hurled at her was about that.

I want to have beautiful words to say on this subject, new words that I haven’t used before, that my not so fancy and overpriced degree taught me. But I don’t have those words. I have hurt, I have pain, I have rage. I have rage in a nation that tells me I am not enough to appease someone who has been given every advantage in life and is still lost, still hate filled. Jess Carter can play the match of her life, and very well may have, and she will still not find the words to tell you how much she’s hurting. There aren’t words for the pain racism causes. And if you cannot experience it, you cannot understand all of its nuance. I posted the words from Anita Asante, former England international, above because she has said what I feel more eloquently than I can. But, I can feel her pain in those words, said and unsaid. I can feel how she hurts for Jess, how she’s known the same hurt, in the same kit, as Jess. Nothing changes, and nothing will change until racism is a deal breaker. When teams lose finances and points, maybe it will be a evil of consequence, that at the very least will make people think before they engage in it. I don’t expect to appeal to hearts and minds for all people, but I do believe those same people understand consequences. There should be consequences for the racism Jess Carter experienced. She and her teammates winning should not be the end of the story, but history tells us, it will be. And so, we hold our joy and our hurt together, as yet another part of the Black experience, throughout the Diaspora. One day, I have to believe, racism will be a deal breaker.