Domestically, the NWSL season is approaching the stretch run. But in Europe, the WSL is just getting started. This weekend saw the first games for the 14 teams in England's top-flight women's league. Among the stars from all over the world in the WSL are a handful of USWNT regulars. With two huge friendlies against Spain a month away and the World Cup less than a year away, it's important to keep tabs on those key players. Here is a look at how the Americans in the WSL performed in their season opener.
Emily Fox, Arsenal
It was a typical solid and steady performance from Fox in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Brighton. She started and played all 90 minutes for the Gunners, spending a lot of time getting forward on the win but only touching the ball once in Brighton’s box. Defensively, Fox was solid, leaving little doubt that she will continue to be the regular starter at right back for both club and country.
Arsenal and USWNT defender Emily Fox gives her pitch to Americans on why they should support the Gunners 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/CotSEHUCmt
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Sam Coffey, Manchester City
Coffey didn’t get the start for Man City in the team’s WSL opener, but she did make an appearance in the 74th minute. She entered the game when City was ahead 2-0, helping them close out a 3-1 win over Birmingham City. In that short appearance, Coffey was perfect with her passing and two for two on duels, while also creating two chances. English starlet Laura Blindkilde, just 22 years old, was preferred over Coffey in the starting lineup, so it looks like she has some competition for the starting spot in Manchester.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Manchester United
Unfortunately, Tullis-Joyce was on the losing end of Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat in their WSL opener. Overall, she had a solid performance, but an own goal in the 9th minute put United behind early against the London City Lionesses. She did have a couple of diving saves and a few nice punches in the loss.
Alyssa Thompson, Chelsea
While Naomi Girma was an unused sub for the Blues, Thompson played all 90 minutes in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. She didn’t get on the score sheet, but she was all over the left side of the field, often getting deep into Villa territory. Thompson had the most touches in the opposing box of any player and tied for the most chances created with four. She took three shots, one on target, and also had three defensive contributions, doing just about everything for Chelsea to open the season.
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